2023 SFHE Conference
Request for Participation
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 15TH
Drawing upon its mission statement, the Society for the Future of Higher Education announces a three-year initiative for faculty and staff to develop and implement projects to make their institutions more inclusive, just, and equitable. This year, SFHE’s focus is on justice, which informs the theme of the 2023 Conference: W. E. B. Du Bois, Higher Education, and Justice.
“The function of the university is not simply to teach bread-winning, or to furnish teachers for the public schools or to be a centre of polite society; it is, above all, to be the organ of that fine adjustment between real life and the growing knowledge of life, an adjustment which forms the secret of civilization.” (from On the Wings of Atalanta, W.E.B Du Bois)
About the Conference
The purpose of this conference is to explore the connections between Du Bois’ practical and scholarly legacies, as demonstrated in the above quote, higher education, and the implications for a future in higher education that is truly just.
How to Participate
The programming committee welcomes participation from graduate students, faculty, staff, and practitioners. Participation related to the theme of the conference can take the form of:
- a research paper (20-minute presentation about scholarly research)
- a presentation (10-15-minute TED talk style presentation)
- an exploratory group (An exploratory group is an opportunity for a team of individuals to explore, examine, debate, and discuss justice issues with the goal of applicable outcomes. This option is malleable and adaptable. Our goal is to broaden opportunities for participants to shape the conference to their needs. Feel free to reach out to the SFHE planning committee to discuss options for exploratory groups.)
- poetry, short film, and performing arts
Focus should be on the following areas:
- Justice and pedagogy/curricula
- Justice and expanding representation among all campus constituencies
- Justice, community engagement, and community activism
- Justice and integrative campuses (disciplinary inclusivity/collaboration)
Teams and presenters might share:
- Theoretical explorations of why and how justice improves society or higher education
- Course design and syllabi examples
- Developing justice and inclusivity statements, and incorporating those into policies (from courses to departments to general campus)
- Successes and challenges in incorporating justice and inclusion efforts on campus and in the classroom
Applications to participate should be approximately 250 words or a one-minute video detailing the idea or initiative that the individual or team is developing. Participants will have the opportunity for feedback.
Two submissions will be selected for the Robert A. Spivey Excellence in Scholarship Award, which will include a $300 prize.
Participation Proposal deadline: Friday, April 14, 2023
Contact Vivienne Felix for Questions: vfelix@sfhe.us
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