The 2024 Diversity Conference will center around the need for colleges to create safe and welcoming spaces for the students they serve. Friday, October 11, 2024, will bring together a dynamic mix of students, faculty, staff, and local community members to explore the critical role of belonging in higher education, with a particular focus on community college students. The event underscores the importance of creating inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and supported, which is essential for their academic and personal success. We hope that this event will draw a diverse audience of students, faculty, staff, and local community members, all united in their commitment to enhance the educational experience through inclusive practices.
The conference keynote will be offered by Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, a renowned expert in education, psychology, and leadership and a leading authority on belonging. Dr. Strayhorn, a Professor of Education and Psychology at Virginia Union University and a leading authority on belonging will share profound insights from his extensive research and scholarship. His keynote address will emphasize that a strong sense of belonging is not just beneficial but essential for student success, particularly in community colleges where diverse and often non-traditional students are served.
Dr. Strayhorn’s presentation will also detail how a supportive and inclusive environment can significantly impact student retention, academic performance, and overall well-being. He will draw on his extensive body of work, including his role as Principal Investigator of The Belonging Lab and his contributions to major publications such as Psychology Today’s “Belonging Matters” blog, to underscore the need for deliberate and sustained efforts to foster belonging in educational settings.
Following Dr. Strayhorn's keynote, the conference will feature an engaging student panel that will provide firsthand perspectives on the challenges and opportunities related to belonging in community colleges. The panel will include a diverse group of students who will share their personal experiences with inclusivity and community within their academic environment.
Lead by faculty and staff trained in facilitating reflective practice groups, this hands-on experience will provide practical approaches for faculty and staff to create more inclusive and supportive environments. Participants will explore methods to integrate belonging into classroom practices, campus activities, and institutional policies. Strategies will examine opportunities for collaborative programs, resource sharing, and community engagement initiatives that benefit both students and the broader community.
| Time | Activity/Description |
|---|---|
| 1:00pm to 4:00pm | Safe Zone Training |
| Time | Activity/Description |
|---|---|
| 8:30am to 9:00am | Coffee and light breakfast |
| 9:00am to 9:15am | Welcome and Introductions |
| 9:15am to 10:00am | Keynote, Dr. Terrell Strayhorn |
| 10:15am to 11:00am | Panel Discussion |
| 11:00am to 12:00pm | Reflective Practice |
| 12:00pm to 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00pm to 4:00pm | Safe Zone Training |
