Diversity Issues in Higher Education Conference

Developing an Agenda for Change – The Laboratory of Higher Education (2020)

November 6, 2020
11am – 1pm

November 13, 2020
11am – 1pm

November 20, 2020
11am – 1pm

Each year the American Conference on Diversity partners with institutions of higher education to bring together educators, students, business leaders, and community members to discuss issues central to educating and empowering leaders and emerging leaders in higher education and the workplace. The Diversity Issues in Higher Education Conference has become one of New Jersey’s premier events to engage both the academic and corporate sectors in tackling the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as providing pathways towards more just and inclusive institutions.

In order to protect our communities from the threat of COVID-19, the American Conference on Diversity and its partners are moving this year’s conference online. The 20th Annual Diversity Issues in Higher Education Conference will be a three session series in November and theme is “Developing an Agenda for Change – The Laboratory of Higher Education”. A laboratory provides an opportunity for experimentation, observation and practice – just what these times demand. As we meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising demand for social justice we embrace the opportunity to engage institutional thought leaders who are using new approaches to build a sustainable future.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Jonathan Holloway, 21st President of Rutgers University Friday Nov. 6, 2020

This three-day event will feature dynamic speakers and breakout sessions as we address critical diversity challenges in academia, the workplace, and the community at large. Building on the theme, this conference will open the doors to three higher education laboratories where serious work is underway:

November 6, 2020 – Student Laboratory– focus on the perspective of students navigating societal and institutional change to obtain a meaningful education
November 13, 2020 – Presidential Laboratory– discussion of their response to multiple challenges posed by the pandemic, response to racial injustice, and community engagement
November 20, 2020 – Faculty and Staff Laboratory– addresses issues specific to creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for learning

Corporate diversity leaders, recruiters, career-advancement professionals, educators, university personnel, students, nonprofits, government and community leaders, and anyone in the general public interested in social-justice advocacy is encouraged to attend.