HEDS Talk and Summit Registration

Tivoli Student Union CO

For the first time, the Higher Education Diversity Summit has included HEDS Talks which are short presentations that focus on connecting narratives by select speakers to larger societal topics around diversity, equity and inclusion. We have an engaging line up for our attendees!

HEDS Talk 1 – Kathryn Young

Tivoli 250 (Turnhalle)

Join in the conversation! This talk uses a conversational approach to engage the audience. Dr. Young is interviewed on the topic of colorblindness. We learn from her how she developed an interest for diversity and social justice work and what it means to be colorblind. She delves into the dangers of colorblind ideology and how

HEDS Talk 2 – Tamara White

Tivoli 250 (Turnhalle)

This talk centers the conversation around the often presumed incompetence of women of color in higher education. Tamara White uses her narrative to show the negotiations that take place within the academic environment to not only prove that women of color are competent, but to provide a glimpse as to how they also navigate their

HEDS Talk 3 – Melissa Cermak

Tivoli 250 (Turnhalle)

Melissa Cermak gives us a glimpse into “how she got here.” She is currently the Assistant Director of the Access Center-Disability Support Services at the Auraria Campus.

HEDS Talk 4 – Katherine Martinez

Tivoli 250 (Turnhalle)

Katherine Martinez presents on gender and sexuality. She explores queer utopias and how we can utilize the past to reimagine a queer future.

HEDS Talk 5 – Marsha Aizumi

Tivoli 250 (Turnhalle)

Marsha shares with us her journey as the mother of a transgender son and how she took steps to become an advocate for safe schools, and bringing greater visibility and support to the Asian Pacific Islander LGBT community, with emphasis on the transgender community.

Opening Reception

Tivoli 250 (Turnhalle)

Join fellow attendees and presenters for appetizers and desserts following the filming of the HEDS Talks.

HEDS Registration

Tivoli 250 (Turnhalle)

Check in will take a place throughout the Tivoli Student Union.   We will have a On-site Registration located next to the Turnhalle next to the Accessibility Services, where alternative formats and information on Universal Design for Learning information will be available.

Morning Keynote with Dr. William Cross, Jr.

Tivoli 250 (Turnhalle)

Dr. Cross is “old school” and his involvement in the racial-cultural discourse dates back to 1971.  He exited the Graduate Center-CUNY in 2008 as professor emeritus, with the intention of retiring, but as he tells his friends, he is a total failure at retiring, and has since held positions at UNLV and is currently at

A1: Across the Spectrum: Insights and Best Practices When Working with Students with ASD

Tivoli 261 (Multicultural Lounge)

With a significant increase in the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), faculty and staff are seeing a growing number of students with ASD making the transition to postsecondary education settings. As colleges grapple with issues related to student retention and persistence, many of the same models, supports, and accommodations may not be as readily applicable to students with

B1: Handling the Financial Challenges of Children with Disabilities

Tivoli 320A

Mary J. Schultz of the National Endowment for Financial Education will present this lively, engaging workshop that helps the caregivers of children with disabilities handle their money. With this knowledge, the children may have more opportunity, including the change to go to college. This workshop is available for any organization to download for their audience. It addresses the

C1: A Freshman Course Project that Grows Understanding

Tivoli 320B

If we don't teach a specific course on culture or bias, surely there is little beyond modeling respectful behavior that we can do regarding these topics. And if our students are mostly white, these topics certainly have little importance anyway. I don't believe either of these statements to be true, at all. Yet I do believe they are

D1: Transcending Gender Labels: Exploring the Experiences of Non-Binary Identifying Students

Tivoli 320C

Politicization of GLBT civil rights at both the Federal and State levels of US government, especially those surrounding marriage and employment rights, has had positive and negative influences on the GLBT population. These influences play out on campus challenging our students’ identity development. Development which is complex and intersecting the psychosocial, sexual, gender, and emotional. This workshop uses data

E1: What Happens When You Think You Get It?

Tivoli 440

Do you think you get it? Have you ever considered the possibility that you don’t? The purpose of this workshop is to engage in dialogue and challenge ourselves about the ways we are socialized to have biases. Participants will learn more about how to identify these biases and how they can and do impact our work and interactions

F1: When the DREAM Becomes a Nightmare: Supporting Undocumented Scholars Through the Unknown

Tivoli 444

Despite a number of policy gains for undocumented Colorado scholars in accessing higher education, they are faced with the possibility of a dramatic political shift after the 2016 elections. Community College of Denver Retention Specialists, Tarsha Degay and Jenaya Zarrad, will use a practitioner approach to provide background on state and federal policies provide accessibility to college for undocumented

G1: The Monologue Project: Autobiographical Performances by Underrepresented Students

Tivoli 640

Join us to hear three underrepresented students from a multicultural learning community at CU Boulder perform autobiographical monologues that we wrote, memorized, and performed live on stage as part of a one-credit leadership course. Talk with our instructor to learn how your students can explore their lived experiences through guided writing exercises focused on social and cultural identity in

A2: Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students Accessibility: Culture, Language, and Communication

Tivoli 261 (Multicultural Lounge)

Accessibility and experiences for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students in Higher Education differs from secondary education support services. This presentation will outline the cultural, linguistic and communication differences between Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Participants will be able to identify cultural nuances, language variations and communication preferences amongst the Deaf and Hard of Hearing student population and

B2: “They Didn’t Just Get Here!” Acknowledging and Supporting LGBT International Students

Tivoli 320A

This interactive workshop brings the audience on a journey with five international students who identify with the LGBT community. Audience and presenters will collaboratively develop strategies for supporting LGBT international students in American higher education. The session will include an informative and theoretical background of the topic being explored and conclude with an overview of established practices for supporting

C2: Invisible Diversity: Helping Ex-Offenders and Homeless/Foster Youth Get Where They’re Going

Tivoli 320B

"How did we get here" is a question asked by the ex-offender and homeless/foster youth population that goes much deeper than it does with other populations, primarily because it is often followed with the question, "how do I get out of here?" Pursuing post-secondary education is most definitely a goal for these populations, but they first have to

D2: The Reality of Discrimination Against “Minority” Professors: Consequences, Impact, and Alternatives

Tivoli 320C

“Minority” college professors often face different expressions of discrimination, racism, and marginalization in the institutions where they teach. The issue has been abundantly documented, but its emotional and pedagogical consequences are seldom explored, much less shared with administrators, fellow instructors, or students. Based on recent research done by the American Philosophical association and on personal experiences and interviews of

E2: Student-Initiated Retention Projects That Work

Tivoli 440

Offices at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of California Los Angeles utilized foundational research on student-initiated retention projects (SIRPs) to develop programming strategies to increase retention and academic success of historically underrepresented students (students of color, women, LGBTQ, low-income, 1st generation, student parents, students with disabilities, international students, and veterans). This session will include the sharing

F2: Mental Health Awareness Need and Use of Counseling Services for International Students

Tivoli 444

Mental health of its students is a concern for all university campuses. Unfortunately, one population that seems to go unnoticed regarding mental health is that of international students. International student enrollment is at an all-time high with enrollments continuing to increase. So many factors play a role in the success rates of international students but many are unsuccessful

A3: Being Mixed: How Multiethnic/racial Identity Leads to Liberation

Tivoli 261 (Multicultural Lounge)

Through engaging performance and multimedia dialogue we will bring to light how being "mixed" is a strength. While many mixed people feel as though they are not enough of one or the other, this session is designed to demonstrate a unique perspective of being from multiethnic/racial background.

B3: Feeling the Work: empathy and Social Justice Advocacy in Female-Identified Students of Color

Tivoli 320A

How does empathy inform the social justice advocacy of female-identified students of color? Social justice advocates work with individuals and communities for lasting structural change for those who are oppressed at the risk of an emotional, social, and financial cost to the advocate. Often poorly represented in studies of social justice advocacy are the stories of female students

C3: If You Build It, They Will Come: A Model for Sustaining Cultural Competency in Your Organization

Tivoli 320B

Cultural Competency is a major variable in delivering equitable services to diverse consumers and families. Over the years we continue to build on what an organization or institution that values cultural competency may look like. However more models or approaches are needed on how to build structures that can sustain organizational cultural competency. This session presents the results

E3: LGBTQ Students and College Admissions: Challenges and Best Practices

Tivoli 440

In this session, we will discuss the best ways to support LGBTQ students from both sides of the desk in the college search and application process. After building a solid understanding of the challenges facing LGBTQ students seeking post-secondary education, we will explore best practices around inclusivity and access in college admissions for queer and transgender students. This

F3: Diversity in Community College Campuses: Addressing the Gap

Tivoli 444

The community college access mission has evolved into a mission of student success. Campuses need to investigate strategies to support all students, especially those who have been traditionally underserved. Join us for the opportunity to explore the gaps and investigate the possibilities for creating dynamic, inclusive learning environments. Presenters will share research and applications for improving practice related to

G3: Against the Grain: Radicalized Positionalities of Students of Color in Higher Education

Tivoli 640

This workshop explores racialized experiences in higher education through the experiences of four doctoral students and audience. These experiences are used to interrogate more deeply the espoused values related to inclusive excellence, social justice, and equity. Members of the audience and the presenters will co-construct strategies that aim to promote inclusion, diversity and equity.

D3: “If These Halls Could Talk”: Film Preview and Diversity Dialogue

Tivoli 320C

If our halls could talk, what would they say about the alarming rates of students of color leaving our colleges? What would they say are some of the causes for their departures? What would our students say it is like to be a minority student at a predominantly white campus? Are faculties and staff prepared for this influx

A4: Closing America’s Doors: A History of Immigration Exclusion

Tivoli 261 (Multicultural Lounge)

Immigration is a frequent topic of discussion on the presidential campaign trail, with some leading candidates recommending the exclusion of Muslim immigrants. This session will review the history of Asian immigration exclusion and the impact of exclusion on Asian American communities to offer a historical perspective on what the consequences of new exclusion policies might mean today.

B4: Beyond the Binary: Deconstructing the Gender Binary System on Campus

Tivoli 320A

The Day of Silence was originally designed as a means to spread awareness of LGBTQ+ bullying and harassment in schools. Since its inception in 1996 and the subsequent movement-building that it inspired, we see far more legislation incorporating inclusion and protection for LGBTQ+ students. However, there is still much work to be done and many more voices that

C4: Exporing Anti-Black Racism within Non-Black Communities of Color

Tivoli 320B

In the fight against White supremacy, people of color must unite and work together, which means that it is absolutely necessary for non-Black people of color to be in solidarity with Black communities and engage with the Black-led movement for social justice (currently, the Black Lives Matter movement). We believe that all people of color have the agency

E4: Bridging the Divide: Solving Colorado’s Attainment Gap

Tivoli 440

Bridging the divide will explore Colorado’s attainment gap and how the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) is attempting to fix the divide between Coloradans who traditionally attain education after high school and underserved Coloradans who do not. CDHE has devoted resources to more clearly understand when Coloradans stop their pursuit of earning a postsecondary credential (i.e. certificates and

F4: Institutionalizing Support for Undocumented Latino/a Students in American Higher Education

Tivoli 444

This session investigates the institutionalization of support for undocumented students across states that extend In State Resident Tuition (ISRT) benefits and states that deny ISRT benefits. Through the authors’ review, promising practices are highlighted Attendees of this session are expected to walk away with learned institutional practices that provide support for undocumented students in higher education

CO-LEADS Student Summit

This annual leadership summit brings together college students from across Colorado to join in discussions of social justice, activism, advocacy, and social change. Students participate in a day of interactive workshops, speaker, and networking sessions that challenge, grow, inspire, and empower them to make change in their own lives and their communities. Justice for the

Women in STEM Conference

Tivoli Student Union CO

The goal for this conference is to discuss the challenges women face in STEM disciplines and the tools for overcoming those challenges. These topics are particularly pertinent to our student population, of which more than half are women and largely women of color – both of which are underrepresented in STEM fields.

Asian/Pacific American Issues Through the Lens

CU Denver Student Commons Building

Watch excerpts of movies of videos to launch into a discussion on AAPI issues on identity, stereotypes, history, family dynamics, and more.

HEDS Art Exhibit

King Center - Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

HEDS keeps looking for new ways to connect and explore diversity. The committee has decided the ArtAbility and The Milestone Project. Merging these two art exhibits at the conference will provide us a new way to engage in diversity conversations. Learn more about these projects.

Welcome to the Summit

King Center - Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

Phamaly Performance – James and the Giant Peach

King Center - Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

Phamaly Theatre Company produces professional scale plays and musicals year-round throughout the Denver Metro region, cast entirely of performers with disabilities of all kinds – physical, cognitive, intellectual, and emotional. Currently celebrating its 28th season, Phamaly’s artistry is unique in the theatre world, and the company has garnered numerous awards for its highly innovative productions. In addition to MainStage shows, Phamaly offers educational classes and other professional development opportunities for theatre artists with disabilities.

HEDS Talk 1 – I’m Here: Existing in Invalidating Environments

King Center - Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

Xajés (sounds like "ah yes") Martinez serves as the Assistant Director of the LGBTQ Student Resource Center and uses they/them/theirs pronouns. As the Assistant Director, Xajés coordinates presentations by the center for the Auraria community, supervises the center’s Student Program Assistants, and offers insight and support to various campus committees on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Xajés received their B.A. in Communication Studies from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX, and completed their M.A. in Educational Administration and Leadership at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

HEDS Talks 2 – The Muslim American Experience: A Personal Narrative

King Center - Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

Nadeen Ibrahim migrated from the Palestinian Territory when she was seven months old, and moved to Colorado in 1997. She was raised in Wiggins, Colorado – a northeastern rural community of less than 1000 individuals. Presently, Nadeen is a fourth-year and senior student at the University of Colorado Denver, majoring in public health and minoring in leadership studies and chemistry. In addition to being committed to her undergraduate studies and excelling academically, Nadeen is active on campus and in the community.

HEDS Talks 3 – Whiteness: What is it and how is it working in higher ed?

King Center - Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

Naomi W. Nishi is a motherscholar of two children and a PhD candidate in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver. Naomi’s research focuses on building racial inclusivity and deconstructing whiteness in the higher education classroom. Specifically, through her work, Naomi explores the interplay of whiteness and identity in college/university students and identifies and deconstructs projections and performances of whiteness particularly in the classroom.

Supporting Folx of All Genders and Sexualities

LGBTQIA folx face challenges every day. Knowing what the identities in the acronym mean is just the start. How we value and empower all genders and sexualities is an ongoing process that everyone has a part in. This workshop will provide attendees an opportunity to reflect on identity development, process systemic challenges in higher education and society, and practice ways to value and empower LGBTQIA family, friends, and community.

Busy Noisy and Powerfully Effective

Connect theory and learning to the lived experience with creative projects in the classroom. Participants will explore the use of artistic or creative projects that can connect course content and enhance the depth of learning for students. Using such projects enriches classroom diversity climate, fosters collaboration and provides opportunities for student engaged learning. Workshop members will have hands on experience and create a mask using paper, graphics and images that reflect the identities of self and one’s public and private face.

The Glamorization of the Model Minority

This workshop invites participants to reflect and interrogate their understanding of the historical and contemporary notions of the model minority myth in education, situated in their positionality and identities. This will support the examination of what internal dialogue is needed to re-center in authentic self/identity, away from whiteness, and what will need to be done in order to not perpetuate this myth further in our communities, jobs, and families. Presenters will provide a brief historical context of the model minority and its contemporary use, engage participants in dialogue problematizing its glamorization, and share their lived experiences in relation to this stereotype.

Whiteness: Seeing, Naming, and Resisting

In this multimedia workshop, participants will work to define whiteness and identify concrete examples of how it works in higher education. They will also understand the consequences of whiteness for people of color. The group will then work together to develop strategies for naming whiteness and resisting whiteness on campus, in the classroom, and online.

#HereToStay/ La Lucha Sigue

In this workshop you will learn about ASSET which granted undocumented students in-state tuition in Colorado, and DACA which granted relief from deportation for undocumented youth nationwide. You will also hear about student's life experiences as undocumented immigrants and the current fight against deportations. Come find out more and get the resources you need to become an ally and learn about the current immigration movement.

Socioeconomic Status in Higher Education

Socioeconomic status is defined as the position or standing of an individual, family, or group within a hierarchical social structure as measured by a combination of variables, including occupation, education, income, wealth, and place of residence. Socioeconomic status can have a definite impact on student access to and success in higher education. Students who are perceived as coming from an economically-deprived background may be challenged not only by financial pressures but also lower self-esteem, lack of role models, and implicit bias within the college classroom setting which can hinder their progress towards the goal of completing their degree. Despite the myriad obstacles which must be overcome, there are thousands of instances that destroy the myths and successfully demonstrate that zip code does not automatically predict destiny. How do some students persevere? Is “determination” part of their DNA? Or is it a trait that can be instilled and nurtured by faculty, administrators and others in the higher education arena? Come join in the dialogue and be prepared for a surprising twist in the discussion at the end.

Keynote and Lunch – Dr. Rosemarie Allen

Dr. Rosemarie Allen has served as a leader in early childhood education for nearly years. Her life's work is centered on ensuring children have access to high-quality early childhood programs that are developmentally and culturally appropriate. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Her classes are focused on ensuring teachers are aware of how issues of equity, privilege, and power impact teaching practices.

HEDS Talks 4 – From Adolescence into Adulthood – A Journey in Mental Health and Overall Well Being

King Center - Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

Michelle Wiley, LPC, CPRP brings social innovation to the field of mental health. Her most recent endeavor has been launching a new program of the Mental Health Center of Denver to serve teens and young adults in the areas of prevention, early intervention, and whole-person, collaborative treatment -- all with holding the intention to help change the trajectories of mental health experiences. Areas of interest and specialty include dynamic and effective program evaluation strategies; developing programs that are relevant, meaningful and culturally responsive; implementing change initiatives; and creating teams and cultures that support the longevity of professionals in the helping fields.

HEDS Talk 5 – Broken Crayons Still Color

King Center - Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

As a freshman in high schools, Emily was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Several surgeries later, she found herself permanently blind. Now a student with a disability, Emily has persevered through an independence training program for the visually impaired and her college career. Emily shares a unique perspective of the value that should be placed on people with disabilities and the fact that "Broken Crayons Still Color."

HEDS Talk 6 – Cultivating Inclusion

King Center - Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

​Dr. Brenda J. Allen is the Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus. She also is a Professor of Communication. Her scholarship focuses on organizational communication and diversity. Among her numerous publications is a groundbreaking book entitled Difference Matters: Communicating Social Identity. She presents keynote speeches and conducts workshops on topics such as inclusion in the workplace, strategic planning, unconscious bias, and diversity hiring practices.

HEDS Talk 7 – Leadership In Action

King Center - Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

Joe Salazar is in his third term representing House District 31, which includes most of Thornton and parts of unincorporated Adams County. He serves on the Judiciary Committee. Rep. Salazar was the author of a new 2016 law establishing tax-free savings accounts for first-time home buyers, a step toward making housing more affordable in Colorado. He has spent his entire career making sure the rights of Coloradans are protected.

Minorities in the Media: Thugs, Hoes, & Illegals

The media has controlled what information we as a society can access. But what happens when we equip individuals with phones with cameras and Twitter feeds? Amazing things! More people begin to notice how bias a lot of the media sources are when it comes to representing minorities; whether that be photo choice on the front page of newspapers or watching basic television shows. Let's unpack all the words for how minorities are represented in the media and how hashtag activism is combating that old rhetoric.

The Art of Your Journey

When thinking about your journey from adolescence to adulthood, imagine a road or a path of some kind. Create an image using the materials provided to illustrate a picture to represent your road or path that you took from adolescence to adulthood. What stops occurred along the way? Were there any “road blocks” that you experienced during this time? If so, what were they and what do they look like? Did your path or road go different directions? If so, why? What kind of “road side assistance” helped you along the way? Also, think about where you are located on this path? You may be a young adolescent that is 20 years old, so your journey may be just getting started. Or perhaps, you’re an adult in your 40s towards the end of your journey.

Exploring Interreligious Dialogue

A little-discussed aspect of our experience at colleges and universities is religious and spiritual identity. Our lack of dialogue on (particularly public) campuses about religion effectively silences these identities, identities that play an important role in how we show up with each other. This interactive workshop will (1) explore what is (and is not) interreligious or interfaith dialogue; (2) provide tools for dialoguing across differences; and (3) engage participants in practice dialogue. Resources and additional readings will be provided to help participants deepen their exploration of this important topic.

Conquering Reading Disabilities with Technology

Just getting through a textbook with dyslexia or a vision impairment can stop an education in its tracks. Add in all of the other reading material that may be provided - articles online, scanned articles provided in email or through a learning management system, or hard-copy handouts in a class - and you have a recipe for failure. How do students navigate these treacherous paths and have a road to success? And how can you, as an educator, help them get there? This session will discuss technology solutions for persons with various types of reading disabilities, and provide easy everyone-can-use it methods and software to provide that level playing field that all students need.

Diversity & Law Enforcement

Michael J. Phibbs is the Chief of the Auraria Campus Police Department (ACPD). Phibbs joined the ACPD in August of 2014. Phibbs has 25 years of law enforcement experience. Phibbs earned his master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado Denver. He received his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Colorado Boulder. Phi's is a graduate of the 241st session of the FBI National Academy. Governor Hickenlooper appointed Phibbs to the Colorado Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) board. Phibbs also serves as the Legislative Chair for the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police.

Community Activism with Rep. Joe Salazar

Description Representative Salazar will be leading a conversation on activism, policy, and community engagement. Influenced by his work as an attorney, community organizer, and state representative Joe Salazar will no doubt have a lot to say. Joe Salazar is a representative in Colorado's state house who is a tireless advocate for stopping fracking, protecting civil

Closing Reception

King Center - Main Street 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, United States

Following the last session, the closing reception is a place to connect with other attendees, presenters, and keynote speakers.  The Summit is featuring the ArtAbility and Arapahoe Community College Inclusivity and Diversity Milestone Project.  Merging these two art exhibits at the conference will provide us a new way to engage in diversity conversations. Submit art for ArtAbility

Morning Keynote – State Representative Leslie Herod

Tivoli 250 (Turnhalle)

Representative Leslie Herod represents House District 8 in Northeast Denver, in State House of Representatives. Capturing over 38,000 votes in 2016, Representative Herod received the highest number of votes for any state house candidate running in a contested race. Representative Herod is the first African American LGBT candidate elected to the State Legislature. Representative Herod’s

Accommodation to Access

Tivoli 320A

The session will explore the difference between access and accommodation and how a shift in focus to access supports more inclusive and accessible learning environments for all students. The session presenters will look at a proactive collaborative model that Access Center has used to address accommodation and access issues, including feedback from faculty who engaged

Cybersecurity for Activists and Marginalized Identities

Tivoli 442

Learn cybersecurity for personal use and best practices in depth from a marginalized lens to stay safe in a police-monitored modern world. This session is designed to outline the basics and more in-depth knowledge for personal security online and offline in a digital world. It will be beneficial to beginners and more advanced tech users,

The New “Equal Pay”: New Legal Rules and Approaches for Identifying (and Fixing) Pay Discrimination

Tivoli 320C

Federal and state governments have been slowing changing the definition of “pay discrimination” in an effort to close the persistent gender “pay gap.” The effort has been supercharged in 2018 by the #MeToo movement and stories of sexual harassment that dominate headlines. Indeed, recent studies show decades of sexual harassment exacerbated the gender pay gap.

The Invisible Youth: Transitional Services for Foster Youth in Higher Education

Tivoli 320B

Last year over 687,000 children spent time in U.S. foster care system, a disproportionate number of these children are minorities, LGBTQ+, and from low-income families. Each year 20,000 children age out of the system, their transition to higher education is more difficult than their peers. Only 25% will graduate high school and 2% complete college.

Racial Battle Fatigue: When Diversity Prompts Hostility

Tivoli 440

Research opines the layered effects of racial microaggressions leads to Racial Battle Fatigue. Audience members will have the opportunity to interact with each other and the presenters in a safe space crafted specifically to assist with facilitating an open learning discussion around the challenging topic of race. This interactive presentation will elucidate on the research,

Pretty Fly for a WiFi

Tivoli 320B

Full participation in higher education requires access to the internet. Unfortunately, many of our students cannot afford this service in their homes. To help address this problem, the Auraria Library began circulating Wifi Hotspots that students can check out like a book and bring home with them for weeks at a time. This session outlines

Connect Your Networks

Comcast Media and Technology Center

This fast-paced roundtable focused on networking and paid internships in the areas of Media, Entertainment, Technology and more; presented by the Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF). Founded in 1989 to diversify the media industry by giving talented students of color the opportunity to intern at some of the nation’s leading media companies. During its history, the

Invisible and Invincible: What It’s Like to Be Homeless in College

Tivoli 320B

This HEDS talk features both a university professor who researches homelessness among college students, and a student who overcame her own homelessness while completing her undergraduate education. Together, they share information about housing insecurity among college students—its prevalence, risk factors, related challenges, and recommended resources. Through increased awareness of the issues affecting students who experience

I Will Love Myself, No Permission or Explanations Required

Tivoli 320B

Depending on where you are or end up being “different” will require you to stand alone in openly expressing your beliefs and values. In a setting of higher education where growth and development gets to its tipping point, and advocacy for ourselves and each other is crucial, the process of accepting our identities and being

Diversity Councils as Collaborative Spaces: Bringing Students, Faculty, and Staff Together to Action

Tivoli 444

Using the example of the Council on Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Colorado Denver, this session has two goals: highlighting the important work of Diversity and Inclusion Councils and exploring the accomplishments of regular collaboration among faculty, students, and staff. It is unusual among university committees to have all three constituencies represented together.

College/Career Success: How Institutes of Higher Education Can Help All Groups of Students Succeed

Tivoli 444

This interactive session, grounded in decades of college student retention research and what we know about educational equity for diverse groups of learners. It will cover a number of research-based strategies, from the simple to the complex, that are related to persistence and success for all groups of students. College readiness, correlates of student persistence,

Challenges and Conquests for the Neurodiverse Brain, Distinctively Diverse

Tivoli 442

Students with Neurodiverse brain wiring often found in the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Tourettes and other conditions usually exhibit Executive Function Challenges that can seriously impact their ability to learn from more traditional methods. In spite of these challenges, they often possess unique gifts and talents and might excel in one or more areas

Art as Activism: LGBT History of Colorado and Storytelling Through Art

Tivoli 320A

Art changes culture, and stories around art can change the world. Yet the process of art making constructs knowledge, disarms potentially hostile groups, and allows the artist to become a story teller. The material culture left behind carries the story with it, and increases the importance of the story. The act of art making becomes

1 out of 4: A Campus Community Response to Interpersonal Violence

Tivoli 320C

In this session, attendees will join the national conversation surrounding interpersonal violence (IPV) through a focus on both the individual and community impact that IPV has on students, academic success, and college campuses as a whole. This workshop will incorporate research regarding impact and evidence based and promising practices to challenge the norms surrounding IPV.

“Everyday Advocacy” You don’t have to be an activist to be an agent of change

Tivoli 440

This session will identify the need and uncover the simple ability for all of us to be advocates for the underrepresented and marginalized populations surrounding us everyday. Throughout this session we hope to; unpack the need for more advocates, discuss the basics of being a social justice advocate, engage in discussions and research the helps

Elevate at ACC: The Development of Inclusive Higher Education Programs Across Colorado

Tivoli 320B

In July of 2016, Senate Bill 16-196 overwhelmingly passed to designate legislative funding for the development of inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at three Colorado colleges: ACC, UNC, and UCCS. Prior to, Colorado was one of only four states in the nation that did not offer such opportunities

Lunch Keynote – US Representative Jared Polis

Tivoli 250 (Turnhalle)

Jared Polis is an independent leader who uses his private and public sector experience to find pragmatic solutions to the challenges facing Colorado and the nation. First elected to represent Colorado’s Second Congressional District in 2008, Polis serves on the powerful Committee on Rules, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the Committee on Ethics,

Multicultural Education in the Age of Trump: The Role of Advocacy

Tivoli 440

Multicultural Education in the Age of Trump will offer a perspective through the lenses of critical race theory on the importance of multicultural education from K-College in bridging the racial divide taking place in American society. The highlight of the presentation will be based on the work done by the presenters as they engaged with

MSU Faculty-Produced Video Vignettes that Bring Diversity into the University Classroom

Tivoli 320B

Being Muslim in America: Acts of Courage and Healing; Being Muslim in America: An Afghan American Family Story; Cubaneo: Embodying Resilience are three films that tell personal stories that capture the experience of diversity, hope and resilience in American Muslims and in Cubans after the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Has Diversity Reached A Tipping Point, If so What are We Trying to Achieve?

Tivoli 320A

During the 21st century diversity and equity are have been fundamental goals of higher education and valuable resources for learning for all students across cultural differences, vital to democracy and a democratic workforce and to the global position and wellbeing of the United States. The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has made a

Impacting Perceptions: Increase self-awareness to build self-love and unity

Tivoli 320C

We project what is within, which is why this transformative workshop consists of activities to explore how we see and what choices we make because of those beliefs. During this interactive experience we uncover origins that shaped our perceptions influencing choices with detrimental or beneficial results. We provide empowerment strategies to heal from harmful experiences

Young, Brown, and Loud

Tivoli 440

This presentation targets young professionals of color and the pressures of working in an academic world often steeped in whiteness, patriarchy, and individualist values. Come join the conversation on how to develop your campus support systems, stay true to your identities and values, and network with other young professionals of color trying to challenge systems

What Are You? Supporting Multiracial Students on Campus

Tivoli 444

The Multiracial population is the fastest growing population according to the US Census, growing three times faster than the US population. With that in mind, how do we support multiracial students as they navigate education systems created for monoracial students? What are best practices to advocate and be an ally to multiracial students? What are

The Undocupeers Training – Advocating for DREAMer Students on College Campuses

Tivoli 320A

This session will review how the Undocupeers Training – developed by United We Dream and implemented by colleges across the U.S. – helps Metropolitan State University of Denver in its mission to better serve Undocumented and DACA students. This session will review the history, scope, and structure of the 4-hour training and will provide some

The Four Roles of Social Change

Tivoli 442

In the session we will discuss power and privilege while exploring and examining the four roles of social change: helpers, rebel, advocate and organizer. Participants will reflect on their identity as social change agents and discuss ways that they can enhance one another’s social justice work at their campus community and beyond.

Standing Up for Social Justice on Campus in Times of Fear and Hatred

Tivoli 320A

Today, we are bombarded with news about hate crimes or violent acts that are directed towards those that we have been taught to fear. When such incidents happen on campus, each of us is called upon to stand up but many of us do not know what to say or do in response. Throughout this