Ky. community college to hold event on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; seeks presenter ideas by Aug. 11

The event is set for Oct. 27 in Hazard, Kentucky.

Rural community colleges, in addition to being in rural areas, serve a different population and have a distinct culture from four-year universities. Initiatives for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in rural community college spaces "present very different challenges from both urban areas and four-year universities, yet much of the research and policy surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion focuses on urban spaces and/or traditional universities," says Hazard Community and Technical College in southeastern Kentucky, which has scheduled a conference for Oct. 27 "to explore strategies, policies, and barriers to creating a campus-wide sense of belonging in rural community colleges."

The college is seeking presenters for its DEIB in Rural Spaces Conference. Selected presenters will get a $500 honorarium for presenting the same workshop or presentation during morning and afternoon sessions. Proposals should follow these guidelines:

• Workshops and presentations should focus specifically on rural community colleges.
• Should fit in a 75-minute time frame and should allow for audience interaction and questions.
• Write a short description of your proposed session that is no longer than 250 words.
• Tell how your proposed session/workshop will help participants explore strategies, policies, and barriers to creating a campus wide sense of belonging in rural community colleges.
• Write a brief bio with your current position, your interest in DEI, and a photograph.
• Submit proposals by Aug. 11 here.