The 15th Annual Student Conference on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: SUNY Cortland, Corey Union
Submit Proposals Here. New Deadline: October 9th.
Cost: Conference is free for SUNY Cortland Students, and any presenters. $25-30 for attendees from other institutions.
SUNY Cortland Folks and Register Here.
Purpose:
SUNY Cortland Student Conference on Diversity, Equity and Social Justice was created in 2009 by Dr. Noelle Chaddock, former Director of the Multicultural Life and Diversity Office at SUNY Cortland to provide undergraduate and graduate students with an opportunity and a venue to share their academic research and creative initiatives, build their resumes, and network with other students across New York State around the core values of diversity, equity and social justice. This student-led conference aims to celebrate the richness of diversity, open-minded dialogue, and raise awareness of the divergent views that shape not only our campus but broader society.
2026 Theme:
“Many Sparks, One Flame” seeks to ignite a sense of community by celebrating our differences, recognizing passion for change and encouraging collaboration in a world on fire. While fire can create rifts and result in destruction, it also symbolizes rebirth, growth, and warmth. Like a candle wick, we bring out the light in one another when we share our own spark. The flames that motivate us can often leave burns that make it hard to reach out, but together our stories unite us, create warmth, and shine light in the darkness. Through this theme, we welcome our SUNY students to share their spark with one another, and spread the fires of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. This theme also connects to the SUNY Cortland Common Read theme this year which is "Fire."
Keynote Speaker:
Yusuf Muhammad is an award-winning educational leader with more than two decades of experience transforming urban schools. As Principal of Phoenix Academy in Atlanta Public Schools, he leads with a healing-centered philosophy rooted in authentic relationships and an unwavering belief in every student's potential. His leadership has earned him recognition as the 2025 APS Principal of the Year, the 2026 SUNY Cortland Distinguished Educator of the Year, and, most recently, the Georgia Association for Alternative Education Administrator of the Year. A sought-after voice on school transformation, he has delivered a TEDx Talk, presented before the U.S. Department of Justice, and facilitated workshops for the Wallace Foundation. He holds a bachelor's and a master's degree from SUNY Cortland and a master's degree from Cornell University and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Clark Atlanta University.
Submission Details:
All proposals must be submitted via this form by midnight Sunday, October 4th, (new deadline) midnight on Friday, October 9th to be reviewed by the Conference Committee. Decisions on accepted proposals will be finalized and announced via email by Friday, Oct. 16th. (Proposals turned in by the original deadline will be informed early).
Format of Presentations: research presentations; panel sessions; interactive workshops; or visual arts, poster presentations, and performance art. Faculty may only present in collaboration with a student. If there is another applicant you would like included in a particular session with you, please indicate that in your application. Students should work with a faculty mentor as they put together a proposal and work on their presentations.
In the past, we’ve proudly welcomed participants from up to 18 institutions who came with their students and faculty/staff to present their outstanding research and diverse expertise. We highly encourage participation in any form – whether you plan to submit a proposal or are simply interested in attending to learn more!
Registration details to come soon!!
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