Diversity + Inclusion Equity in Academic Opportunities Fund

The ODEI recognizes the invaluable role that academic conferences play in fostering intellectual growth, knowledge dissemination, and professional development. We are committed to providing our students and researchers, both staff and faculty, with opportunities to participate in these enriching events, thereby contributing to their academic advancement through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Thanks to a generous gift from donors Roger and Carla Smith, the ODEI has created the Equity in Academic Opportunities Fund to support students, staff, and faculty in attending and presenting at academic conferences in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This fund is aimed at promoting inclusivity, facilitating networking opportunities, and nurturing interdisciplinary collaboration among our academic community.

The Equity in Academic Opportunities Fund is designed to assist students and researchers in covering expenses related to conference registration, travel, accommodation, and other associated costs. By alleviating the financial burden, we aim to enable a broader spectrum of individuals to participate in conferences, regardless of their financial circumstances.

The aim of this program is to foster an environment that promotes academic excellence, nurtures scholarly pursuits, and supports the professional growth of our students and researchers through their active involvement in academic conferences in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.