Conference Overview 

Join us March 22 - 24, 2018 in San Diego, California, for the AAC&U 2018 Conference Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Democracy: The Inconvenient Truths.

The conference will explore the inconvenient truths that stand in the way of fresh and critical thinking about how institutions can prepare all students for success in work, in life, and as globally engaged citizens. The conference will provide a forum for campus practitioners, students, and stakeholders working collaboratively to design learning opportunities that value students’ cultural wealth, recognize their lived experiences, and honor their exploration and critique of current democratic practice.

AAC&U seeks proposals for sessions examining how educational, cultural, and structural aspects of higher education prepare today’s student to live, work, and participate in a democratic society. Proposals should address these pressing questions:

• How do your mission statement, strategic plan, policies, and practices reflect and support your institution’s vision of the “ideal” campus? What realities (inconvenient truths) on your campus are impeding the realization of this vision?
• What are campus leaders doing to change structural frameworks and systemic inequities that impede student access, learning, and success, building on students’ assets and including all campus voices in constructive dialogue about the quality of educational experiences?

Host Hotel 

The Westin Gaslamp

910 Broadway Circle
San Diego, CA 92101

Make your reservation by calling 888-627-8563 or click here.

Rising from 16 square-blocks in downtown San Diego, is the historic Gaslamp Quarter where Victorian-era buildings and modern skyscrapers stand side by side, housing more than 100 of the city's finest restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and retails shops, as well as offices and residential/work lofts. Not only is this area the epicenter of San Diego’s nightlife scene, it is also rich with cultural offerings that include theaters, art galleries, symphony halls, concert venues and museums. This area is just 10 minutes from San Diego International Airport and a short ride from San Diego's major attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, the USS Midway Museum, Old Town San Diego and more.