FIVE CONFERENCES ABOUT MINORITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Minority College Success Conferences

Conferences about minorities in higher education are scheduled each year to brainstorm innovative tactics for facing racial disparity in the college market. The NCES reports that American college enrollment consists of 58 percent Whites, 17 percent Hispanics, 14 percent Blacks, 7 percent Asians, and 0.8 percent Native Americans. According to the U.S. News, the graduation rate for minorities is also only 50 percent in comparison to 64 percent for Whites. The Hechinger Report shows the biggest ethnic achievement gaps are in West Virginia, California, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Conferences are great arenas for college leaders to meld their minds for finding effective ways to address this unequal opportunity. Here are five higher education conferences in 2019 where race takes center stage.

1. AIHEC Winter Meeting & Conference: Washington, DC

In February, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) will invite leaders from 36 tribal colleges nationwide to its 2019 Winter Meeting & Conference at the Holiday Inn Capitol. Since 1975, attendees representing 230+ federally recognized tribes have congregated at this minority higher education conference to discuss means for advancing a more skilled Native American workforce. Agenda items include the Senate Indian Affairs Committee Briefing, TCU Presidents Meeting, and D.C. Night Tour.

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2. 13th Annual AAHHE National Conference: Irvine, CA

Directed by Dr. Loui Olivas of Arizona State University, the 13th Annual American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education Conference will kick off in March at the Hotel Irvine. Offering an Early Bird price of $350 for AAHHE members, the three-day event will spark active discussions about the academic preparation and retention of Latino/a learners. Sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, this minority conference will include the Tomás Rivera Lecture, Cigarroa Family Lecture, and Annual Book Award Presentation.

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3. AABHE National Conference: New Orleans, LA

Following the motto "Education: The Ultimate Civil Right!," the 2019 American Association of Blacks in Higher Education Conference will take place in late-March at the Sheraton New Orleans on Canal Street. Integrating 60-minute roundtable discussions, the four-day meeting will attract administrators from HBCUs and PWIs who strive to find better pathways to success for African-Americans. Attendees will also hear a keynote address from president-elect Dr. Dereck Rovaris and honor the AABHE Dissertation Award winner.

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4. APAHE National Conference: Oakland, CA

At the Oakland Marriott City Center, the Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) 2019 National Conference will begin in April with a $350 two-day pass that includes lunches. It's another of the conferences about minorities in higher education that focuses on giving college administrative officials the tools to mentor students of Asian descent. Created in 1987, the California-based organization will offer four pre-conference sessions, speakers like Dr. Julie Wong, and Oakland Ferry rides.

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5. ACJU Conference on Diversity and Equity: Milwaukee, WI

Started in 1981, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities will invite administrators, faculty, and staff from 28 ACJU-member schools to the Marquette campus in Milwaukee this summer for the Conference on Diversity and Equity. Planned by Dr. Darryle Todd, the four-day, Biblical-based event focuses on promoting institutional practices that resolve issues for all students of color. Concurrent sessions, daily masses, networking breaks, and the CDE Executive Board Meeting are included.

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Whether you're a professor, student affairs counselor, advisor, or dean, scheduling time during 2019 to attend conferences about college diversity can be beneficial, especially with today's concerning socio-political climate. Get inspired to remove racial obstacles to success by meeting with like-minded officials at these conferences about minorities in higher education.

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