National Society for Minorities in Honors Conference
8th Annual Conference | October 25-27, 2023 | University of Arkansas
Why Honors?
The value of an honors education for students from underrepresented backgrounds
The Honors College at the University of Arkansas welcomes you to the 8th Annual National Society for Minorities in Honors Conference, which will take place
on the U of A campus between October 25-27, 2023.
As honors programs seek to become more inclusive and diversify their student populations, new initiatives, programs and courses have evolved. However, many programs continue to fall short of that aspiration. Honors programs have an opportunity to transform how we engage with students from diverse backgrounds, and, along the way, impact change across the campus community.
While programs have made strides to become more welcoming and inclusive, an honors education can seem like an inaccessible experience for students from underrepresented backgrounds. This perception can be driven by factors such as a perceived lack of community for students of diverse backgrounds, intimidating academic requirements, or not seeing the value of an honors education. For some students, joining honors may even seem like a risk that could compromise their educational or career goals. What is the value of an honors education in today’s society and how do programs communicate it to students? Do honors metrics of success align with what diverse communities view as success? Do high-achieving students from minority communities see themselves represented in the honors experience?
Outside of academics, students need spaces where they have a sense of belonging and access to a supportive community where they can thrive as scholars and individuals. What are programs doing to make honors welcoming for students from underrepresented backgrounds? How are students being supported through the honors experience? How are honors programs building a supportive community and sense of belonging for students? Is honors a space where students can be their authentic selves? Beyond that, how do honors programs do demonstrate an uncompromised commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds when affirmative action and DEI are under attack in many states?
The conference program committee invites panels, workshops, and roundtables that might provide examples of how programs or colleges are engaged in this work, as well as, presentations that seek to challenge the institutional boundaries that prevent future work from occurring. We also welcome proposals that are of general interest.
Conference Details
Registration Now Open!
Faculty/Staff/Professional - $100
Honors Arkansas Members - $35 (discount code: HONORSREG)
Student - $25 (discount code: ERLYSTUDREG)
If you have questions about the conference, please email Xochitl Delgado Solorzano
100% Refund through September 25, 2023
50% Refund after September 25, 2023
If you have any questions about payment, please email Angie Coleman
Blocks of rooms are available at a special group rate the following hotels. These rates will be available until September 22, 2023.
Hilton Garden Inn:
- Call 479.856.6040 AND press “0”
- If you press another number you will not be able to access the group rate
- Give the contracted dates and request the “National Society of Minority” Group Block
Homewood Suites:
- Sales Contact: Kendra Mattal - Kendra.Mattal@Hilton.com
- Call 479.442.3000 and give requested dates and name of event
Holiday Inn and Express:
- Sales Contact: Jayden Hampton - hiesalesmanager@khghotels.com
- Call 479.444.6006 and give requested dates and name of event
The conference will take place in Gearhart Hall (GEAR), home of the Honors College, and the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence (CORD), home of Student Success. The program indicates locations. Wednesday evening activities will be in Gearhart Hall. Thursday and Friday will primarily take place in the CORD, with lunch in Gearhart Hall. We will have student volunteers and signage to help navigate between the two buildings. Below is a link to the UA campus map.
For those of you driving to campus, we have secured parking in Stadium Garage (address below). Each day of the conference will have a separate code. The University of Arkansas campus uses the Flowbird App or parking meters (Meter Parking instructions). Please find below the address for Stadium Garage and the daily meter codes.
Stadium Garage
380 N. Stadium Dr.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Daily Meter Codes:
|
Date |
Code |
Valid through |
|
Wednesday, October 25 |
24382137 |
3:00pm – 8:00pm |
|
Thursday, October 26 |
24579997 |
8:00am – 6:00pm |
|
Friday, October 27 |
24284241 |
8:00am – 5:00pm |
For those who will not have their own vehicle, we will be providing a shuttle between the conference hotels and campus.
Shuttle pick up location: Hilton Garden Inn
Campus drop-off location: Pi Phi Gates (near the CORD)
Shuttle schedule:
|
Day |
Morning |
Afternoon/Evening |
|
Wednesday |
-- |
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
|
Thursday |
8:00 am – 10:00 am |
3:30 pm -5:30 pm |
|
Friday |
8:00 am – 10:00 am |
-- |
*Please note – we do not have a shuttle running Friday afternoon. If you do not have your own vehicle, you will be able to store your luggage in the Honors College. When you arrive on campus, drop off your luggage at the Honors College Welcome desk, our staff will store it for you.
Razorback Transit is also an option for getting around Fayetteville. Learn more:
Razorback Transit – Paseo Go! App
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also available.
Fall is a beautiful time of year in the Ozarks! The weather is cooling down and leaves are starting to turn (leaf peeping anyone?). As of today, the forecast for next week is calling for temperatures in the low 70s with a slight chance of rain. We recommend brining a rain jacket or umbrella.
Contact
Finally, have any additional questions or need directions? Call the Honors College Welcome Desk 479-575-7678.
Fayetteville Farmers' Market
Downtown Square, 101 W. Mountain St.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Saturday: 7:00 am - 2:00pm (April – Nov.)
Locally grown vegetables, fruits and plants are sold on the Square along with native crafts every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning from 7 am until noon from April through October. The market is also open on Saturdays in November. The New Evening Market is open on Thursday's from 4 pm until 8 pm on the northwest corner of South School and Sixth Street in the old mill district.
Clinton House Museum
930 W. Clinton Dr.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Monday – Saturday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
$8.00 per guest
Located near the University of Arkansas campus and nestled in an old neighborhood in Fayetteville is the first home of Bill and Hillary Clinton. Through photographs, documents and videos, you’ll learn about a part of the Clintons’ life that many never have.
Walton Arts Center
495 W. Dickson
Fayetteville, AR 72701
The Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville brings in artists and entertainers from all over the world to create unique and unforgettable performances. Some consider it the finest cultural center of its kind in the region. It offers a year-round schedule of symphony performances, pop concerts, theater (including Broadway shows and children's productions), dance and art exhibits.
Mount Sequoyah
150 NW. Skyline
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Originally called East Mountain, the largest mountain in Fayetteville was renamed Mount Sequoyah when the hilltop was given to the state Methodist Assembly for use as a retreat center. The view of the city is spectacular from the outlook point on Assembly Drive.
Crystal Bridges Museum Of American Art
600 Museum Way
Bentonville, AR 72712
Northwest Arkansas is home to the world-renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Visit the museum to take a look at an eclectic collection of American art as well as the magnificent architectural beauty of the building and the surrounding grounds. The museum was designed to highlight the natural resources of the region, with building materials taken from wood and rocks native to the area and natural artistic pieces scattered amongst the trails around the structure.
Devil’s Den State Park
11333 W. Hwy. 74
West Fork, AR 72774
Hiking, backpacking and mountain bike trails take outdoor enthusiasts to wild backcountry areas of Devil’s Den State Park and the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Sixteen cabins with kitchens and fireplaces, a horse camp area and riding trails are available. The park includes a group camp, pavilion, mountain bike trails and numerous other activities!