The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education has announced the 2023 DEI Summit, which will be held Nov. 8-10. For the first time, the DEI Summit will be a hybrid conference. In-person sessions will be held at Shippensburg University, and virtual/hybrid sessions will be on Zoom.

The DEI Summit supports the State System’s five mission-driven DEI priorities, which were affirmed by the Board of Governors in April 2021: (1) Faculty, Staff and Student Diversity; (2) Equitable Student Outcomes; (3) Inclusive Communities; (4) Curriculum Diversity; and (5) Enabling Infrastructure. This annual summit reflects the State System's commitment to building and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive space for faculty, staff and students to thrive. 

This year's theme is "The Power of Community: Uniting to Amplify Voices and Foster Well-Being.” In centering the power of community, the summit aims to highlight the necessity and importance of uniting and working collectively to improve campus experiences and promote well-being for all. Working in community requires valuing both individuals and collectives; celebrating both our similarities and our differences; and fostering both reflection and action.

The summit will serve as a platform for dialogue, reflection, learning and community building. Students, faculty, staff, administrators, board members, trustees and other State System stakeholders are invited to think together about how to cultivate environments that promote community, belonging and well-being for all, both on and beyond campus. We seek to work toward a culture of openness where we recognize and value the contributions and participation of all.

Registration is free for all current employees and students at PASSHE institutions. Register at https://bit.ly/Register2023DEISummit. In-person registration includes breakfast and lunch for all three days. 

In addition, the Planning Committee encourages participants to submit a proposal to present at the DEI Summit. Review the Call for Proposals and more information about the Summit on PASSHE's DEI Summit webpage. The due date to submit a proposal is Sept. 7.

Address questions to Christa Cobb or Emily Howe at the State System office; Thomas Hasbrouck at PennWest California; Joseph Croskey or Sandra Trejos at PennWest Clarion; or Shraddha Prabhu at PennWest Edinboro.