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District VIII Annual Conference 2025
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2 Results Found
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM PST
Inclusive Communication Strategies for Observances in Higher Education
In today’s diverse higher education environment, inclusive communication is not just an option but a necessity. This session aims to equip higher education professionals with the knowledge and strategies to better understand, identify, engage on and communicate observances important to diverse communities. From religious holidays to cultural heritage months, recognizing these events helps build an inclusive campus environment in which diverse community members can see themselves reflected in, promotes mutual respect, and enhances student, staff and faculty understanding of and engagement with equity and anti-racism.
We’ll explore emerging practices to consult and collaborate with communities on communication initiatives, develop tools and mechanisms to better cooordinate amongst institutional communication partners (particularly of relevance to those in large, decentralized organizations), and assess and develop appropriate communication and engagement approaches – including social media, programming considerations and leadership messaging. We’ll share experiences and invite a participatory discussion on promising practices and ways to navigate expectations, manage reactive situations and take on proactive approaches. Participants will better understand how these efforts help cultivate knowledge and inspire behaviour change to build a more inclusive university community.
Delve into essential components: understanding the rich tapestry of observances, crafting dynamic communication strategies for diverse audiences, embedding observances into the fabric of institutional communications, and measuring outcomes. Walk away with actionable insights and strategies to cultivate inclusivity, elevate awareness of equity and anti-racism, and ignite community engagement through vibrant observance communication initiatives at your institution.
This session is tailored for professionals looking to optimize the celebration of key observances crucial to our diverse student, faculty, and staff communities. Leave equipped with actionable insights to drive inclusivity, elevate cultural awareness, and enhance community engagement through impactful observance initiatives at your institution.
University of British Columbia campuses are situated within the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, and in the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and their peoples.
Speakers: Marko Pajalic, Communications Manager, The University of British Columbia, Jamil Rhajiak, Associate Director, Brand Communications, The University of British Columbia
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST
Crafting a Dynamic Day of Giving for Non-Traditional Student Communities
Discover how Portland State University, an urban campus with a non-traditional student body, has created a vibrant and successful Day of Giving campaign with nearly 100 participating funds. This session will reveal the unique strategies used to garner widespread support and brand recognition among campus partners, alumni, faculty/staff, and students. Attendees will learn how to leverage challenges, foster effective partner communication and training, boost student involvement, and execute a comprehensive communications strategy. Join us to gain actionable insights and proven methods to elevate your institution’s Day of Giving.
Speakers: Amanda Gabriel-Landis, Digital Communications Manager, Portland State University Foundation, Carol Perales, Associate Director, Annual Giving, Portland State University Foundation, Connor Tudbury, Director of Annual Giving, Portland State University Foundation
Competencies: Strategic ThinkingRelationship Building