Call for Proposals for JEDI 2025

JEDI room view
June 20, 2025, 11:59 pm ET
Submit a Proposal Submit a Proposal

All members of the UMass community are invited to submit proposals for the 2025 Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Conference, taking place on September 17 and 18. We welcome submissions for talks, workshops, and poster sessions. The deadline for proposals is June 20. 

Hosted by the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) in collaboration with campus-wide partners, the JEDI Conference affirms the university’s commitment to equity and inclusion. It aims to: 

  • Build community and connection across campus
  • Showcase campus resources supporting equity and inclusion
  • Promote a sense of belonging for all members of the UMass community 

Past sessions have explored topics such as: 

  • Increasing Belonging in Your Spheres of Influence
  • Introduction to Restorative and Transformative Justice
  • Religious/Spiritual Identity Diversity and Inclusive Practices
  • Disability Equity and Inclusion: A Toolkit for the UMass Community 

While all proposals aligned with JEDI values will be considered, we especially encourage submissions that address the themes of coalition building, nurturing our communities, and working across difference. This year, we are introducing "lightning" sessions of 15 minute talks in addition to the more traditional 60 - 90 minute sessions.

Conference Schedule

Pre-Conference Student Poster Session
September 17, 2025 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Student Union Ballroom

Keynote Speakers and Community Lunch
September 17, 2025 | 12:00–4:00 PM | Student Union Ballroom

Workshops and Community-Led Sessions
September 18, 2025 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Campus Center 

Proposal Submission Details

All submissions will be reviewed in June, and applicants will be notified by the first week of July. OEI will be hosting drop-in sessions for applicants to help craft ideas and proposals.
For questions, please contact Ebru Kardan.

Workshop/Presentation Proposals
UMass students, staff, faculty, and administrators are encouraged to apply. Please review application and submit your proposal.
Note: Once confirmed, presenters should keep their schedules flexible on September 18 as the conference program is finalized.

Poster Session Proposals
Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit proposals related to their research or work in the field of DEI. Submit your proposal here.
Note: Poster presenters must be available on September 17 from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM.