https://swchrs.ou.edu/Conferences-Events Parent Page: Conferences & Events id: 35437 Active Page: Midwest Conference id: 36088 Portal ID: 326
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Midwest Conference Cancelled

In Partnership with Oakland Community College and the Michigan Community College Connections Council | May 27–28, 2026

Logos for Michigan Community College Connections Council, OU Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies, and Oakland Community College.

The Higher Ed Hive: Midwest Conference, originally scheduled for May 27–28, 2026, in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has been canceled following thoughtful discussions between the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies and our partners at Oakland Community College and the Michigan Community College Connections Council.

We know this news may be disappointing, and we are grateful for the enthusiasm, support, and interest shown by the Higher Ed Hive community.

Registration, proposal submissions, and hotel booking information for this event are no longer active. For questions, please contact us at swchrs@ou.edu

Regional Institute Learning Objectives

Strengthen Civic Discourse and Digital Literacy

Strengthen Civic Discourse and Digital Literacy

(1)
Apply methods for fostering productive dialogue across ideological and socioeconomic divides.
(2)
Evaluate the influence of digital media, algorithms, and misinformation on civic engagement, and explore interventions that enhance media literacy and deliberative democracy on campus.
Apply Transformative Leadership Practices

Apply Transformative Leadership Practices Grounded in Ethics and Innovation

(1)
Demonstrate knowledge of inclusive and ethical leadership frameworks that respond to shifting demographics and complex institutional challenges.
(2)
Explore new language and policy approaches that sustain mission-driven change while navigating evolving political and cultural dynamics in higher education.

Expand Regional Strategies for Opportunity and Access

(1)
Identify institutional and community-based models that expand access and opportunity for non-traditional student populations (e.g., formerly incarcerated, parenting students, First Gen).
(2)
Analyze regional needs and develop context-specific solutions for equitable educational access across diverse learner populations.
Integrate Cross-Sector Collaboration

Integrate Cross-Sector Collaboration into Student Success and Career Readiness

(1)
Develop strategies for aligning academic programs with workforce demands by building partnerships between universities, public agencies, and industry.
(2)
Critically assess how AI and technological innovation are reshaping employability and the learning-to-work transition for graduates.

Why Attend?

  • Learn strategies for navigating federal and state-level policy changes.
  • Build leadership skills centered on opportunity and innovation.
  • Network with peers committed to strengthening higher education's role in a changing society.
  • Access practical tools to enhance workforce development pipelines and institutional resilience.

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Contact Us

Have questions or need more information about the Hive? Reach out to us at swchrs@ou.edu.