Frequently Asked Questions

The following Frequently Asked Questions are based on various topics related to the Social Justice Symposium (SJS). If you are confused about any topic and your questions are not addressed here, feel free to email us.

Creative Uprising: Political, Educational, and Cultural Avenues of Art

Explore and discover the intersections of art, social justice, and our community.

• When is the Social Justice Symposium?

  The Social Justice Symposium will be held from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM In-Person this year in the University Student Union Ballroom on Wednesday and Thursday February 27 and 28, 2024. 

• What happens during the event? Do I have to go to every single discussion?
  The event proceeds with 3-4 breakout sessions at the same time, in different rooms. Think of a Zoom breakout session. In an hour, participants can choose a presentation they want to see and will go to their designated room to attend.
• What is this years theme?
  This year’s theme, Creative Uprising, intends to highlight the illuminating, liberating, and versatile qualities of art, especially related to activist and cultural practices. As we examine multiple social justice frameworks, participants will also be encouraged to explore the many forms, histories, and meanings of art, assess the role of art in activism, and connect and build upon our social experiences and knowledge.
  

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• How do I register?

   Registration is open. Please register at your earliest convenience. 

   

• Who may attend?

  The Social Justice Symposium is open for undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members.  

• Who can submit a proposal?
  We encourage undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to submit a variety of social justice perspectives and issues, especially in relation to the theme/topc of art production and culture. These topics may include, but are not limited to:
  

  • The many forms of art
  • Our relationship to art in a capitalist society 
  • How art and culture emerges in varying underrepresented communities
  • Histories and research related to political/cultural/existential art production 
  • How art can be a prominent tool for change, education, and building community
  • How art nurtures, records, and represents our stories, cultures, and emotions 
  • How being socially conscious changes our perception of art
  • Semantics/meanings behind the word Art
• I want to present, but I am nervous! How can I ensure I will have a positive experience?

  Giving presentations in person can already be nervewracking and we want to see you succeed! The best way to prepare for a presentation is to prepare by starting with an outline and agenda, expect the unexpected, have back up plans, think through how you want to convey your presentation, and how you might want to keep your audience engaged. 

  If selected, please join your session 10 minutes prior to the start of your presentation. We will confirm your set-up and materials provided one week before. 

• Will presentors be able to practice beforehand?
  Yes! To arrange a practice run, please contact Ken Waddy at kwaddy@csusm.edu
• What type of proposals will be accepted?

  We are looking for a variety of different submissions. Below are the four we will consider.

  Poster Presentation - A poster presentation consists of an exhibit of materials reporting research activities or informational resources in visual and summary form. Poster presentations are a terrific platform for facilitating personal discussion of work with interested colleagues and allowing meeting attendees to browse current research at their own pace.  Research on submissions of all topics will be considered.
  Roundtable Discussion - Informal roundtables offer opportunities for those who share conceptual, methodological, professional, or policy concerns to meet one another and to initiate and expand networks. These discussion sessions also are particularly valuable for those who are developing new ideas on formulating issues in new ways and who would like to explore these ideas or issues with colleagues who have similar interests.
  Workshop - Interactive informational sessions covering issues pertaining to social justice. Facilitators must comply with accessibility requests.  Workshop duration must be 40-50* mins long (*with buffer for travel, introductions, and evaluations)

• What are the timeframes each proposal?

  Proposals will be offered in 50 minute increments as followed:

  Wednesday, February 27, 2024

  • Session 1 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM  
  • Session 2 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

  Thursday, February 28, 2024

  • Session 3 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM  
  • Session 4 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
• How much does it cost to attend?
  The Social Justice Symposium is free!
• What food will be provided?

  Lunch will be provided both days. 

• Will there be ADA accommodations?
  All ADA accomodations will be provided with advance notice and request. To request accomodations, email us.