Conference to examine student-life issues

In 50 years, what will the “face” of UW–Madison look like? Will we be culturally receptive to the influx of Latinos, Southeast Asian-Americans and people of diverse experiences and backgrounds? Will we “speak” with one another largely through computers?

All members of the campus community interested in the answers to those questions can attend this year’s Student Personnel Association conference, “The Changing Face of Our Campuses: Recognizing the Past and Preparing for the Future.”

Scheduled for 8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, at the Pyle Center, the conference will offer strategies, innovative thoughts and ideas for the many challenges facing higher education professionals.

Carolyn Calloway-Thomas, associate professor of communication and culture, African-American and African diaspora studies at Indiana University, will deliver the keynote address, “Under Cherry Trees There are no Strangers: Communicating Interculturally.”

Calloway-Thomas is nationally known for her work in the areas of intercultural communication, African-American orality, pedagogy and cultural stories.

Cost is $41 for SPA members; $56 for non-SPA members; and $28 for students. Registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 10.

For more information and registration details, visit http://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/spa/conference%2006.htm.