Agenda

The 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. tours will have transportation provided as the multicultural spaces are not right next to each other. The 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. tours the multicultural spaces are on the same block, but if you need accommodations to travel among the block please contact us at inclusivespacesummit24@umich.edu so we can provide a golf cart transportation between buildings. 

Michigan Housing Multicultural Engagement Center and Multicultural Lounges

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Meet outside of Michigan Union near the front steps of the main entrance

The Connector, Asubuhi Multicultural Lounge, Yuri Kochiyama Multicultural Lounge, Ambatana the Afro American Multicultural Lounge, Abeng Multicultural Lounge, Vicky Barner Multicultural Lounge, and Edward Said Multicultural Lounge

University Unions and Michigan Housing Multicultural Engagement Center 

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Meet at Michigan Union Information Desk - 1st floor

Michigan Union, The Michigan League, The Connector 

Multicultural Spaces at Michigan 

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Meet outside of Michigan Union near the front steps of the main entrance

Trotter Multicultural Center, The Connector, Asubuhi Multicultural Lounge, Yuri Kochiyama Multicultural Lounge, Ambatana the Afro-American Multicultural Lounge

Public Spaces at Michigan 

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Meet at Michigan Union Information Desk - 1st floor

Trotter Multicultural Center, Michigan Union, and The Connector

Trotter Multicultural Center Workshop

Michigan Union Wolverine Room

Through student activism, Trotter Multicultural Center began 53 years ago as the Black Culture Center. Three buildings later, Trotter Multicultural Center sits on the central campus of the University of Michigan campus. Our presentation will highlight the space's initial design, intentional design, and renovated design. We will provide time for you to engage with us and ask critical questions about Trotter Multicultural Center.

Kellyn Mackerl-Cooper, Trotter Multicultural Center, University of Michigan, kmackerl@umich.edu

Charles Simonson, Trotter Multicultural Center, University of Michigan, scharlie@umich.edu

Fareeha Khan,  Master of Architecture Graduate

Crafting Spaces of Belonging: Lessons from an LGBTQ+ Center

Michigan Union Pond Room

Join us for a workshop that dives into the essential principles of designing LGBTQ+ centers that truly reflect and serve the community's needs. This interactive and engaging session will provide attendees with actionable knowledge to create spaces that represent the diverse identities, histories, and cultures of LGBTQIA2S+ people and communities. This workshop is tailored for architects, designers, LGBTQ+ center staff, constituents, and other professionals invested in developing inclusive environments.

Will Sherry, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Office of Vice President for Student Life, University of Michigan, lasherry@umich.edu

Harmonizing Spaces: Integrating Biophilic, Regenerative, and Universal Design to Promote Belonging on Campus

The Connector Multipurpose Room (Meet in front of ground floor elevators for the short walk next door to the The Connector)

In this session we will explore how biophilic design provides a practical framework for understanding the intricate layers of cultural identity and connection to places that shape student experiences. Our discussion will demonstrate how architectural design choices can reflect and celebrate multicultural ideals of beauty and belonging, creating environments where students from all backgrounds feel genuinely at home and valued. By adopting a biophilic design approach, campuses can become living ecosystems that sustain and enhance cultural diversity. Additionally, our presentation will delve into Universal Design strategies including designing spaces for people of all abilities and backgrounds, trauma-informed design principles, and emphasizing the need for architects and planners to unpack implicit biases and comprehend how different students interpret and interact with space based on their unique lived experiences. The session will be a blend of the theoretical and tried-and-true, with real examples of Universal Design in action.

Matthew VanSweden, LFA, Progressive Companies, www.weareprogressive.com

Jamie Benvenuto, AIA, Progressive Companies, www.weareprogressive.com

Mausharie Valentine, AIA, Progressive Companies, www.weareprogressive.com

Designing Identity Spaces within Higher Education

Michigan Union Pond Room

Many universities are re-evaluating their existing identity spaces and/or establishing new ones to integrate DEI values across campus. Our session will focus on Emory University’s project to renovate existing and build new identity spaces on campus including strategies for student engagement, design, and project management. We will also reference other Higher Education projects focused on belonging and inclusion.

Jennifer Ingram, Perkins & Will, jennifer.ingram@perkinswill.com

Floyd Cline, Perkins & Will, floyd.cline@perkinswill.com

Innovative Design Through Equity and Engagement

Michigan Union Wolverine Room

 Student wellbeing, equity, sustainability, and reimagination are critical drivers in planning k-20 education environments. Establishing a process and tools for integrating inclusive engagement design can amplify voices of students, educators, and other stakeholders as part of a research approach. This session will explore the reinvigoration of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's (UWM) old student union through an inclusive engagement process that embraced student needs within a budget to share several good practices for inclusive design. Come learn how engagement and mixed-method research can respect the voice of stakeholders, increasing a sense of safety, wellbeing, and belonging while supporting diverse informal learning environments. 

Eric Jessup-Anger, UWM Director of Union - Student Involvement, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, anger@uwm.edu

Ada Mestad, HGA Design Anthropologist, HGA, AMestad@hga.com

Terri Howard, HGA Director of Equity, HGA, THoward@hga.com 

Carli Cole, HGA Principal Architect,  CCole@hga.com

Overview of Michigan Union Renovation 2017-2019

The Connector Multipurpose Room (Meet in front of ground floor elevators for the short walk next door to the The Connector) 

As one of the oldest student unions in the country and the heart of the University of Michigan campus, the process to plan for the Michigan Union renovation needed to be inclusive and purposeful. In this session, we will explore the planning process, student engagement and the outcomes of this historic project.

Susan Pile, Senior Director, University Unions and Auxiliary Services, University of Michigan, pile@umich.edu

You Belong Here: Designing and Operating a Student Center that Fosters Belonging

Michigan Union Pendelton Room

The importance of inclusivity and student wellbeing are continuous hot topics within higher education. While rudimentary adjustments are taking place on campus, we’ve yet to see what the full impact these two themes will have on the built environment, campus climate, and educational co-curricular programming and learning. This presentation will walk through Western Michigan University’s efforts to foster institutional diversity and multiculturalism through the development of its new student center, which opened in the fall of 2023. Presenters will cover how the administrative core team partnered with the project team to ensure that the architectural design and infrastructure changes work together to create student experiences for the new student center that embody the University’s commitment. The presenters will also discuss post-occupancy lessons learned and the operational changes that occurred with the opening of the new facility.

Carrie Parker, CannonDesign, cparker@cannondesig.com

Paul Terzino, Director Student Center, Western Michigan University, paul.terzino@wmich.edu 

Brett Lawrence, CannonDesign, blawrence@cannondesign.com

Renee Wallace, renee@doersedge.com

When Your Space is Only a Table

Michigan Union Pond Room

Multicultural spaces are everywhere but in campus spaces that need to be dynamic and flexible, like a campus dining hall, we are charged with creating multicultural spaces that are both memorable and ephemeral. Ideal for participants hoping to create memorable spaces for cultural exchange without a renovation project, this tiny talk will share University of Michigan Dining and Housing’s Community Table partnership program. Community Tables is a programming template for hosting that grows belonging and encourages cultural exchange. MDining and the Housing Diversity and Inclusion office host immersive workshops for staff and students where we engage in dialogue over lunch. All of our guests have unique experiences and relationships with food and their intersection with social identity. Chefs from across campus share a coursed menu personal to their lived experiences. This tiny talk will share the MDining approach to hosting, A Place at Our Table, the planning and partnership process, and experiences from both staff and student-facing Community Tables.

Amanda Ewing, Director of Diversity and Inclusion - Michigan Dining, University of Michigan, ewingam@umich.edu

Artist Panel: Storytelling Through Artwork in the Multicultural Lounge Renovations

The Connector Multipurpose Room (Meet in front of ground floor elevators for the short walk next door to the The Connector) 

Moderated By: Elizabeth Beckett, Senior Program Manager - Inclusive Spaces, Diversity and Inclusion - Housing, University of Michigan, beckette@umich.edu

One of the primary aims of Michigan Housing’s multicultural lounge renovations is to increase the ways in which we tell the stories and histories of a specific multicultural lounge, the person or community it honors, and the advocacy leading to its creation. In recent renovations, we have found unique ways to incorporate original artwork through partnering with local Detroit and Southeast Michigan artists. In this panel, we welcome several artists who have worked with us to make our vision a reality. Each artist will speak about the process of working alongside the office of Diversity and Inclusion, creating a shared vision, their creative process, and what impact they hope their work has on the campus community.

Panelists:

• Jonathan Harris, Artist, jonathanharrisart@gmail.com

• Takeisha Jefferson, Artist, mrstakeishaj@gmail.com 

• Elsa Olander, Artist and University of Michigan Student, elsao@umich.edu

Visiting Vendor Program - Michigan Union

Michigan Union Wolverine Room

Local favorite ethnic restaurants participate in a visiting vendor program offering authentic cuisine in markets on campus.  The program brings great flavors from local restaurants on a rotating schedule to the campus community.  During this tiny talk, we will cover the visiting vendor program, the partnership with campus dining and the union, and local restaurant engagement.  

Xavier Wilson, Associate Director of University Unions and Director of the Michigan League, University of Michigan, xwilson@umich.edu

Join participants, vendors, and presenters at the multicultural design and inclusive space summit. There will be food and prizes. 

Programming Toward A Sense of Belonging in Inclusive Spaces 

Michigan Union Wolverine Room

How can programming and events create a sense of belonging in an inclusive space? How can we motivate students to lead these efforts? In this session, we will answer these questions and more as we discuss the student programming that occurs in the M Housing Multicultural Lounge Program, share strategies around coaching and supervising student staff to create programs that foster a sense of belonging, and examine three examples of student programming inspired by multicultural lounges. This session will conclude with a panel of student staff sharing their experiences and strategies.

Ray Stewart, Senior Program Manager, Diversity and Inclusion - University of Michigan, rayste@umich.edu  

Isabella Schilling,  Residential Climate and Gender Inclusive Program Manager, Diversity and Inclusion - University of Michigan,  belschil@umich.edu

Co-Working for Student Organizations: Developing the IdeaHub at the Michigan Union

Michigan Union IdeaHub

Through the design process of the renovated Michigan Union, student leaders pushed for a more equitable model for student organization space rather than the traditional private office model that met the needs of only a few of Michigan's 1600 student organizations. Using co-working models from outside higher education, the planners designed a 12,000 square foot student organization IdeaHub as an accessible place open for all student organizations to meet, collaborate, learn, and lead. This session will focus on the planning of the space and lessons learned between 2020 and today.

Dr. Nicholas Smith: Director, Center for Campus Involvement & Associate Director, University Unions, University of Michigan, nickas@umich.edu 

Kelly Dunlop: Secular, Spiritual, Religious and Interfaith Engagement Lead, University of Michigan, kldunlop@umich.edu

Considerations for Designing Intentionally Inclusive Physical Spaces

The Connector Multipurpose Room (Meet in front of ground floor elevators for the short walk next door to the The Connector) 

The conversation around inclusive spaces on campus has reached a tipping point: where in decades past it was often enough for spaces to be built in the first place and exist, now students are increasingly calling for design that tells an authentic story, educates, and goes to the heart of inclusion. The multicultural lounge program in Michigan Housing was originally created due to student activism in the 1970’s to provide an environment of support, solidarity, and sharing for underrepresented students. Four decades later, with renovations due, a chorus of student voices rose again, challenging the university to create inclusive physical environments or spaces where students can feel a sense of belonging, feel welcomed, and see themselves represented on campus. The University of Michigan’s Housing program has been exploring this question for the past 10 years as part of our commitment to renovating all 18 multicultural spaces within our residential spaces. What we have learned is that small projects (like a sign on the back of a bathroom door) are as critical to this conversation as designing and renovating a large room. 

Through an exploration of what  it means to physically create a inclusive space (both small and large) that creates a sense of belonging, this interactive session will discuss the specific program at the University of Michigan, walk through examples of some of the successful projects we have carried out, share lessons learned along the way of renovating these spaces,  and give participants an opportunity to explore ways to bring pieces of this back to their campus. Individuals will walk away with examples and ideas for both small and large scale projects, tangible design elements and recommendations to consider, and ideas for working within budget resources depending on the size of the project.

Elizabeth Beckett, Senior Program Manager - Inclusive Spaces, Diversity and Inclusion - M Housing, University of Michigan, beckette@umich.edu

Jennifer Catalano, Construction Project Coordinator, Student Life Capital Projects, University of Michigan, jecatala@umich.edu

Panel Discussion

Michigan Union Wolverine Room

Behind the Curtain: A Peak Into Multicultural and Inclusive Space Design

Moderated By: Jason Taylor, Managing Partner, The Annex Group, jtaylor@theannexgrp.com

Is there a “secret sauce” that makes a space inclusive? What goes into designing spaces from a multicultural lens? How do you cultivate support for these initiatives? Where do you begin? This work can seem overwhelming. The good news is, we’re all in it together. Join us on Wednesday, May 15 at 10:30am for a panel of experts with an array of experiences creating multicultural and inclusive spaces, including partners in Interior Design, DEI, and Higher Education. We will discuss these questions and more while giving tips on starting or continuing this work in your organizations. Have a question for our panelists? Submit them here by May 12th.

Panelist:

• Dr Nadia Bazzy, Director - Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, University of Michigan, nmbazzy@umich.edu

• Nick Santilli, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at John Carroll University, santilli@jcu.edu

• Nick Smith, Director for the Center for Campus Involvement, Associate Director for University Unions, University of Michigan, nickas@umich.edu

• Jennifer Catalano, Student Life Capital Projects Construction Project Coordinator, University of Michigan, jecatala@umich.edu

• Floyd Cline, Principal, Higher Education, Perkins&Will, floyd.Clines@perkinswill.com

Workshop: Discussing Inclusive Practices as a Core Planning Component

Michigan Union Pond Room

Colleges and universities must ensure that students of diverse backgrounds feel safe and welcome on campus in order to successfully educate and train our next generation of leaders. Incorporating the needs and preferences of all campus populations into the institutional mission is deep and complicated work with no road map. Based on interviews with university and design professionals, this session will present examples of processes, priority populations, planning methods, and products that support inclusivity on campus. As a group, we will discuss a range of processes and strategies that can strengthen your approach to making inclusive practices a core planning component.

Rena Cheskis-Gold, CEO and Founder, Demographic Perspectives, LLC, rena@demographicperspectives.com

The afternoon session will allow participants to dig deep into the area of multicultural space design, management, and planning that would best support their work. In these sessions individuals will be able to learn skills around integrative planning, assessment, design, and criteria of inclusive spaces, including working on tangible components that they can take with them after the summit.

The Architecture of Belonging: Fostering Inclusive Environments

Michigan Union Pond Room

Establishing a profound sense of belonging among students is paramount for their well-being, engagement, and academic success. In this session, we explore the architecture of belonging from two interconnected perspectives. First, "Placemaking for Belonging," we delve into how students from diverse backgrounds attribute significance to physical places on campuses, drawing from research at the University of Michigan and beyond. We'll explore how inclusive planning can foster social, intellectual, restorative, and symbolic engagement for all students. Second, "Neuro-Inclusivity in Design," we discuss strategies for designing inclusive environments that accommodate people with diverse sensory needs and cognitive preferences, drawing from our expertise in housing and dining spaces. Together, we'll explore empowering individuals with choice and voice, ensuring every student feels supported and included in campus life.

Loren Rullman, Workshop Architects, loren@workshoparchitects.com 

Brian Schermer, Workshop Architects, brian@workshoparchitects.com

Ever Clinton, Workshop Architects, ever@workshoparchitects.com

Agatha Vonderberg, Workshop Architects, agatha@workshoparchitects.com

The Art of Creating Inclusive Spaces: Planning, Design & Operations

Michigan Union Kuenzel Room

Join us in this engaging session as we build essential skills and strategies to champion a master plan and design processes focused on inclusive spaces and places, from the initial planning stages to successful operation.

This session will provide a framework and information you need to renovate or build a new housing facility, focusing on inclusive design. We will discuss how new housing is planned and designed to support your operational and programmatic goals best. This will include an overview of a project's phases, including terminology descriptions and design strategies for inclusive, multi-cultural environments.

Interactive lessons will include learning key factors in inclusive planning, comparing 3D models to blueprints, and what questions to ask to ensure a design that reflects the diverse needs of students. We recommend attending this session if you are a new or aspiring SHO with little to no experience or experience with success stories to share. You’ll leave feeling more empowered as your campus prepares to build or renovate a residence.

Chelsea Bennett, Scion Advisory Services, cbennett@thesciongroup.com

Joe Stramberg, TreanorHL & Rosanne Proite, RP Consulting (formerly Dir. at Texas State U, San Marcos), jstramberg@treanorhl.com

Overview of Integrated Learning - SCUP

Michigan Union Wolverine Room

In a nutshell, integrated planning engages all sectors of the academy—academic affairs, student affairs, business  and finance, campus planning, IT, communications, development, and more—and involves all stakeholders— faculty, students, staff, alumni, and external partners—to work together toward a common vision. Integrated  planning is not a one-time event but a durable framework to create the infrastructure for institutional thriving.  Integrated planning links resources, processes, and people with an institution’s mission, vision and core values.  Join us for a conversation about the SCUP Integrated Planning model and how it can help bring your community together and unleash your institution's potential. Then join us again for Day 2 Thursday morning for reflection and brainstorming on the topic of Integrated Planning.  Spend time with colleagues and a SCUP facilitator discussing how the concept of Integrated Planning can be  implemented on your campus. 

Dr. Nicholas Santilli, Society for College and University Planning, santilli@jcu.edu 

Josh Humbel, Associate Director, Learning Programs, Society for College and University Planning, josh.humbel@scup.org

Integrative Planning: Reflections and Brainstorming - SCUP

Michigan Union Wolverine Room

After attending yesterday’s session, join us for reflection and brainstorming on the topic of Integrated Planning.  Spend time with colleagues and a SCUP facilitator discussing how the concept of Integrated Planning can be  implemented on your campus. Specifically reviewing: Resourcing,  Alignment, Generating Commitment, DEIB Planning in a politically fraught environment.

Dr. Nicholas Santilli, Society for College and University Planning, santilli@jcu.edu 

Josh Humbel, Associate Director, Learning Programs, Society for College and University Planning, josh.humbel@scup.org

Discussion:  Inclusive Space Best Standards for Collective Learning and Future Publication

Michigan Union Kuenzel Room

This interactive session will guide participants through a facilitated discussion of their experience and learnings in planning, designing, and programming for inclusive spaces. With an intentional focus on next steps and ‘now what’, participants will be invited to reflect on lessons learned and synthesize information into the development of best methods and practice standards for inclusive spaces. This collective conversation will result in the development of a roadmap for inclusive space design and programs. The information generated from this session may be shared to inform current trends and shape a future conversation to develop a article or paper that would be published on this topic. Individuals in the session can determine if they’d like to participate in further conversations beyond this conversation. 

Shira Covington, Assistant Director, Diversity and Inclusion, University of Michigan, svduncan@umich.edu 

Holly Rodden, DEI Lead - Student Life , University of Michigan, hrodden@umich.edu

Empowering Voices: Fostering Student Activism and Creating Inclusive Spaces

Michigan Union Pond Room

Set against the backdrop of the University of Michigan’s historic commitment to social advocacy and diversity, participants will delve into the history and impact of student activism and analyze its pivotal role in shaping inclusive community spaces that reflect diverse perspectives and experiences. This session will address the importance of place-making, the intentional role of campus spaces that encourage dialogue, learning, and collective action, and the role of University stakeholders in shaping this dynamic. 

Dr. Sarah Daniels, Associate Dean of Students, University of Michigan, sjmd@umich.edu 

Dr. Nicholas Smith, Director, Center for Campus Involvement & Associate Director, University Unions, University of Michigan, nickas@umich.edu

Please join the remaining presenters and sponsors in an open roundtable conversations before leaving for the day. This time can be spent asking questions, checking in about something you heard in a workshop, creating plans for items you are bringing back to your work, or gathering business cards to set up a more in depth conversation in the future.