Ashleigh Hazley, Assistant Director of UofL’s Muhammad Ali Institute, presents at a statewide virtual conference about enhancing student experiences during COVID-19.

On June 9th, Bellarmine University hosted a national conference on Making It Matter: Redefining the Student Experience during COVID-19. This free virtual conference brought together over 500 higher-ed practitioners from across the U.S. Ashleigh Hazley, Assistant Director of UofL’s Muhammad Ali Institute, gave a presentation with Marcos Morales, Program Coordinator of UofL’s Hispanic and Latino Initiatives at Office. Ashleigh and Marcos were on a panel titled Building and Maintaining Virtual Communities for Underrepresented Populations through Student Informed Practices. Other presenters included Joe Frazier, Director of the Dr. Carver Office of Identity and Inclusion at Bellarmine University and Emily Dixon, the Assistant Director of this office. 

The Making It Matter: Redefining the Student Experience during COVID-19 conference provided an opportunity for higher-ed administrators to discuss best practices, next steps, challenges, and share messages of strength and hope. This full day conference included a keynote speaker, 15 program sessions covering topics related to the student experience during COVID-19 and beyond, a Vice President for Student Affairs Luncheon, and eleven Townhall Meetings. The focus of the conference was on transitioning programs to a virtual environment, and the importance of including student-informed practices.