
Vision and Action for a New Era
Mason is proud to host our inaugural ARIE Conference
In 2020, the nation saw some harsh truths about racial justice laid bare. While many researchers, practitioners, and administrators are leaders in inclusivity and access in higher education, we can always do better. We need to understand where we have been, where we are going, and what effective practices and resources will lead to access, justice, equity, and inclusion for all. The time for action and change is now.
The Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) Conference provides a forum for higher education, industry, government, nonprofit, and other changemakers to
- Critically discuss anti-racism and inclusive excellence in the academy
- Share effective practices and resources to advance anti-racism and inclusive excellence
- Amplify the visibility and impact of research, scholarship, and creative activities conducted by national scholars
The ARIE conference is an opportunity to learn, change, and grow together—ultimately preparing us to work better together.

Monday, October 24 from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Located in Van Metre Hall, Multipurpose Room 125/126
At Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia (Free Parking)
Registration Fee: In-person - $100, Virtual - $25
Registration is complimentary for all students, Mason faculty and staff, and poster presenters
Conference Agenda
Monday, October 24, 2022
8 – 9 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Opening Session: Welcome & Keynote Speaker
10 – 11:15 a.m.
Research Panel: Conducting Research Through an Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Lens
11:15 – 12:00 p.m.
Poster Session and Networking
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch with Table Topic Discussion
1:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Remarks: Gregory Washington, President, George Mason University
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Presidential Panel: Advancing Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence in the Academy
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Break
2:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Research Panel: Translating Research into Action
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Closing Session: Remarks and Networking Reception
Conference Participants
Hear from a diverse group of higher education, nonprofit, and federal agency changemakers about institutional and research practices to advance anti-racism and inclusive excellence, and the most pressing issues facing higher education today.
Featured Presenters

Gregory Washington
President, George Mason University

Gail Christopher
Executive Director, National Collaborative for Health Equity
Senior Scholar, Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, George Mason University
Panelists and Moderators
President, Virginia State University |
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Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Chief Diversity Officer, George Mason University |
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Professor of History, George Mason University |
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Professor of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University |
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Faculty Fellow, Charles Warren Center for Studies in American History, Harvard University |
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Director, John Mitchell Jr. Program for History, Justice and Race, George Mason University |
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President, Northern Virginia Community College |
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Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, George Mason University |
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Professor of Integrative Studies & History and Associate Director, Center for Mason Legacies, George Mason University |
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Associate University Librarian for Antiracism, Harvard University |
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Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning, Associate Director, George Mason University |
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Professor, Director & Chair, Carter G. Woodson Institute for African American & African Studies, University of Virginia |
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Assistant Professor, Department of Criminology, Law, and Society, George Mason University |

Call for Posters
The ARIE Conference will host a poster session on Monday, October 24, 2022, from 11:15 a.m. to noon. We invite you to submit a proposal to exhibit a poster highlighting a project or effort advancing anti-racism and inclusive excellence. We welcome posters related to:
- Campus and community engagement
- Curriculum and pedagogy
- Policies and practices
- Research, scholarship, and creative activities
- Training and development
- Workforce development
Submission Requirements
Proposals should include the title of the poster and an abstract (up to 250 words) for the poster and project, including its purpose and how it relates to the conference theme.
The deadline for submission is October 7, 2022. Submitters will be notified on or before October 10, 2022. Registration is required (and complimentary) for all poster presenters.
To apply, email Poster Session proposals to arie@gmu.edu by October 7, 2022.
Traveling to Mason Square
Conference Location
Van Metre Hall
Multipurpose Room 125/126
Mason Square
3351 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201-4426

ARIE Conference Hotel
Hilton Arlington
950 North Stafford Street, Arlington, Virginia
Group dates: October 23–25, 2022
Group code: ARIE
Mason Square Parking
FREE visitor parking is available in the Van Metre Hall Garage, accessible via Founders Way North.
COVID-19 Protocol
We pledge to support the health, safety, and well-being of the Mason community while fulfilling the university’s mission.
Learn more about Mason's commitment to a safe return to in-person events