UW-River Falls to host Minnesota Writing and English Conference March 28-29

Event organizers seek presenters to discuss how educators can help college students through challenges  

Jan. 29, 2025 - An upcoming conference at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls seeks to inform educators on how to help college students better navigate challenges in an oftentimes difficult world.  
  
The Minnesota Writing and English Conference (MnWE), “Engaging Students During Turbulent Times,” is scheduled for March 28-29 in the Riverview Ballroom in the University Center, E. 501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls. 
  
Event participants will discuss strategies to help students persevere through challenges such as living away from home, concerns about climate change and social justice and economic pressures.   
  
Organizers are seeking additional educators, staff and students to submit proposals to present at the conference, which focuses on how educators can best support students amid their struggles. Cyndi Kernahan, professor of psychology and director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at UWRF, is one of the event’s presenters. 
  
Organizers seek proposals that address the following questions:  

•  How can students build resilience through writing? 
• How can creative writing expand students’ perspectives and foster new possibilities? 
• How can literature enhance empathy and resilience? 
• How can trauma-based instruction improve teaching practices? 
• How can writing tutors boost students’ confidence in their writing? 
• How can educators balance the use of artificial intelligence with promoting human intelligence? 
•  How can educators maintain their well-being so they can continue to effectively teach students? 
• How can English faculty learn from reading and English Speakers of Other Languages programs to empower students? 
• How can librarians assist students in navigating diverse information sources?

The deadline to submit proposals is Sunday, Feb. 16. To submit a proposal, register for the conference or apply for a student travel grant, visit www.mnweconference.com/#/. Contact mnweconference@gmail.com with questions.