Division of Intercultural Excellence

Our Common Ground Symposium

Held every March, the Our Common Ground Symposium is an evolution of UVM's prestigious Inclusive Excellence Symposium and Blackboard Jungle. This four-day event brings scholars, performers, and community members together for lectures and conversation that center on a specific, timely theme.
Portraits of Michael Benitez, Jr., Yassin Alsalman, Joel Davis Brown, and Rhonda Magee

Building Resilience through Connection - March 16 - 19, 2026

This four-day symposium will bring together scholars, performers and educators to explore the ways cultivating connection can build resilience.

2026 Speakers and Schedule
Portraits of Valarie Kaur, Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, Sonny Singh, and Tasleem Jamila Firdausee

Healing through Hope — March 18 - 21, 2025

The 2025 Inclusive Excellence Symposium is a four-day event bringing together scholars, performers and multi-media educators to explore ways to find hope and resilience during tumultuous times. Speakers include Valarie Kaur, Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, Sonny Singh, and Tasleem Jamila Firdausee.

Delma Jackson III standing amongst a seated audience speaking. He is gesturing with one hand held near his head. Jasiri X holding a microphone in front of a black backdrop. He is wearing a red cap and a black A Tribe Called Quest crewneck. Vice Provost Amer Ahmed speaking at a podium. Behind him is an image of the 2024 IES logo: a dotted line that curves into a solid line heart shape with an arrow at the end of it.

2024 Symposium - Leading with Love in Pursuit of Justice

How do you lead with love? The 2024 Inclusive Excellence Symposium explored the relationship between love and justice with renowned scholars, performers, and activists Delma Jackson III, Megan Red Shirt-Shaw, Durryle Brooks, and Jasiri X.

IES sessions on YouTube
Four square portraits of IES presenters Loretta Ross, D'Lo, Rabia Chaudry, and Maimouna Youssef separated by a thin white line.

2023 - In Community with Our Common Ground

The 2023 Inclusive Excellence Symposium explored what it means to be in community with the University of Vermont’s Our Common Ground values with speakers Loretta Ross, Rabia Chaudry, D’Lo, and Maimouna Youssef.

Majora Carter walking to the podium Majora Carter, Kristy Drutman, and Cody Two Bears pose for a photo in front of a white back drop. Kristy Drutman and Majora Carter looking at each other laughing in front of a white background with plants on either side of them.

2022 - At the Intersection of IE and Sustainability

The 2022 Inclusive Excellence Symposium explored the intersection of IE and sustainability through a mix of in-person and virtual events including sessions with presenters Kristy Drutman, Majora Carter, and Cody Two Bears