UNMC faculty, staff, students called to step ‘Beyond Boundaries’

UNMC faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend the Rural Futures Conference, Nov. 3-5 in Lincoln.

The theme for the 2013 Rural Futures Conference is “Beyond Boundaries,” which encourages all of us to step beyond our typical boundaries and work together to create positive rural futures.

The upcoming conference will celebrate the importance of rural and create energy and enthusiasm for new and innovative ways to address complex opportunities and challenges. From the university community to citizens and organizational partners, don’t miss the opportunity to transcend boundaries and collaboratively make a difference.

View a special message from Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs at UNMC, about why you should attend the conference.

A university’s greatest resource is its faculty, staff and students. Consequently, for the Rural Futures Institute (RFI) to be successful, it is essential for faculty, staff and students to engage and collaborate with the RFI, sharing knowledge, expertise and resources to create resilient and sustainable rural communities.

There are several opportunities to be involved and contribute content for the 2013 Rural Futures Conference:

• Faculty and Partner Poster Session: Participants display current work or research relevant to the rural futures.
• Undergraduate and Graduate Poster Competition: Students display rural focused projects and research findings. Note that cash prizes are available in these student categories.
• Quick Pitch Spotlight: Conference participants rapid fire their “big idea” for rural people and places.
• Community Questions: Communities of place or interest pose questions that stimulate collaboration and potential research opportunities. Note that accepted “community questions” also include three paid registrations to the conference.

In addition to these engagement opportunities, there will be special grant meetings at the conference to give conference participants first-hand information and tips for future grant applications. View the full agenda on the Rural Futures website.

Registration opens on Sept. 1 and will remain open until the seats are filled. Registration closed early last year because maximum capacity was reached. It is anticipated the same will occur again this year, so register early to ensure your spot. For more information or to register, click here.

For the latest information on the 2013 Rural Futures Conference, follow Rural Futures on Twitter (hashtag: #RFC2013) or Facebook.