This one-day symposium seeks to foster conversations on bilingualism (English / Spanish) across the University of Arizona within the Hispanic-Serving Institution and Borderlands contexts. For Spring 2026, the BIS26 organizers would like to invite you to participate by presenting your projects/initiatives and/or work-in-progress, and by attending and connecting with potential collaborators/stakeholders across campus. Call for proposals and RSVP dates to be determined.
Do you want to collaborate in the BIS26 organizing team? Email jhenaomunoz@arizona.edu and/or schedule an appointment https://calendly.com/profejhon/bilingualhighered
Explore the significance of bilingualism in education and its role in fostering bi/multi/cultural understanding and inclusivity.
Share successful bilingual initiatives and programs implemented across campus.
Discuss challenges and opportunities in promoting bilingualism and multiculturalism within Higher Education
Foster collaboration and exchange of ideas among faculty, staff, students, and community members interested in bilingual (English-Spanish) education and initiatives.
Advocate for bilingualism and multiculturalism initiatives in HSI by fostering a community of educators and professionals in Higher Education.
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2025 - 2nd Annual Bilingual Initiatives Symposium - March 28th, 2025 - Program
"Building Capacity for Bilingual, Bicultural and Biliterate Higher Education"
This year's edition will feature Dra. Joy Esquierdo, Vice Provost of Bilingual Integration, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as the keynote speaker presenting on Revitalizing Institutions of Higher Education: Innovations in the Multidimensionality of Bilingualism.
Organized by Advocating for Bilingual and Culturally-Responsive Higher Education project - ABC HigherEd
Team members:
Jhonatan Henao-Muñoz, Assistant Professor of Practice, W.A. Franke Honors College and UNIV Core Faculty Office of General Education
Dr. Matthew Austin, Assistant Professor of Practice, W.A. Franke Honors College and UNIV Core Faculty Office of General Education
Dra. Jessica Zeitler, Bilingual Instructional Designer, University Center for Assessment, Teaching, & Technology (UCATT)
Dra. Itzel Íñiguez, Program Manager & Administrative Program Coordinator, Office of General Education
2024 - Inaugural Annual Bilingual Initiatives Symposium - April 12th, 2024 - Program
"Embracing Bilingualism at HSI UAZ"
Hosted by: Jhonatan Henao-Muñoz, Assistant Professor of Practice in the W.A. Franke Honors College and a member of the UNIV Core Faculty in the Office of General Education
Faculty Collaborators: Dra. Nadia Álvarez Mexía, Assistant Professor of Practice and the Assistant Director of Learning Development and Community Involvement in the W.A. Franke Honors College, Dr. Matthew Austin, Assistant Professor of Practice in the W.A. Franke Honors College and a member of the UNIV Core Faculty in the Office of General Education
The Bilingual Initiatives Symposium is possible thanks to the support of:
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