October 11-12, 2026
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Join us for conversations centered around "Radical Reimagining: From Student Resilience to Institutional Responsibility."
Welcome to the Dennis H. May Mental Health Conference on Belonging and Higher Education
Our conference has a long history at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Counseling Center. For nearly three decades, the purpose of the Dennis H. May Mental Health Conference on Belonging in Higher Education has been to educate those who work directly with college students on issues related to mental health, belongingness, and the college experience. Benefits of attending this conference include learning about emerging issues impacting today's college students, connecting with other professionals in the field, and engaging in robust training on belonging and inclusion.
Learn About the Conference History
We know the needs and demographics of college students are changing, therefore we need to evolve as well. As we continue to grow, we have expanded the conference to include all student affairs professionals. This conference brings together educators and professionals through interactive sessions and community-building opportunities to create a space where students feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Dates:
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 3-7 p.m.
Monday, October 12, 2026, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location:
Illini Union, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL
Theme:
"Radical Reimagining: From Student Resilience to Institutional Responsibility."
Cost:
Non-U. of I. Affiliate: $250
U. of I. Employee: $200
Intern: $100
Our Keynote Speaker
Delishia M. Pittman, PhD, MPH, ABPP, LPC, NCC, ACS is an Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology in the Department of Psychological Studies in Education at Temple University. Dr. Pittman earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from The University of Georgia, and an MPH in epidemiology from The George Washington University.
As a scholar-activist-practitioner, Dr. Pittman’s work sits at the intersection of diversity science, psychological science, and population health. Her scholarship examines the psychosocial, relational, and cultural factors that influence health and mental health outcomes among Black emerging adults, particularly in the context of racism, gendered stress, and intergenerational trauma. Her research also explores decolonial and anti-oppressive approaches to psychotherapy and the future of the counseling profession. She is widely recognized for her expertise in racial equity and social justice education, particularly in the areas of anti-Black racism, racial bias, and whiteness awareness building.
She is the Founder and Clinical Director of the Paradigm Shift Psychological Wellness Collective, a boutique psychotherapy practice centering the wellness of BIPOC millennials. She is dually licensed as a psychologist and licensed professional counselor, and was the first African American to be board-certified in counseling psychology in the District of Columbia.
Presenting at the Conference
Call for Program Proposal
We welcome presenters and attendees from counseling centers, student affairs, and community teachers and administrators interested in preparing their students for college. This year's conference theme is "Radical Reimagining: From Student Resilience to Institutional Responsibility." Suggested areas for proposals include, but are not limited to:
- Strategies for supporting historically marginalized communities
- Culturally responsive mental health practices and programs in higher education
- Fostering and redefining collective care, belonging, and community healing
- Navigating mental health within the context of systemic inequities and social justice
- Innovative approaches to resilience, balance, and mental well-being in academic and professional spaces
- Moving from research and lived experiences to action: case studies and models for institutional responsiveness
When submitting a proposal, please include a brief overview of the topic you will be exploring, followed by action-oriented steps to promote change. If your proposal is accepted, the presentation title, presenter information, and abstract you provide will be included in the conference program; therefore, please ensure all information is accurate.
More than one proposal may be submitted; however, multiple acceptances will be reviewed with consideration for conference scheduling limitations.
Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on July 10, 2026. You will receive notification of acceptance by the end of July. To allow as many participants as possible, we may ask you to consider collaborating with others if similar proposals are submitted. All presenters will be expected to register for the conference by mid-August.
We welcome proposals from colleagues at all stages of their careers. If you would like your 2026–2027 trainees to have the opportunity to lead a roundtable discussion, please provide general information at this time by emailing Drs. Kamau Grantham and Emily Barnum. Note that if your trainees are unable to fulfill the commitment, we kindly ask you to find a replacement for the roundtable.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Lodging
Illini Union Hotel
Conference Hotel
1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL
217-333-1241
One king bed - $129/night
Two full beds -$134/night
Two full beds with Quad view - $159/night
Booking Code: UICOUNS26
I-Hotel and Conference Center
Shuttle service provided to and from conference.
1900 S. First Street, Champaign, IL
217-819-5000
$179/night
Block Code: DENNISMAY1026
Guest Password: 9n$KD
Townplace Suites by Marriott
Two blocks from conference venue.
603 S. Sixth Street, Champaign, IL
217-344-1600
$159/night
Travel Information
Directions to Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign is located near two major interstates—I-74 and I-57. We are approximately 150 miles south of Chicago, 100 miles west of Indianapolis, and 175 miles northeast of Saint Louis.
If you need to park on campus, the university’s Parking Department offers several options.
Willard Airport (Airport Code: CMI) is approximately 5 miles from campus and is easily accessible by cab/rideshare service and bus. Currently, direct flights into Willard are from Dallas/Fort Worth and O'Hare Airports.
AMTRAK offers service between downtown Chicago and Champaign.
Peoria Charter offers bus transportation from both Chicago airports to campus (the ISR stop is just a block from the campus venue).
Questions?
Please contact us at 217-333-3704 or email Drs. Kamau Grantham and Emily Barnum, co-chairs of the Dennis H. May Mental Health Conference on Belonging in Higher Education.
