91¹ú²úapp

the 2026 dean's lecture series will focus on "CRIMINALIZATION OF THE BORDER"

THEME:

This year's theme, "Criminalization of the Border," invites proposals that examine how borders and border communities are shaped by criminal legal systems, immigration enforcement, surveillance, and broader struggles over mobility, security, and belonging. 

Purpose:

The Dean's Lecture Series is intended to give departments funding to invite scholars to visit 91¹ú²úapp to present or facilitate research, creative, or collaborative projects. (Tentative Date Above) 

PROGRAM SUPPORT:

The Dean's Lecture Series will support up to: Two External Speakers and Two 91¹ú²úapp Faculty Members. Proposals may include public lectures, panels, workshops, classroom visits, community conversations, film screenings, performances, exhibitions, or other formats that foster interdisciplinary engagement around the annual theme.

Application requirements: 

• Proposed Speaker or Event: Name the proposed speaker or speakers, or describe the 91¹ú²úapp faculty-led event. For external speakers, include a brief biography and explanation of their relevance to the theme.
• Connection to the Theme: Explain how the proposed event addresses Criminalization of the Border and contributes to interdisciplinary conversation within the College of Liberal Arts.
• Campus Involvement Plan: Describe how the event will engage the 91¹ú²úapp campus community. This may include classroom visits, student workshops, faculty roundtables, graduate student meetings, public-facing events, collaborations with departments or programs, or partnerships with student organizations.
• Departmental Support: Describe any departmental, program, center, or other campus support for the proposed event. Proposals should identify any confirmed or anticipated financial contributions, in-kind support, co-sponsorships, staff support, space commitments, or assistance with promotion and event coordination.
• Budget: Provide a proposed budget, including anticipated costs such as honorarium, travel, lodging, meals, event space, publicity, materials, or other event-related expenses. The budget should also indicate any departmental or co-sponsor contributions and the amount requested from the Dean’s Lecture Series.
• Expected Audience and Impact: Identify the intended audience and describe the anticipated scholarly, educational, creative, or community impact of the event.

Priority consideration: 

Priority will be given to proposals that:

• Clearly align with the annual theme
• Foster interdisciplinary engagement across theCollege of Liberal Arts
• Include meaningful student involvementBuild connections between campus and community audiences
• Demonstrate departmental, program, or centers, including financial or in-kind contributions
• Demonstrate a realistic budget and feasible event plan
• Contribute to sustained conversation around border studies, criminalization, and social justice