In odd-numbered years, our graduate students organize a scholarly colloquium that takes place on campus over a two-day period. Recent themes have included “Crossing borders, breaking walls” and “Transformation: Cause and effect.”

For these biennial events, graduate students work on their own papers, submit abstracts, and participate on colloquium panels. Beyond that, they are involved in the logistics of organizing a schedule, inviting guest speakers, and securing funding. The planning committee also advertises outside Indiana University and evaluates incoming abstracts, and then organizes papers into logical panels. The conference reception is always a warm celebration of shared scholarship and interests.