Calling for May 4 Symposium On Democracy Proposals

The 2014 May 4 Symposium on Democracy advisory committee is seeking May 4 content program proposals through Oct. 30, 2012.

Pictured above are panelists at a previous May 4 Symposium on Democracy.The 2014 May 4 Symposium on Democracy advisory committee is seeking May 4 content program proposals through Oct. 30, 2012.

Every year, Kent State University hosts a symposium to commemorate the events of May 4, 1970. The May 4 Symposium on Democracy honors the memories of the four students who lost their lives on that day – Allison Krause,Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer and William Schroeder – with an enduring dedication to scholarship and public engagement that seeks to prevent violence and promote democratic values and civil discourse.

The symposium will be take place in April 2014. Up to a $50,000 fund will be awarded for the winning proposal (matching funds, either internal or external, are encouraged but not required).

The May 4 Symposium on Democracy is free and open to the public.

Proposal Criteria
There are no other specifications for or limitations to the content or format of the 2014 May Symposium on Democracy. Proposals that show innovation or creativity are encouraged. Interdisciplinary proposals (i.e. proposals that crossover between units, departments, colleges, etc.) are also strongly encouraged.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Relevance
  • Innovation and creativity
  • The potential to engage the university community
  • Appeal to and attract the participation of members of the public


All proposals require a letter of support from the administration of the submitting unit (i.e. chairpersons, deans, unit supervisors).

The May 4 Symposium on Democracy was held annually from 2000 until 2012. Descriptions of previous symposia can be viewed in the “Democracy Symposia Archive” at www.kent.edu/may4/democracy-symposia-archive.

The May 4 Symposium is now held every other year and is administered by the Office of the Dean of University Libraries, in consultation with an ad hoc advisory committee.

Questions should be addressed to Jim Bracken, dean of University Libraries at jbracke1@kent.edu or 330-672-2962.

Click here for more information, including the proposal submission requirements.

POSTED: Monday, August 20, 2012 12:00 AM
Updated: Saturday, December 3, 2022 01:02 AM
WRITTEN BY:
University Communications and Marketing