ARIE Conference FAQs

The Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) National Conference provides a forum for changemakers from higher education, K-12, industry, non-profits, government, non-government organizations, small businesses, and beyond to come together to:

• Critically discuss creating and maintaining communities that are more inclusive
• Share effective practices and resources to advance inclusive excellence
• Amplify the visibility and impact of research, policy, innovation, scholarship, and creative activities to advance inclusive excellence

The ARIE National Conference is an opportunity to learn, change, and grow together—ultimately preparing us to work better together. This year’s theme is Action through Research and Practice.

The Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) National Conference is rooted in the principles of academic freedom, open debate and committed to creating a space for open dialogue and discourse on complex issues in higher education and beyond.

For 2024, ARIE has evolved into the Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence conference. This shift embodies Mason’s steadfast dedication to promoting inclusivity within higher education and other fields. This direction underscores our unwavering commitment to building a place of belonging and opportunity for all students, fulfilling our promise in education and future success.

The conference will be held on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University in the Johnson Center's Dewberry Hall, from March 18 to 19, 2024.

GPS Address: 4477 Aquia Creek Ln. Fairfax, VA 22030

You will find a list of featured speakers on the keynote speakers page.

The conference schedule can be found here.

You can register here for the conference.

Registration fees are as follows:

Yes, this year the conference has both in-person and virtual options.

No, only one log-in per registered attendee will be allowed to access the conference.

The conference will take place in the EST (Eastern Standard Time). You may access a time zone converter here. Sessions will be recorded and available for registered attendees through the conference app Whova.

All session materials for the 2024 Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) National Conference can be found on the Whova app.  You must register for the conference to have access to the app.

There are many ways to network and engage during the 2024 Access to Research and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) National Conference in person and virtually! 

• Don’t forget to update your photo and bio in the Whova app and join a virtual roundtable.
• The Poster Reception is an opportunity to connect with conference attendees. A digital copy of the posters will be available for both in-person and virtual attendees.
• For in-person conference attendees, you can always engage fellow colleagues during Tuesday's Networking Lunch and throughout the event.

Yes, you can find sponsorship opportunities and information here.

Yes, feel free to add #ARIE2024 to your social media posts!

Yes, hotel accommodation can be found here.

All ARIE conference attendees are strongly encouraged to park in the Visitor Parking areas in Mason Pond Garage. For rates, directions, and more information, please visit the Visitor's Parking Webpage.

Requests for refunds will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Please contact arie@gmu.edu for more details.

All presentations, including keynote speakers, will be presented in English.

A Wellness Space will be available for all conference attendees to use. Please be respectful when sharing this area with others. 

Yes, there is a Land Acknowledgment Statement on the Center for Mason Legacies.

Please email arie@gmu.edu for group rate information.

No, virtual attendees will have access to live-streamed Keynote / lunch panel sessions and 3-4 hybrid sessions.  Additionally, those sessions will be recorded and available for registered attendees through the conference app Whova.

Yes, you can submit your questions in the chat box in each session, which will be reviewed by a moderator and shared with the speakers.

The ARIE Conference offers CEUs to attendees upon request. Participants can request a certificate of participation for a fee of $20. For any questions, please email cpeinfo@gmu.edu.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for the conference. Light refreshments and drinks will be provided throughout the day.   Please email arie@gmu.edu if you have any dietary questions.

Conference attendees can request accommodations such as ASL interpretation or other ADA requests through George Mason University’s Disability Services webpage or by emailing apuopolo@gmu.edu.

Lactation spaces are available in the Johnson Center (JC) Ground Floor (to the right of the elevator bank). This space is available during JC operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space.

Please email arie@gmu.edu for further assistance.