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Our Purpose and Vision

The 2026 UNITED Conference represents a powerful evolution of Northern Michigan University’s longstanding UNITED Conference – transforming it into a three-day multiconference experience that brings together our people, our place, and our potential under one shared vision.

Anchored in Our Compass and guided by NMU’s values of inclusion, wellbeing, and empowerment, the 2026 UNITED Conference integrates several cornerstone initiatives — Campus Sustainability Summit, the Common Reader Program, the Wildcat WellBeing Fair, and Poetry Without Borders — into one cohesive experience. In partnership with PEAK 2026, these events form a dynamic ecosystem that uplifts wellness, leadership, sustainability, and equity, inviting every student, employee, and community member to learn, lead, and thrive together. 

Concept Overview

UNITED 2026 is not simply a series of events — it is collective growth and transformation in action. By linking academic inquiry, sustainability, wellness, and cultural dialogue, UNITED 2026 will position itself as a national model for how a region can integrate innovation, wellbeing, equity, and environmental stewardship into the fabric of its learning community.

Each signature event contributes a unique perspective:

• PEAK 2026: Focuses on personal and professional growth through leadership, career readiness, and reflection on purpose.
• Campus Sustainability Summit: Showcases NMU’s and the greater U.P.’s environmental commitment through innovation, community partnerships, and solutions-driven dialogue.
• Common Reader Program: Cultivates empathy and shared understanding through literature, dialogue, and diverse perspectives.
• Wellbeing Fair: Promotes holistic health through access to screenings, demonstrations, and resources to support the eight dimensions of wellbeing.
• Poetry Without Borders: Celebrates the U.P.'s linguistic diversity by featuring poetry recitations in languages other than English (English translations are provided).

Together, they offer a unified journey: from self-awareness to social responsibility.

Theme | UNITED 2026: “Rest: Reclaiming Power Through Resilience and Resistance”

This theme bridges personal restoration and collective liberation, encouraging our U.P.  community to explore rest as both a practice of wellness and an act of empowerment. The theme will weave through all UNITED events — from keynote sessions and art installations to sustainability challenges and wellness circles.

Reflection

UNITED 2026 honors NMU’s past while boldly shaping its future — a future where inclusion, wellness, and sustainability are not separate priorities but interconnected pathways toward empowerment. Through this evolution, Northern Michigan University can continue to model what it means to be a community united in purpose and thriving together.

Proposals

We're looking for passionate educators, activists, students, and leaders to present at this year's conference.

Session Types: Workshops, Panels, Performances, Healing Spaces, Creative Presentations, Outdoor and Embodied Experiences, Scholarly Papers, and Practitioner Insights.

Proposal Deadline: January 20, 2026

Notification Deadline:  February 6, 2026

Theme: Rest: Reclaiming Power Through Resilience and Resistance

Conference Dates: Wednesday, March 25 - Friday, March 27, 2026

Location: Northern Center at Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan