The Dennis H. May Mental Health Conference on Belonging and Higher Education aims to educate professionals working with college students on mental health and belongingness. Attendees will learn about emerging issues, connect with peers, and engage in training on inclusion. The conference includes interactive sessions and community-building opportunities to support student well-being. The agenda covers strategies for supporting marginalized communities, culturally responsive practices, and innovative approaches to resilience and mental well-being.
Mental Health Conferences
Dennis H. May Mental Health Conference on Belonging and Higher Education
The Dennis H. May Mental Health Conference on Belonging and Higher Education is held at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It focuses on mental health, belongingness, and the college experience.
October 11–12, 2026 Urbana, Illinois In-person Event CEUs Available
Conference Overview
Some quick details about this conference.
Time and Place
Maybe the most important details of the conference.
Conference Dates
October 11–12, 2026
Location
Illini Union
City/State
Urbana, Illinois
Address
1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL
Event Format
In-person
Conference Organizer
This organization is hosting this conference.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Counseling Center
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Counseling Center focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of students through various services and programs.
Email: elbarnum@illinois.edu,grantham@illinois.edu Phone: 217-333-3704
Registration Fees
How much does this conference cost?
| Cost | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $250.00 | Non-U. of I. Affiliate | Registration for non-University of Illinois affiliates. |
| $200.00 | U. of I. Employee | Registration for University of Illinois employees. |
| $100.00 | Intern | Registration for interns. |
See the conference's actual website for more details around these fees, as sometimes they can be more complicated.
Schedule and Agenda
It's important to know what is planned.
The conference begins on October 11, 2026, from 3-7 p.m., and continues on October 12, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The agenda includes keynote sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions focused on mental health, belongingness, and institutional responsibility.
Notable Speakers
These folks will be speaking at the conference.
DP
Dr. Delishia Pittman
Dr. Delishia Pittman is an Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at Temple University. Her work focuses on diversity science, psychological science, and population health, particularly among Black emerging adults.
CEU Details
Here's information on Continuing Education Units (or CEUs).
Up to seven Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, and Psychologists.
Hotel Information
You need somewhere to stay (unless you live relatively close).
The conference offers several lodging options. The Illini Union Hotel provides rooms at $129 to $159 per night. The I-Hotel and Conference Center offers rooms at $179 per night with shuttle service to the conference. Townplace Suites by Marriott is two blocks from the venue, with rooms at $159 per night.
Parking Information
Unless you're taking public transit.
Parking is available through the university’s Parking Department, with several options for attendees. Willard Airport is nearby, and transportation options include cab, rideshare, and bus services. AMTRAK and Peoria Charter offer additional travel options.
Sponsorship, Exhibitor, and Advertising Opportunities
If you're an organization that wants to contribute to this event, here are some details.
Proposals for presentations are due by July 10, 2026. Accepted presenters will be notified by the end of July and are expected to register by mid-August. More information can be found on the conference website.
Other Links and Information
The above information is from the conference or event webpage. Please review the organization's website for official information, as that will be more up-to-date.
Reminder: This is an overview of this conference, and you should consult the official website for details on registration, fees, deadlines, and other details. Quill Therapy Solutions is maintaining this information to make it more accessible to the therapist and mental health professional community.
If you noticed an issue with the above information, please send us an email: conferences@quilltherapysolutions.com (Ideally, include a link to the conference and the details that need to be corrected. Thank you!)
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