Description
The Chico State Forensic Conference is an annual event hosted by the Chico State Biological Anthropology graduate students and faculty for the past 22 years. The conference establishes an opportunity for students of all levels, faculty and staff, and community members to learn from visiting experts within the field of forensic anthropology. Over the course of a day, attendees hear from representatives of the Chico State Human Identification Lab, conference organizers, and special guest speakers who explain the role of forensic anthropologists within society, elaborate on current research topics, and illuminate the need for forensic anthropologists and the irreplaceable skills that they possess. Because of all of the hard work of graduate students and anthropology faculty behind the scenes, the conference is free to attend for all interested parties. In order to keep this opportunity open and available to everyone, we are participating in Giving Day to raise funds for everything that the conference already is, and for what we know it can be in the future.
How will your donations be used?
- Travel and accommodations for conference speakers - Reservation of campus facilities and equipment - Refreshments for attendees, volunteers, presenters, and organizers - Merchandise to promote and represent the conference (t-shirts, buttons, stickers)
Support our Success
The event is open to the public, so people of all backgrounds and experiences, careers, and aspirations are welcome and able to attend. In past conferences, we have seen attendance spread across the globe with representatives online and in-person. Most attendees are students of Chico State, local high schools, community colleges, and students from other institutions who have heard of our conference from their peers, mentors, and faculty. Attendance increases each year because the Chico Forensic Conference is known for being an ideal opportunity for building relationships with current professionals in the workforce and in academia. Students are able to listen and speak to active forensic anthropologists who contribute greatly to the discipline by producing novel research designs. Interacting with such individuals can help students establish their own career goals and inspire them to ask questions of those who have already succeeded in the profession. Networking can seem intimidating for all types of students, but the Chico Forensic Conference creates a comfortable and collaborative environment for connections to form.
Why are donations necessary
Donations of all sizes contribute directly to the education and enlightenment of students within the field of forensic anthropology. This type of conference would normally cost hundreds of dollars to attend due to registration fees, hotel fees, and costs of travel. Therefore, by creating this free educational event that is available both online and in-person, students and current professionals alike can learn something new while also engaging in professional networking. While the event is free to attend, accommodations for the speakers are not. Donations to our campaign will be used for arranging speaker travel and accommodations, reservations for campus conference space and equipment, in addition to refreshments for all attendees and merchandise for purchase specific to the Chico Forensic Conference. The organizers strive to make the conference informative and professional, while also comfortable and enjoyable for everyone in attendance.