Society for Disability Studies

Printer-friendly version

About Temple University

Temple University is an urban research university with more than 36,000 students and its main campus located in the heart of Philadelphia. Founded by Russell Conwell in 1884 as Temple College, it became Temple University in 1907. With seven campuses in Pennsylvania and worldwide, Temple is noted for its diverse student body. The University offers 300 academic programs and graduated more than 8,215 students in 2010, which is the largest class in Temple history. There were 73 countries and 43 states (plus Washington D.C.) represented in this year’s graduating class.

Student life at Temple’s main campus is enriched by its proximity to Independence National Historical Park, site of the birth of the nation at Independence hall where founding fathers labored to create the Declaration of Independence. Other markers of historic importance are situated within the park such as the Liberty Bell, Carpenter’s Hall and the National Constitution Center.

Conference Site

The Howard Gittis Student Center is located on the second floor of the newly built student center at 1755 N. 13th Street. Most conference activities will take place in rooms 200 A, B, and C and in several breakout rooms on the same floor. A welcome ceremony for Society for Disability Studies 2010 Conference participants will be held at Temple’s newly renovated Baptist Temple, which Temple’s founder Russell Conwell intended to be the heart of the University. The plenary session will be held in Alter Hall, located in the recently opened Fox School of Business.

ROOMS AND EXHIBITS

All conference sessions will take place at Temple University’s main campus.

Registration – Howard Gittis Student Center, 2nd Floor Foyer

Located near the elevators on the second floor of the Howard Gittis Student Center, registration will be staffed for the duration of the conference. Please visit these tables to pick up your conference bag and name tag, and to ask any questions during your visit. Comfort supplies for service animals will also be available here.

Breakout sessions

Rooms designated for breakout sessions are: 217A, 217B, 217C, 217D and 200A. Each breakout room will have a laptop computer and LCD projector. Room captains will be available in each room to assist presenters with PowerPoint set-up or other technology needs. Please have your presentation readily available on flash drive.

Special Events

The Welcome Reception on Wednesday will be held at Temple’s newly renovated Baptist Temple. The plenary session will be held in Alter Hall of the Fox School of Business. Films will be screened in the theater on the lower level of the Student Center. The SDS Dance will be in The Underground, also in the lower level of the Student Center. A Game Room and TV Lounge are located on the first floor of the Student Center.

Book Display – Room 223

A display of books authored by SDS members and speakers at the 2010 Conference will be available in Room 223 during designated hours throughout the conference. From 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, please browse the titles offered by Temple University Press and the Temple Bookstore.

You may also wish to visit the SDS display at the Temple University Bookstore located on the lower level of the Student Center.

Silent Auction – Room 200B/C

A silent auction to raise money for SDS conference scholarships will open on Thursday afternoon and close on Friday afternoon at 7 pm, after the Poster Session and Book Launch Reception. Donated items include autographed books from distinguished Disability Studies scholars and handmade crafts. Winners need not be present to win, but all items must be paid for by cash or check and claimed by 3 pm on Saturday, after the Business Meeting.

Quiet Room – Room 220

If you need a place to relax a bit from the conference and de-stress, Room 220 is our designated space. Low lighting, noise reduction, and a place to stretch out a bit will be available here. Conversations are not permitted.