Welcome to the 32nd Annual Opportunity Within the Classroom Conference. Also, this year, 2026, marks the 40th year of the KCP Initiative’s existence. We have a lot to celebrate. Please plan to join us on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo on March 15th-17th. We look forward to our time together as we continue to explore, promote, and share effective retention strategies for academically and economically disadvantaged students.
Conference Lodging
The following Kalamazoo area hotels are pleased to extend a discounted rate for the Opportunities Within the Classroom Conference. We recommend communicating directly with your selected hotel and specifically requesting the “Opportunities Within the Classroom Conference” rate. The rates listed below are based on availability and do not include local and state taxes and assessments (totaling 15%). Each participating hotel has established a specified cut-off date for these rates.
We truly appreciate your choice to stay in our local hotels as this directly supports our vibrant community and the businesses that make Kalamazoo so special. We hope you enjoy your time in Kalamazoo and visit again soon!
Hilton Garden Inn Kalamazoo Downtown
Address: 303 N Rose St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 382-4000
Rate: $110.00 + $10 parking fee
Parking: located at 140 Eleanor St. (covered garage with skywalk access)
Cut-off date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Amenities:
- Restaurant on-site
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly
Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites at Kalamazoo Center
Address: 100 W Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 343-3333
Rate: $198.00 + $15 parking fee
Parking: located at 198 N. Rose St. (covered garage with skywalk access)
Cut-off date: Monday, February 23, 2026
Amenities:
- Restaurant and bar on-site
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center and spa
Should you require any further information, feel free to reach out to Ashley Peruchietti at Discover Kalamazoo by calling (269) 488-0054 ext. 104, available Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or email @email.
Conference Agenda
This agenda is preliminary and subject to change as session proposals are reviewed and conference details are finalized. Additional information, including confirmed sessions and room assignments, will be added as it becomes available.
Attendees will be able to add sessions to their personal agenda and personal calendars (Google, Outlook, or Apple) through the Whova mobile app or web portal once the event has been published. Registered attendees will receive an email with more information on how to download the app, access the event, build their profiles, select sessions, etc. one week before the conference.
Conference Center Floor Plan
Conference Planning Committee
Dr. Danyelle Gregory
Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Tony Dennis
Director, Graduate Student Recruitment and Retention
Graduate College
Dr. Vun Doubblestein
Director, Mentoring for Success Program
Multicultural Affairs for Students
Tania Echavarria
Director, Michigan GEAR UP
Office of PreCollege Programming
Melissa Holman
Senior Director, Multicultural Affairs for Students
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Hannah Powless
Program Coordinator, Mentoring for Success Program
Multicultural Affairs for Students
Paige Warner
Executive Assistant
Graduate College
Jamie White
Business Manager
Office of Diversity and Inclusion