Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I register?

  You can register by clicking here.

• Who can attend SWANA CON?

  This conference will center the experiences of undergraduate students who identify as part of the Southwest Asian/Middle Eastern, and North African diaspora. All are welcome to join! Due to room capacity we can only accept 150 registrants.

• Who are the conference organizers?

  Campus departments serving Southwest Asian North African (SWANA) students across the University of California system: Berkeley, Davis, Riverside, Santa Cruz, and San Diego have collectively come together as the “UC SSWANA” group to organize the event.  You can learn more about each office below:

  UC Berkeley

  UC Davis

  UC Santa Barbara

  UC Riverside

  UC Santa Cruz

  UC San Diego

• How does the UC system define “SWANA”?

  The conference According to the UC Office of the President, SWANA encompasses people from 34 different ethnic identities including Afghan., Algerian, Armenian, Assyrian/Chaldean, Azerbaijani, Bahraini, Berber*, Circassian, Djiboutian, Egyptian, Emerati, Georgian, Iranian, Iraqi, Jordanian, Kurdish, Kuwaiti, Lebanese, Libyan, Mauritanian, Moroccan, Omani, Palestinian, Qatari, Saudi Arabian, Somali, Sudanese, Syrian, Tunisian, Turkish, White/Middle Eastern, White/North African, Yemeni, Other North African, Other Southwest Asian.

  *The UC system uses "Berber" instead of Amazigh/Tamazight/Imazighen. People of this ethnic background typically refer to themselves as Amazigh or Imazighen due to "Berber" having been derived from the Greek roots connoting "barbarism".

  For more information, visit: https://www.dailycal.org/2013/05/27/uc-to-introduce-new-category-for-southwest-asian-and-north-african-students-in-2013-2014-undergraduate-application 

• What is the date and location of the conference?

  January 17th and January 18th, 2026

• How much does it cost?

  The conference cost $40 to attend for non-UCR students, and $10 for UCR students (nonrefundable). Participants will have to coordinate their own travel and lodging. We encourage you to work with your local campuses to get funding and support to cover these expenses.

• How can I reach out to the organizers?

  Please email UC.SSWANA@gmail.com to contact the conference organizers. 

• Will food be provided?

  Yes. Snacks and meals will be provided throughout the conference. Check in to the conference schedule for more details.

• Who should attend?

  With limited capacity, we want to ensure this conference is filled with undergraduate attendees who care deeply about the SWANA community, who are ready to think critically about the issues shaping our diasporas, and who value respectful, thoughtful dialogue. We’re looking for participants who bring heart, curiosity, creativity, and intention to the space.

   

• What is the theme of SWANA CON 2026?

  This year’s theme, Roots en Route, highlights the importance of honoring where we come from while charting our own paths forward. The University of California has long been at the forefront of representation for SWANA/MENA students, and in that spirit, we are excited to once again host a conference dedicated to supporting the needs and identities of our diverse communities.

  The conference will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, performances, and more, all designed to inspire connection, reflection, and growth.