The event began with a reception in the Ohio Union, where approximately 30 faculty, staff, and graduate students from across the University mingled, connected over feminist scholarship and pedagogical interests, and learned about the existing Research and Connection Clusters, as well as opportunities to form new clusters this academic year.

FREE board members surveyed attendees about their research, teaching, and community engagement, then organized themed discussion groups in order to facilitate connections across disciplines and departments.  Participants enjoyed robust dialogues and offered one another advice and insight into managing current teaching and research challenges.  In addition, FREE Center affiliates led each group in brainstorming ways the FREE Center can best support faculty innovation, collaboration, and professional development, as we continue to foster feminist scholarship and partnership throughout the University and our surrounding communities.