UNC Wilmington professors recently impressed visiting scholars on Asian studies by hosting a conference at the Hilton downtown. But undergraduate turnout was strikingly low, indicating a possible lack of accessibility for students.

The price for The Southeast Conference Association for Asian Studies was reduced from $100 for scholars to $35 for UNCW students.. Even if students only wanted to attend for one day, they had to pay the full $35.  Most students there had volunteered to work the event so they could get in for free.

Additionally, transportation was inconvenient and time-consuming. The event was held over the weekend, when public transit only runs buses once or twice an hour. The trip downtown would have meant a transfer each way and over two hours of travel time round trip.

Dr. Kamenish, an associate professor at UNCW with a Ph.D. in comparative literature and culture, was excited for the program, especially in regard to the diversity learning it would bring. She was disappointed that so few students could make it. 

“I wish it were more accessible to our students-free and with a bus,” she said.

The schedule of events was not only extensive but diverse as well. From the showing of the foreign film “The Good, the Bad, and the Weird (South Korea)” on Friday night, to concurrent panel sessions from Saturday to Sunday, the conference appealed to a wide audience. Panel topics covered philosophy, women’s rights, literature, art, world diplomacy, teaching methods, and comparative perspectives-all discussed in terms of Asian studies. 

“The topics appeal to all sorts of interests and the people here are definitely experts-they’re passionate about their topics,” said Caitie Forde-Smith, a graduate student at UNCW who worked the conference.

While the primary audience was scholars throughout the Southeast, the discussions would have greatly benefited students in all majors, and especially students minoring in Asian studies at UNCW.  

“If I did have one criticism-it’s too expensive for students,” said Thomas Sun, student volunteer at the event. “If, however, you volunteer, you can come for free. You also have to consider it takes a lot to rent out this venue.”

The list of involved UNCW departments is lengthy-the Office of International Programs, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion; the departments of English, History and International Studies, to name a few. Five UNCW professors presented or served as panelists.

Paige Tan, UNCW associate professor and assistant chair for the department of international affairs helped put on the event. She thought the conference played out well.

“It really showcased UNCW and the things we are doing in Asia. All the departments came together and it made a good impression.”

The only people missing were the students.