Free Speech Symposium
University of South Carolina
Russell House University Union
Sept. 17-18, 2025
What is the Free Speech Symposium?
This two-day, in-person program will equip campus professionals with the legal context, practical tools, and strategic insight needed to navigate freedom of expression across diverse campus environments. Through engaging sessions, you’ll strengthen your ability to support student voices while collaborating effectively with key campus partners. Don’t miss this essential opportunity to lead confidently in today’s evolving dialogue on free expression.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending the NACA Free Speech Symposium, participants will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of legal precedents that influence previous and current frameworks of freedom of expression in higher education.
- Develop tools and strategies to navigate freedom of expression on various types of campuses.
- Determine appropriate professional roles in supporting students and student organizations, as well as additional personnel or departments who can aid in navigating freedom of expression for the campus community.
It is recommended that attendees arrive on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at any time and depart on Friday, Sept. 19 in the morning. A tentative overview of the schedule is provided below and will be updated as we get closer to the program start. All sessions will occur in the USC Russell House University Union.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
| Start Time | End Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | 9:30 AM | Participant Check-In & Welcome |
| 9:30 AM | 12:00 PM | Educational Sessions |
| 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM | Lunch (on-campus dining) |
| 1:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Educational Sessions |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner (on own) |
Thursday, Sept. 18
| Start Time | End Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM | Educational Sessions |
| 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM | Lunch (on-campus dining) |
| 1:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Educational Sessions & Program Conclusion |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner (on own) |