The 2026 Benedict College International Multidisciplinary Conference (2026 BCIMC)
Thursday and Friday, April 23-24, 2026, at 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Sponsored by the School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences (CASS)

CONFERENCE WEBSITE
https://benedict.edu/bciimc

CONFERENCE FORMAT
Hybrid
In-Person and Virtual

CONFERENCE VENUE
Benedict College
Dr. David H. Swinton Campus Center
1616 Oak Street
Columbia, SC 29204

CONFERENCE THEME
The Age of Artificial Intelligence Across Academic Disciplines

CONFERENCE INTRODUCTION
The 2026 Benedict College International Multidisciplinary Conference (BCIMC) is committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration across academic disciplines and professional and community sectors by developing, engaging, and sharing innovative research and scholarship that address the advantages and challenges posed by Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI’s impact on Academia is pervasive and undeniable. The 2026 BCIMConference explores the intersection of AI and academic disciplines and the plethora of ways that this powerful tool is poised to reshape the way we teach, learn, research, and anticipate various transformations. By understanding the potential of AI, we can harness its power to improve the way we learn and create knowledge in new and versatile ways. As a result, the 2026 BCIMConference aims to serve as a catalyst for developing intellectual growth, ethical reflection, and action-oriented research, as well as focusing on establishing the best directives for AI policies for creators and users.

The 2026 BCIMConference focuses on the use of AI innovations and tools across the disciplines to improve learning outcomes, research services and operations. It is very important to discuss and establish an understanding of how to use AI tools to shape the future of teaching and learning across colleges and university campuses.

While many conferences emphasize the technical development of AI or the use of it at the back end to improve student outcomes, the 2026 BCIMConference focuses on the use of AI at the front end as an innovative tool in the classroom as experienced by professionals and academic faculty.

Conference attendees and presenters will learn ideas from experts, themselves and contribute their own AI experiences and instructional strategies, provide faculty support, while engaging in AI academic integrity and ethical considerations. The 2026 BCIMConference is open to all academic disciplines and aims to explore Generative AI innovations across academic disciplines by bringing together an international and multidisciplinary community to share research and scholarship that explores the following key questions:

1) How can artificial intelligence assist educators and students in exploring academic teaching, research, and learning?

2) What are the ethical responsibilities of scholars, researchers, and students who use artificial intelligence as a pedagogical tool or resource in the classroom?

3) How can educators, researchers, scholars, and students ensure that reading, writing, and critical thinking are protected practices of communication in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence?

Workshops on various topics related to the theme of the 2026 BCIMConference will be provided for local public-school teachers at the regular registration rate. Authors and publishers are welcome to participate in the 2026 BCIMConference as vendors and share their published books, research, and scholarships, as well as textbooks at the regular registration rate. Presentations from multidisciplinary research and scholarly topics unrelated to the conference theme are welcome.

HISTORY OF THE CONFERENCE
The Benedict College Inaugural International Multidisciplinary Conference (BCIIMC), sponsored by the School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences, first commenced on May 16-17, 2024. Its creation was sparked by a growing need to foster global and interdisciplinary collaboration and to share cutting-edge research among the disciplines of leading scholars. Under the leadership of Dr. Leon T. Geter, Interim Dean of the School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences, Founder and Director of the Benedict College Center for Cybersecurity, and Founder of the Inaugural Conference, organizers promoted "Reaffirming Intellectual Rigor in Pursuit of Liberal Arts Research and Scholarship" as the first theme of the 2025 BCIIMConference, whose purpose was then, and still is now, to continue fostering student and-faculty inquiring research and scholarship in higher education to promote intellectual rigor in the liberal arts. The initial conversations about this conference began in May 2023, during the “Benedict College Harambee Festival Committee Celebration Dinner” hosted by Dr. George Devlin, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, at Benedict College. During the celebration dinner, Dr. Geter sparked discussion about the need to strengthen research and scholarship and suggested that Dr. Victoria Batten and Dr. Amita Singh organize the conference in Spring 2024.

The theme of the 2024 Inaugural Conference was “Reaffirming Intellectual Rigor in Pursuit of Liberal Arts Research and Scholarship” and the conference revolved around an article published by Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, Benedict College CEO and President. In the 2023 article titled “Benedict College President Joins Coordinated, Urgent Action to Champion Free Expression on U.S. Campuses”, Dr. Artis stated,“We are committed to developing critical thinkers who will question, challenge, engage, and serve their communities in a meaningful and equitable way.” The 2024 BCIIMC was able to successfully connect local, glocal and global researchers and scholars in this reaffirmation.

The theme of the 2025 Conference was “Writing, Rhetoric, Critical Thinking in an Era of Weaponized Information” and explored the intersections between rhetoric, critical thinking, media technology, including Generative AI and Social-Media Tools, the public sphere by critically examining the role of communicators in harnessing information, engaging in public discourse, and influencing societal outcomes.
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Currently being organized in its third year, the 2026 Benedict College International Multidisciplinary Conference (BCIMC) focuses on the following theme—“The Age of Artificial Intelligence Across Academic Disciplines.” Sponsored by the School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences, the 2026 BCIMConference Committee, and the valuable leadership of Dr. Geter, Benedict College faculty and staff, and attendees and presenters outside of Benedict College, the Conference Organizers and the Conference Committee members seek to explore how scholars and researchers play a very important role in fostering dialogue and collaboration across academic disciplines and professional sectors to develop innovative approaches to the challenges posed by the current global information environments and Artificial Intelligence.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Dr. Leon T. Geter
Dean, School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences
Founder and Director, Benedict College Center for Cybersecurity
Founder of the Benedict College International Multidisciplinary Conference

Mr. Raj Nijjar
Information Technology Executive
Educator and Community Leader

PLENARY SPEAKER
Dr. Jonathan Bean
Research Fellow at the Independent Institute
Professor of History at Southern Illinois University

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Faculty, Researchers, and Scholars across Academia should consider presenting or attending in order to promote dialogue on the pedagogical, disciplinary, ethical, policy-driven, and social impacts AI influentially fosters.

PRESENTATION ALLOTTED TIME SLOTS
Keynote, Plenary, Featured Speakers and Featured Presentation Participants have 45 minutes of allotted for their presentations. Individual or panel or presenters are allotted 20 minutes for their presentations. Please time presentations accordingly. Time takers will provide panel presenters with five-one minute alerts on presentation time left.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION/FEE PAYMENT
Abstract Submission deadline is on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM and will later convert to a rolling basis until the Notification of Acceptance on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Conference Registration and Fee Payment begin Monday, February 23, 2026, through April 18, 2026. Submit abstracts, register for the conference, and pay registration fees at https://benedict.edu/bciimc.

REGULAR REGISTRATION RATE
Two-Day In-Person/Virtual Conference
Presenter/Attendee - $300

One-Day In-Person/Virtual Conference
Presenter/Attendee - $150

GRADUATE STUDENT REGISTRATION RATE
Two-Day In-Person/Virtual Graduate Student
Presenter/Attendee - $150

One-Day In-Person/Virtual Graduate Student
Presenter/Attendee - $75

ACCOMMODATIONS, DINING, AND ATTRACTIONS
Accommodations in Columbia, South Carolina
Dining Out in Columbia, South Carolina
Attractions in Columbia, South Carolina

WEBINAR: STREAMING/BROADCASTING OF PRESENTATIONS (BC IT)
All scholarly presentations will be streamed and/or broadcasted to ensure the full participation of those presenting at and attending the 2026 BC International Multidisciplinary Conference virtually or in-person.

Below please find the instructions and requirements for connecting to a U.S. conference via Zoom from outside the U.S., along with the essential features an international presenter must have for an effective connection:

INSTRUCTIONS CONNECTING VIA ZOOM
Download and Install Zoom:
Ensure you have the latest version of the Zoom desktop or mobile app installed on your device. You can download it from the Zoom Download Center.

Check System Requirements:
Operating System: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, or a supported Linux distribution.
Processor: Dual-core 2GHz or higher (Intel i3/i5/i7 or AMD equivalent).
RAM: At least 8GB for optimal performance.
Internet Connection: A stable broadband connection with at least 3.0 Mbps upload/download speed for HD video.

Set Up Your Audio and Video:
Microphone and Speakers: Use a high-quality USB or built-in microphone and speakers. A headset with a microphone is recommended to reduce background noise.
Camera: Use a built-in or external HD webcam for clear video.
Join the Meeting:
Use the meeting link or ID provided by the conference organizer to join the session. Ensure you join a few minutes early to test your audio and video settings.

FEATURES FOR EFFECTIVE CONNECTION
High-Quality Audio and Video:
Ensure your microphone and camera are of high quality to provide clear audio and video. Position your camera at eye level and ensure good lighting to avoid shadows.

Stable Internet Connection:
A wired Ethernet connection is preferred over Wi-Fi for stability. If using Wi-Fi, ensure you are close to the router and minimize other devices using the network.

Screen Sharing Capabilities:
Familiarize yourself with Zoom's screen sharing feature to present slides, documents, or other materials during your session.

Live Language Interpretation:
If presenting to a multilingual audience, use Zoom's live language interpretation feature to provide real-time translation.

Engagement Tools:
Utilize Zoom's engagement tools such as polls, Q&A, and chat to interact with your audience effectively
.
Backup Plan:
Have a backup and internet connection ready in case of technical issues. Ensure you have the contact information of the conference's technical support team.

By following these instructions and utilizing these features, you can ensure a smooth and effective presentation at your U.S. conference. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

CONSENT REGARDING THE USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES AND VIDEOS TAKEN
The School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences reserves the right to use photographs and video taken at the 2026 BC International Multidisciplinary Conference for marketing purposes including, but not limited to, on social media, on our various websites, and in print, e-mail and website marketing campaigns. By registering for this event, you authorize your likeness without additional permission for these purposes.

SANITATION TABLE/LUNCH ON BOTH DAYS
A sanitation table with hand sanitizer and face mask will be made available for attendees and participants. Lunch on both days will entail meat and vegetarian choices.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For inquiries about the 2026 BCIMConference, please contact Dr. Amita Singh at Amita.Singh@benedict.edu and/or Dr. Victoria Batten at Victoria.Batten@benedict.edu.

CONFERENCE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Dr. Leon T. Geter, Interim Dean, Benedict College School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences, Director and Founder of the Benedict
​College Cybersecurity Center, and Founder of the BC International Multidisciplinary Conference
Dr. Janeen Witty, Benedict College Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. George Devlin, Benedict College Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. Victoria L. Batten, Chair, 2026 BCIMConference, Associate Professor of English, and East-West Center Alumnus
Dr. Amita Singh, Chair, 2026 BCIMConference and Associate Professor of History
Dr. Dawn Campbell, Assistant Professor, and Coordinator for English, Foreign Languages, and Mass Communication
Dr. Alex Gorelik, Professor of Mass Communication
Dr. Deborah Hunter-Clark, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Administration and Social Sciences
Dr. Sylvester Odigie-Osazuwa, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Social Sciences
Dr. Malqueen Richardson, Associate Professor of English
Professor Catherine Smalls, Instructor of English, and Coordinator of the Writing Center
Professor Sherry Weeks, Instructor of Spanish

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, Benedict College President and CEO

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