Published: March 31, 2022

The Conference on World Affairs returns in person April 6–9, and this year, organizers have curated a student-specific series of programs focused on today’s top world issues. CU Boulder students don't need to register, and will be treated like VIP's with priority seating at this free conference.

This year's conference includes more than 100 speakers and performers participating in 125 events over four days in venues across campus.

This year's topics include: 

  • Racism in the U.S.
  • Is the U.S. Constitution Ready for the 21st Century?
  • Regenerative Agriculture
  • Start It Up: The Entrepreneurial Journey
  • Art as Activism
  • How Things Work: Stories From the Real World

Find a sampling of the student-specific events below, or see the full CWA Student Track.

 Get the CWA App

Enrich your conference experience with the free app. Features include:

  • Interactive campus map
  • Create your own schedule
  • Transportation and parking info
  • Live Q&A in sessions
  • Schedule notifications
  • Speaker biographies
  • Sharing to social media

Download the app. If you already have the app, make sure you're using the most updated version to see 2022 content. 

Wednesday, April 6

Feeding the World Without Killing the Planet
1:30–2:40 p.m., Macky Auditorium

Why Critical Race Theory is such a Hot-Button Topic
3–4:10 p.m., UMC 235

​The Hidden Opponent
Victoria Garrick shares the journey of how she battled and overcame anxiety and depression
7–9 p.m., Macky Auditorium

Thursday, April 7

​The Dark Web: Why is it a Scary Place?
9–10:10 a.m., Macky Auditorium

War in the Ukraine: The Tragedy Unfolding and What’s Next
10:30–11:40 a.m., UMC 235

Psychology of Comedians: What’s so funny…and why?
12–1:10 p.m., UMC West Ballroom

Friday, April 8

Sports and their Impacts on Mental Health
12–1:10 p.m., Old Main Chapel

Gaming as a Generation
What effect has gaming had on the generations? Ready Player One, Metaverse, WTF?
12–1:10 p.m., Visual Arts Center 1B20

The Glass Ceiling: Journey to the Top
A multigenerational panel of women leaders discuss their experiences working up the ladder and give advice on how young women can do the same
1:30–2:40 p.m., UMC East Ballroom

Saturday, April 9

​Addressing Mass Burnout
Record numbers of people are leaving their jobs in search of more money, flexibility, and more happiness
9–10:10 a.m., UMC 235

Dating is More Difficult Than Ever: It's not Your Fault
12–1:10 p.m., UMC East Ballroom

Is Being an Influencer Really a Career Path?
How do you go from developing a viral video to a successful online commercial business?
1:30–2:40 p.m., UMC West Ballroom

Empowering BIPOC Students' Voices in the Classroom
Preventing the erasure of students’ differing identities, histories and current realities
3–4:10 p.m., Old Main Chapel