ECAR is a higher-education initiative founded in September 2015. Its mission is to make every U.S. college and university a Resettlement Campus, a higher education institution that hosts refugees on campus grounds and supports their successful integration. Since ECAR’s inception, 20 campuses including The University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, Lafayette College, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, and St. Ambrose University among others have started their own ECAR Chapters.

Since 2022, our annual Gatherings have brought together a vibrant network of universities, resettlement agencies, refugee advocacy organizations, and community members. Our first Gathering was held at Guilford College, followed by Wake Forest University in 2023; Russell Sage College in Troy, New York, in 2024; and Lafayette College in Easton, PA in 2025, with nearly 120 attendees joining us annually to deepen the connections between higher education and refugee communities.

We are thrilled to have our fifth annual Gathering in 2026 in Tulsa, OK in collaboration with our two Oklahoma Chapters: The University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University.
Location
The University of Tulsa
Allen Chapman Student Union
3135 E 5th Pl, Tulsa, OK 74104
Date & Time
October 2, 2026 8:00 AM - October 3, 2026 - 3:00 PM
Location
The University of Tulsa
Allen Chapman Student Union
3135 E 5th Pl, Tulsa, OK 74104
Schedule - Day 1- Friday, October 2
8:00 AM
​​​​Check-in: Coffee and Conversation
Location: TBA
9:00 AM
Opening Program & Keynote
Location: TBA
10:00 AM
Coffee Break & Group Photo
Location: TBA
10:30 AM
Panel: TBA
Location: TBA
12:00 PM
Lunch
Location: TBA
1:00 PM
Do-It-Together: Move, Connect, Create
TBA
2:30 PM
Coffee & Snack Break
Location: TBA
3:00 PM
Workshops and Trainings: Learn, Plan, Build
TBA
5:00 PM
Festival
Location: TBA
Schedule - Day 2- Saturday, October 3
8:00 AM
Check-in: Coffee and Conversation
Location: TBA
9:00 AM
Opening Program
Location: TBA
10:00 AM
Coffee Break
Location: TBA
10:30 AM
Panel: TBA
Location: TBA
12:00 PM
Lunch
Location: TBA
1:00 PM
Do-It-Together: Do-It-Together: Move, Connect, Create
TBA
2:30 PM
Coffee & Snack Break
Location: TBA
3:00 PM
End of Gathering
Glimpses from the 2024 Gathering
 Join us on October 2 & 3
Sponsor the Gathering! 
Interested in supporting our 2026 ECAR Gathering at The University of Tulsa? Read more about our sponsorship opportunities and benefits in our Gathering Sponsorship Document!
Reserve Your Hotel Room
Hotel Room Block TBA

In the meantime checkout nearby hotels and accommodations. 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I wear?

Feel free to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in; we are aiming for a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Bring layers, as Oklahoma is still warm in October, but university rooms may be cold due to air conditioning. You may have to walk across campus sites and downtown to get to certain sessions or to go on a walking tour, paint, or dance (depending on your Do-It-Together activity selection) so appropriate clothes and shoes would be helpful.

What is the weather like in Tulsa?

Early October in Tulsa, Oklahoma, typically experiences high temperatures in the upper 70s°F to low 80s °F (around 25-28°C) and lows in the mid-to-upper 50s°F (around 13-15°C). The weather is often pleasant, with partly cloudy skies and a modest chance of rain showers. It’s a good idea to dress in layers and bring a light jacket to stay comfortable during the event.

Where do I check-in?

Upon arrival you will be greeted by our check-in table where you will be able to collect The Gathering materials and your name tag.

What are the events?

See our agenda for more information about the activities of The Gathering.

Who can I reach out to if I need assistance?

If you need assistance with Gathering-related issues please contact Walid Mosarsaa ([email protected]). There will also be volunteers spread throughout The Gathering. For urgent needs pertaining to safety and security, please contact the University of Tulsa's public safety at +1 (918) 631-5555. In case of an emergency please call 911.

Will meals be provided and dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes, most meals will be provided as indicated in the schedule. All participants should indicate their dietary restrictions in the follow-up form. If you are unsure whether you have communicated your dietary restrictions, please let us know by emailing Walid at [email protected]. Also, please bring a reusable water bottle with you to The Gathering. We want to be conscious of the environment and not order water bottles daily.

Is virtual participation possible?

No, all events will be in person.

Will a list of attendees be made available?

Yes. We are working on collecting the names and contact details of attendees who are interested in sharing their information with fellow attendees.

What is the refund policy for those who paid for registration?

Gathering registration may be canceled with a full refund (less any fees charged by the processor) provided written notification is received any time up until four (4) weeks prior to the Gathering start date. A 50% refund (less any fees charged by the processor) is available for Gathering registration provided written notification is received between four (4) weeks and two (2) weeks prior to the conference start date. No refunds will be granted within two (2) weeks of the Gathering start date. In the case of an emergency/extenuating circumstances, special requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Refund requests should be submitted in writing to: [email protected]

NOTE: Please allow one complete billing cycle before refunds appear on your credit card statement.
Contact Us

If you have any questions pertaining to the gathering, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!

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