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 Lafayette College, James Madison University, Old Dominion University, University of Tulsa, 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, and Russell Sage College in Troy, New York, in 2024, where nearly 120 attendees joined to deepen the connections between higher education and refugee communities.

We are thrilled to have our fourth annual Gathering in 2025 will take place at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, as we continue to build on this momentum and expand the impact of our collective work.
Location
Lafayette College
730 High St, Easton, PA 18042
Date & Time
September 12, 2025 8:00 AM - September 13, 2025 - 6:00 PM
Location
Lafayette College
730 High St, Easton, PA 18042
Schedule - Day 1- Friday, September 12
8:00 AM
​​​​Check-in: Coffee and Conversation
Location: TBD
9:00 AM
Opening Program & Keynote
Location: TBD
10:00 AM
Coffee Break & Group Photo
Location: TBD
10:30 AM
Panel: Current "State of Play" Landscape 
Location: TBD
12:00 PM
Lunch
Location: TBD
1:00 PM
Do-It-Together: Move, Connect, Create
1. Stress Less
2. Movement Salsa
3. Writing Workshop
4. Market Walk
2:30 PM
Coffee & Snack Break
Location: TBD
3:00 PM
Workshops and Trainings: Learn, Plan, Build
1. Scaling and Expanding ECAR Chapters
2. Ukraine Documentary
3. MIRA Resources
5:00 PM
Festival
Location: TBD
Schedule - Day 2- Saturday, September 13
8:00 AM
Check-in: Coffee and Conversation
Location: TBD
9:00 AM
Opening Program
Location: TBD
10:00 AM
Coffee Break
Location: TBD
10:30 AM
Panel: Pivoting and Reframing--Mobilizing for the "Long Welcome"
Location: TBD
12:00 PM
Lunch
Location: TBD
1:00 PM
Do-It-Together: Do-It-Together: Move, Connect, Create
1. Stress Less
2. Movement Salsa
3. Writing Workshop
4. Market Walk
2:30 PM
Coffee & Snack Break
Location: TBD
3:00 PM
End of Gathering
Glimpses from the 2024 Gathering
 Join us on September 12 & 13
Sponsor the Gathering! 
Interested in supporting our 2025 ECAR Gathering at Russell Sage College? Read more about our sponsorship opportunities and benefits in our Gathering Sponsorship Document!
Reserve Your Hotel Room
Hotel Room Block Now Available – Book by June 30, 2025

We’re excited to offer a special room block for our attendees at the Grand Eastonian Hotel & Suites, a charming local hotel just a few minutes from the Lafayette College. The discounted rate is $169 per night.

To reserve your room, please call the hotel directly at (610) 258-6350 and mention you’re booking under the event room block.

Reservation Deadline: June 30, 2025

Rooms are limited, so we encourage you to book early to secure your spot!
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 Pennsylvania is still warm in September, but Lafayette's rooms may be cold due to air conditioning. You may have to walk across campus to get to certain sessions or to go on a walking tour, paint, or do dance (depending on your Do-It-Together activity selection) so appropriate clothes and shoes would be helpful. Rain may be on the forecast so an umbrella or rain jacket may be necessary.

What is the weather like in Easton?

Mid-September in Easton, Pennsylvania, typically experiences high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s°F (around 24-26°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 low to moderate chance of rain showers. It’s a good idea to dress in layers and bring a light rain jacket or umbrella 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]) OR Ashley Loper-Nowak ([email protected]). There will also be volunteers spread throughout The Gathering. For urgent needs pertaining to safety and security, please contact the College's public safety at +1 (610) 330-5330. 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 a $2.9% + 0.30 cents processing fee 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 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 conference 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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