2026 Inaugural Basic Needs Convening

Convening Agenda

Monday, June 8, 2026

• 9:00 a.m.         Registration (in person)
• 9:30 a.m.         Welcome & Introductions
• 9:45 a.m.         Opening Remarks by Wendy Robinson Assistant Commissioner for Policy, Programs & Grants, Minnesota Office of Higher Education
• 10:00 a.m.       Keynote Speaker Chad Dull Poverty Informed Practice
• 11:00 a.m.       BREAK
• 11:15 a.m.       Breakout Session 1 (Note: Breakout sessions will focus on key issues centered around basic needs designed for administrators, institutional researchers, and basic needs direct service providers.)
• 12:15 p.m.       LUNCH & Roundtable Discussions
• 1:00 p.m.         Breakout Session 2
• 2:00 p.m.         BREAK
• 2:15 p.m.         Breakout Session 3 
• 3:30 p.m.         Closing  

Keynote Session “Poverty Informed Practice” presented by Chad Dull

Dr. Chad Dull challenges audiences to rethink long-held assumptions about poverty, 
behavior, and responsibility. Drawing on lived experience, professional practice, and 
system-level insight, he introduces a 
poverty-informed approach that centers 
relationships, reduces barriers, and reframes how we interpret struggle.

Courtyard Mariott St. Cloud (50 rooms) 

Located downtown St. Cloud - minutes from St. Cloud State University. The Bistro onsite - serves Starbucks Coffee.
$134 – 139.00 plus taxes/night
404 W. St Germain Street
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 654.1661 
Online Booking link: Book your group rate for 2026 MOHE St. Cloud State Atwood Memorial Union
Or call to reserve in the block. Mention you are with MN Higher Education Office to get the room block rate.
Hotel Block will be released on May 7th.

GrandStay Residential Suites St. Cloud (20 rooms) 

Located downtown St. Cloud - minutes from St. Cloud State University. Suites available with a fully equipped kitchen. Includes pool and complimentary Grand Start Breakfast.
$129.00 plus taxes/night
213 Sixth Avenue South
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 257-6200
stcloud@grandstay.net 
Block Name: 2026 MNOHE. Call to reserve in the block. Mention you are with MN Higher Education Office to get the room block rate.
Hotel Block will be released on May 7th.

About Saint Cloud

St. Cloud Area Information: St. Cloud events calendar https://www.visitstcloud.com/events/ 
St. Cloud Visitor Guide: https://www.visitstcloud.com/guide/ 

Specific Events in St. Cloud Surrounding Area June 6 – 8, 2026

Saturday, June 6

• Jam Into Summer Music Festival – Ultimate Sports Bar & Grill
• Little River Band – The Ledge Amphitheater
• 7 Wonders of Rock: Featuring Vocal Legends of the ’70s & ’80s – Pioneer Place on Fifth

Sunday, June 7

• Bluegrass and Blues – Beaver Island Brewing Company
• St. Cloud Pride Summer Fun Fest 2026 – Lake George

Great Local Eats, Located Downtown

• Olde Brick House- Irish
• Jules’ Bistro
• The Pickled Loon
• White Horse Restaurant & Bar
• Arroy Thai & Filipino

For a full list of all the restaurants in the area, visit here: https://visitstcloud.com/things-to-do/dining/