Elon students enrolled in the GST course "The Meaning of Work," will host an all-day conference on the way labor defines identity in American society. The conference will feature a documentary about unemployment made by students in the course, a panel discussion and presentations on the students' work.

The conference was entirely planned and fundraised by students in the GST course. The featured documentary explores unemployment in Alamance County and how unemployment affects an individual's sense of worth.

"Not having work makes you a non-person in almost every sense in our society," said Yoram Lubling, professor of philosophy and teacher of the GST course.

The conference will examine how people are often defined by their occupation and if work leads to fulfillment and happiness. It will also address the value placed on money and the structure of capitalistic societies.

Students in the course also implemented a "time bank", where Elon students and members of the community log volunteer hours to receive incentives such as coupons and discounts rather than money. Students hope the time bank will be an enduring part of the project after the course is over and will involve the surrounding community.

A panel discussion will take place in the afternoon involving professors from several different departments including economics, political science and art. Panelists will discuss how work establishes a sense of self-worth in individuals and how to combat unemployment in North Carolina. Brooke Kassner, a senior taking the course, said students wanted a diverse panel that will represent different aspects of employment.

"You have to look at these issues from multiple perspectives, not just a philosophical one," Kassner said.

Students in the course hope the conference is a starting point to form a campus organization and to host more events in the future. Kassner said she learned from taking the course how important it is to consider the motivations and reasons behind career choices.

"It is a critical point in students' lives when they can decide what they enjoy and pursue a career in that," Kassner said.

The conference will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. today in McCoy Commons (Oaks 212).