About Campus Conversations
Campus Conversations is a dialogue-based initiative created to promote understanding across differences. It offers students, undergraduate and graduate, a way to learn critical listening skills, manage difficult conversations, and talk about identity. Join a Campus Conversation and you will make a friend, have a real conversation and build community at Columbia.
You don’t need to be an expert in any of the topics or come with prepared materials. Just show up and be open!
Spring 2024 Campus Conversations
Tuesday, April 23, 12 - 1 p.m.
Virtual
Come participate in a lively discussion event, where students can express their views on an important issue that affects our campus community. Our goal is to bring together a variety of perspectives to encourage productive conversations and promote mutual understanding within our student body. This Campus Conversation is part of the Dialogue Across Difference Initiative.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID.
Wednesday, April 24, 6 - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1, 6 - 7 p.m.
Virtual
The discussion connects Supreme Court decisions to the ongoing efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Columbia University. This session will explore key Supreme Court cases that have shaped DEI policies in educational settings, examining their implications for our campus life and governance and give a platform to discuss whose role is it in promoting DEI. Participants will engage in a dialogue that not only reviews these pivotal legal benchmarks but also considers their impact on current and future university policies. Through this lens, we'll discuss how legal precedents can guide our efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable academic community. This Campus Conversation is part of the Dialogue Across Difference Initiative.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID.
Thursday, April 25, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Virtual
This discussion will focus on ways to create greater inclusion and a sense of belonging for SOA and Columbia University students. We will discuss ideas to build a sense of belonging within our community. This Campus Conversation is part of the Dialogue Across Difference Initiative.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID.
Friday, April 26, 1 - 2 p.m.
Virtual
This conversation aims to explore various avenues for understanding freedom of expression. In cases of disagreement, we contemplate whether resorting to cancel culture, or fostering the refinement of the art of disagreement is necessary. This Campus Conversation is part of the Dialogue Across Difference Initiative.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID.
Friday, May 3, 1 - 2 p.m.
Friday, May 3, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Virtual
This conversation will explore our understanding of AI technology and experiences, the impact of legitimacy in using AI in medical fields and other aspects of daily life, and how it impacts our future. This Campus Conversation is part of the Dialogue Across Difference Initiative.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID.
Tuesday, April 16, 6 - 7 p.m. & Monday, April 22, 1-2 p.m.
In-Person
Explore the availability and effectiveness of accessibility resources on Columbia campus for students with invisible illnesses. Examine the intersectionality of physical and mental health issues among students with invisible illnesses. Discuss the importance of holistic support services that address both the physical symptoms and mental health challenges associated with these conditions. This Campus Conversation is part of the Dialogue Across Difference Initiative.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID.
Tuesday, April 16, 6 - 7 p.m.
In-Person
Join us for a conversation on Inclusivity and Belonging @ Columbia, where we will discuss our journeys at Columbia University. This conversation aims to explore our unique experiences on campus, diving into questions such as: How do I feel about the current campus climate? How can we collectively foster a stronger sense of community at Columbia? How can Columbia University better support students in their academic pursuits and career aspirations? This dialogue invites an open exchange of ideas and experiences, encouraging a collaborative atmosphere. This Campus Conversation is part of the Dialogue Across Difference Initiative.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID.
Wednesday, April 17, 6 - 7 p.m.
In-Person
Join us for a conversation to discuss: What is the idea of the “American dream" where we will dive into questions of what this idea offers international students. What expectations do international students come to the United States with? What is still valid? What are the benefits of being here? What are the rude shocks?
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID. Snacks will be provided.
Thursday, April 18, 1 - 2 p.m.
In-Person
Join us to share your thoughts and explore different opinions on the new campus protest policy. This Campus Conversation is part of the Dialogue Across Difference Initiative.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID.
Friday, April 19, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. and Monday, April 22, 2 - 3 p.m.
In-Person
This event delves into how we can uphold the right to express opinions while respecting diverse political beliefs. Participants can discuss freedom of speech's vital role in democratic societies, its potential to foster dialogue, and its ability to challenge ideas for social progress.
However, the conversation also acknowledges challenges, especially in polarized contexts where speech may incite violence or discrimination.
Key themes include ethical considerations in the digital age and balancing free speech with limits against hate speech and misinformation. Participants reflect on cultural and legal approaches, considering how norms impact acceptable speech interpretations.
This Campus Conversation is part of the Dialogue Across Difference Initiative.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID.
Friday, April 19, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
In-Person
Together, we’ll explore our understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences, the impact of legislation rooted in heteronormativity and cisgenderism, and how it impacts and influences our lives. Join us on the Morningside campus to think critically about support for LGBTQIA+ communities.
RSVP is required. This event is first-come, first-served until capacity is reached. Please bring your CUID. Lunch will be provided to registered participants.
Monday, April 22, 5 - 6 p.m.
In-Person
Join us for an insightful discussion exploring the contrasting immigration policies of electoral candidates former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. Delve into the nuances of each candidate's political campaign as we analyze the strategies and their implications on the American landscape as we enter the 2024 United States Presidential election.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID. Snacks will be provided.
Wednesday, April 24, 5 - 6 p.m.
In-Person
Do you think people should filter their thoughts before communicating? Do you think social media has induced a state of hyper-awareness in individuals to be aware of the implications of every word that is said? Discuss to find out how you and your peers view this emerging topic. Join us in Avery Basement. This Campus Conversation is part of the Dialogue Across Difference Initiative.
RSVP is recommended but not required, please bring your CUID.
In this workshop, Navigating Difficult Conversations, we ask what makes conversations difficult? And, how can we make them productive? Participants will walk through a step-by-step process to engage in tough conversations with less stress and more success.
RSVP is required. This event is first-come, first-served until capacity is reached. Please bring your CUID. Lunch/dinner will be provided to registered participants.
More upcoming dates will be announced soon.
In this workshop, we’ll examine our listening skills. We often take our ability to listen for granted yet many of us rarely truly listen to others. In fact, when was the last time you felt truly listened to? And yet, listening, when done with intention, can have a transformative effect on relationships, as well as the climate and culture of organizations.
RSVP is required. This event is first-come, first-served until capacity is reached. Please bring your CUID. Lunch/dinner will be provided to registered participants.
More upcoming dates will be announced soon.
