What are Campus Conversations?
Campus Conversations is a dialogue-based program designed to bring students together across differences. Through these open conversations, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to:
- Build meaningful connections with peers
- Develop deep critical listening skills
- Practice navigating challenging conversations
- Explore issues of identity and community at Columbia
How do I join a Campus Conversation workshop?
Joining a Campus Conversation is simple! You do not need to be an expert on any topic or bring any prepared materials. We only ask that you show up with an open mind, ready to take part in meaningful conversations that help us understand each other and strengthen our community. A schedule of workshops will become available in the Spring semester.
Upcoming Campus Conversations
How do I become a Campus Conversations Facilitator?
Students selected for our Facilitator Development Program are hired as paid student leaders, earning $20 per hour for up to 7 hours per week.
As a Campus Conversations facilitator, you’ll participate in specialized training to develop skills in creating spaces for thought-provoking dialogue and to confidently navigate challenging conversations that impact students across campus.
This opportunity is designed to help you develop inclusive leadership skills, strengthen your ability to listen actively and empathetically, and gain hands-on experience facilitating small group discussions on a variety of topics.
Interested in becoming part of a community of student leaders committed to creating spaces of understanding and connection at Columbia? The 2025–26 application is closed, but will reopen in Fall 2026!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
The exact time commitment will fluctuate throughout the year, but facilitators should expect to work 5-7 hours a week. In the fall semester, facilitators will prioritize staff meetings and training. In the spring semester, they will spend more time preparing for and facilitating conversations. Please note that all Campus Conversations facilitators will be required to attend a bi-weekly staff meeting throughout the academic year.
Facilitators must be available for staff meetings on Tuesday evenings from 6–7:30 p.m. beginning on November 18. You must also be available on November 3 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. for our meet & greet, and on November 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for the training retreat.
The facilitator program is currently only open to students from Columbia’s graduate and professional schools.
Each conversation is available for students from any school to participate in – including both undergraduate and graduate/professional schools.
Throughout the spring semester, facilitators should expect to host between 5-7 conversations. These can be scheduled as your availability allows, but we suggest that all facilitators host either two or three conversations a month in the spring semester.
Unfortunately, students in the facilitator program cannot hold another paid Student Officer position. This includes, but is not limited to: teaching assistant/fellow, research assistant, or graduate assistant positions. You can email us to discuss your specific situation if you’re unsure if this applies to you.
You can reach us by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Campus Conversations.” We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!