Strengthening Our Community Through Civic Discourse

Dear Faculty and Staff:

In an increasingly polarized world, the ability to engage in productive, respectful disagreement is a fundamental requirement for a functioning democracy and a critical competency for our students' future success. As educators, we have a unique responsibility to model how to navigate differences and equip our students with the resilience and empathy to hear opposing viewpoints without retreating into conflict. To support this vital work, I am pleased to invite you to a Professional Development Workshop on Civic Discourse, facilitated by the Constructive Dialogue Institute and sponsored by Academic Affairs.

This interactive session is designed to foster constructive dialogue in our classrooms and across campus. We will explore how moral values and cognitive biases shape our perspectives and, more importantly, learn research-based strategies to bridge those differences. This training directly supports our institutional commitment to civic learning and aligns with the SUNY Civic Discourse General Education requirement, helping us prepare to support students in meeting these essential learning outcomes.

The workshop will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in the Greenley Library, Faculty Center, before the Governance meeting. Breakfast will be served. Please visit the event page or register to reserve your spot.

Please view this workshop as the first in a series of ongoing events dedicated to this topic, including those that involve student participation. Building a community capable of robust, respectful discourse is a collective effort, and your input is essential to shaping our approach. Please share your thoughts and feedback as we work together to achieve this worthy goal.

Sean Lane, PhD
Senior Vice President and Provost