As a public university, civic leadership is at the center of our educational, research, and service missions. Last year, we launched the Civic Dialogue Initiative to infuse the skills of civic life within our campus culture. Through active listening, curiosity, and perspective taking, the initiative creates a community that solves problems together. This is how we make democracy work. From classrooms and residence halls to research labs and our broader community, the Civic Commitments of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness align with and advance our values and mission.
- Barbara J. Wilson
Activation Plan
Below is an overview of some campus activities:
- Better Conversations: Now in its second year, this pilot program studies the impact of a civic dialogue mindset and skill-building on Resident Assistants and students in a residence hall, equipping them with tools to build healthy communities that navigate differences constructively.
- Civic Dialogue on Day One: As part of the new student orientation program Success@Iowa, all incoming students now complete a learning module on civic dialogue—introducing the mindset for responsible expression, the value of curiosity over certainty, and the skills of listening, reflection, and navigating conflicting values thoughtfully.
- Faculty Engagement: This coming year, we plan to engage colleges across campus to learn how faculty are currently putting the Civic Commitments into practice in their courses and to identify opportunities to deepen this work through dialogue and civic skill building.
- Staff Training: We are currently piloting a student-facing staff training series within the Division of Student Life, where staff gain dialogue facilitation skills to develop workshops and resources to integrate into their work with students and student organizations.
- Dinner Table Dialogues: A campuswide event series that fosters small-group discussions among students with differing perspectives, emphasizing understanding rather than agreement. This year’s focus will draw on America250, encouraging students to explore the values that they believe should guide America’s future.
Barbara J. Wilson
President, University of Iowa
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Join the growing consoritum of campus leaders urgently committed to collectively restoring higher education’s role in democracy.
Barbara J. Wilson
President, University of Iowa
Below is an overview of some campus activities:
- Better Conversations: Now in its second year, this pilot program studies the impact of a civic dialogue mindset and skill-building on Resident Assistants and students in a residence hall, equipping them with tools to build healthy communities that navigate differences constructively.
- Civic Dialogue on Day One: As part of the new student orientation program Success@Iowa, all incoming students now complete a learning module on civic dialogue—introducing the mindset for responsible expression, the value of curiosity over certainty, and the skills of listening, reflection, and navigating conflicting values thoughtfully.
- Faculty Engagement: This coming year, we plan to engage colleges across campus to learn how faculty are currently putting the Civic Commitments into practice in their courses and to identify opportunities to deepen this work through dialogue and civic skill building.
- Staff Training: We are currently piloting a student-facing staff training series within the Division of Student Life, where staff gain dialogue facilitation skills to develop workshops and resources to integrate into their work with students and student organizations.
- Dinner Table Dialogues: A campuswide event series that fosters small-group discussions among students with differing perspectives, emphasizing understanding rather than agreement. This year’s focus will draw on America250, encouraging students to explore the values that they believe should guide America’s future.
As a public university, civic leadership is at the center of our educational, research, and service missions. Last year, we launched the Civic Dialogue Initiative to infuse the skills of civic life within our campus culture. Through active listening, curiosity, and perspective taking, the initiative creates a community that solves problems together. This is how we make democracy work. From classrooms and residence halls to research labs and our broader community, the Civic Commitments of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness align with and advance our values and mission.
- Barbara J. Wilson