Event
May 27, 2025
Unscripted Conversations: Faculty Professional Development
DePauw University
As a sociologist, Aliyah Turner is no stranger to tough conversations—she’s “in the business of difficult dialogue.” But after attending the Faculty Institute, she’s doubling down on that work and bringing new insights back to DePauw University, where she’s leading professional development workshops for her colleagues. She shares what it means to “rip off the Band-Aid from day one,” discusses how faculty can push past the fear of getting it right, and talks about a breakthrough moment in her class that made it the best one she’s ever taught.
Rutgers University
In today’s political climate, navigating conversations with those who disagree with you can feel like walking a tightrope. But for Elizabeth Matto, Director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics, a political scientist, and a research professor at Rutgers University, it’s a skill worth mastering. In June 2024, she explored new strategies for helping her students engage in productive conversations about difficult topics at the Faculty Institute.
Hear how Elizabeth is bringing those insights back to her classroom.
Drew University
Mecca Madyun, a professor and leader in civic engagement at Drew University, is helping faculty have engaging discussions on complex issues on their campuses as a 2025 Faculty Institute Fellow. But this isn’t about “kumbaya” or changing minds, Mecca says—it’s about encouraging young people to be open and excited to hear other’s ideas, and to value someone regardless of their beliefs.
Montclair State University
At Montclair State University, faculty programming is in full swing, tackling the real-world challenges that spill into classrooms and shape students’ lives. With global events sparking tough conversations, Montclair is making sure educators have the tools and support they need to help students engage with complex topics. In 2024, the Dialogue Across Difference program hosted eight faculty seminars on building resilience for difficult conversations, developing strategies that embrace diverse perspectives, and fostering meaningful post-election discussions. The goal? To make Montclair a campus where, no matter where you look, “conversations about ideas that matter” are happening everywhere.