星空传媒 offers a wide range of programs and series to enhance civility and connection across our campus and community. Find current events below.
Critical Conversations
Critical Conversations is a monthly series sponsored by the Office of the Provost in which a panel of experts thoughtfully engage in "Critical Conversations" about important cross-disciplinary and often controversial topics. Each panel will cover several themes within the topic, such as historical, legal, societal, ethical, and medical contexts. This is followed by a rich Q&A session interaction with the audience.
More events coming soon.
Hard Conversations
Hard Conversations is a monthly series sponsored by the Office of the Provost that focuses on the art of having hard conversations. Hard Conversations helps students engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue with those who may see the world differently. Each event focuses on sharpening one of the 10 skills developed by the Civil Discourse Advisory Group, preparing students to navigate complex topics confidently in class and beyond.
More events coming soon.
Sustained Dialogue
The 星空传媒 Sustained Dialogue program brings together individuals from various backgrounds to discuss campus, local and national issues of concern. The current program includes three groups:
- STUDENTS: Social/Fun Sustained Dialogue
Topic: AI and Education: A low-stakes, low-pressure chance to share your experiences and express yourself
Starting: Feb. 10, with meetings in-person every Monday from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual, but can be in-person by group interest - STAFF: Formal Sustained Dialogue Across Backgrounds
Topic: Building a sense of belonging in a divided time: An SD group for staff members to meet and discuss hard-to-surface topics
Starting: Feb. 13, with meetings every Thurs. from 12-1:15 p.m. (excluding spring break)
Location: In person, announced after final group chosen - STAFF: Staff Social Sustained Dialogue: Get to Know Other 星空传媒 Staff
Topic: Staff Fun/Social Hour: Small group fun conversations to expand your circle
Starting: Feb. 11, with meetings every Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. (excluding spring break)
Location: Virtual, via ZOOM or Google Meet
Questions about dialogue groups should be sent to or Prof. Aysegul Zeren.
University Wellness
Coping with Current Events: Cultivating Attentional Agency
Join Daron Larson, BA, originator of the term "Attentional Fitness", for a mindful approach to coping with events this fall. Topics of this 4-week mini-series include:
- More Than Calm: Mindful Habits for Thriving in an Attention Economy ()
- Inside Out for Grown-Ups: How Becoming a Connoisseur of Feelings Prepares You to Respond More Effectively
- Setting Limits: Navigating News, Technology, and Social Media-Related Stress
- Less Dramatic Holidays and a More Mindful New Year ()
Virtual series. Open to all 星空传媒 faculty and staff.
Sponsor: University Wellness
Improve Your Well-Being Through Meaningful Connections at Work
Full-time employees spend more than half of their waking hours engaged in the workplace environment, including meetings and communications with coworkers. It鈥檚 no surprise that our interactions with coworkers have a significant influence on our mental, emotional, and social well-being. This interactive mini-series will offer a unique opportunity to explore the science behind meaningful workplace relationships and how they contribute to overall job satisfaction and well-being.
Virtual series. Open to all 星空传媒 faculty and staff.
Sponsor: University Wellness
Small Acts, Big Impact: Be Healthier, Happier, and More Successful Through Kindness
In today鈥檚 fast-paced, tech-driven world, essential dynamics like collaboration, cohesion, and validation are often overlooked - if not outright dismissed. Join MJ Shaar, MAPP, to explore the transformative power of kindness in the workplace and learn how to turn 鈥渉ave a good day鈥 from polite lip service into reality. Together, let鈥檚 create the culture we want to thrive and grow in.
Virtual series. Open to all 星空传媒 faculty and staff.
Sponsor: University Wellness
Building Blocks of Civil Discourse
Learn more about key interactive skills that build consensus through a civil discourse approach in this skills-based series led by Rhonda Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Sustained Dialogue Institute. Each session will provide an in-depth overview of the specific topic as well as time for reflection and large group discussion.
Virtual series. Open to all 星空传媒 faculty and staff.
Sponsor: University Wellness
Professional Development Center
More events coming soon.
Siegal Lifelong Learning
More events coming soon.
Academic Impressions
Multiple dates
This , geared toward faculty, frontline staff and campus leaders, explores the ways feelings of defensiveness and discomfort can be very common when engaging in conversations around favoritism and unfairness. To take advantage of this and other member resources, sign in with your 星空传媒 credentials on the .
On demand and live options.
Sponsor:
Faculty-Led Programs
More events coming soon.