Belonging Events
Our informal, drop-in/drop-out model provides flexible engagement opportunities for all faculty and staff.
- Webinars allow participants to explore key themes.
- A library of resources offers curated readings, videos, and discussion prompts.
Webinar: Fostering Civil Discourse: Strategies for Facilitating Deliberative Dialogue in the College Classroom
August 26, 2025 | 2 – 3 p.m. PST
Deliberative dialogue invites students to engage in thoughtful, respectful conversations around complex and often contentious issues—an essential skill in today’s polarized society. This one-hour webinar will share strategies for structuring and facilitating dialogue effectively, while also addressing common challenges.
Presenters
Peter Felten, PhD, Professor of History; Executive Director of the Center for Engaged Learning; Assistant Provost for Teaching and Learning, Elon University; co-author of Relationship-Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College
Rosina H. Bolen, PhD, Director of Solidarity, Engagement and Success Initiatives, Mount St. Mary’s University
Register
Because the live session conflicts with Reed's Convocation day, we're planning to
- host a Watch Party (date/time TBA) so we can view the session together;
- facilitate two follow-up opportunities for dialogue (date/time TBA) to highlight insights from Felten's book, Relationship-Rich Education.
- Both the Watch Party and follow-up discussions will be open to all faculty and staff.
Stay Connected: Sign up for our OID professional development Google Group
Webinar: Navigating Belonging in Higher Ed Amid Challenging Contexts
April 2, 2025, 11 a.m. to noon PST
In this webinar, we will explore how higher education institutions are adapting to emerging challenges while staying committed to fostering belonging. Through insights from leaders and colleagues across various organizations, we will discuss lessons learned from the first few months of the year, hear about new approaches being taken, and identify strategies for shaping the future of our work.
Presenters
Dr. Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, Professor, Department of Communication Studies, California State University, Los Angeles
Dr. Jennifer Imazeki, Associate Vice President for Faculty and Staff Diversity, San Diego State University
Daarel Burnette II, Senior Editor, The Chronicle of Higher Education
Learning Objectives
- Hear how current political events are impacting higher education.
- Learn key adaptations institutions have made in response to evolving challenges.
- Identify ways that each of us can continue to help students feel like they belong, regardless of the national political climate.
Register
- Register for the Webinar | All attendees must register with Belong to receive access to the webinar. Please use the following link:
Register for the April Webinar - RSVP for the Watch Party (Optional, In-Person Only) | If you plan to join us in Psych 105 for a watch party with food and drinks, please fill out this brief form so we can ensure we have enough seating and accommodate any dietary or accessibility needs:
RSVP for the Watch Party
The form will ask for the following:
Your Name
Your E-mail
Department/Office
Your Primary Purpose for Attending (What are you hoping to learn, explore, or take away from this session?)
Dietary Restrictions/Needs
Accessibility Requests
Questions
Reach out to Jennifer Whetham, associate dean in the Office for Institutional Diversity and educational developer for equity, inclusion, and belonging.
We look forward to learning together!