Workshops

Requests for 2026 Spring Semester is Now Open - Submit for a classroom or departmental presentation/workshop

Read below for workshop options:

CDCE Overview & Services 

From behind the scenes to highly visible, learn more about what we do at the Center for Civil Dialogue and Civic Engagement. 

Timing: Range from 10-50 minutes, depending on scope/depth requested 

Intended audience: All 

D, E, WHY?

This foundations workshop introduces participants to core concepts in social justice, specifically exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion - what they mean and why they matter. Access, belonging, and compliance are also examined as essential components in fostering inclusive environments and promoting student success. 

Timing: 50 minutes 

Intended audience: All 

Discourse: Dialogue, Discussion, Debate  

What is the difference? Why is discourse important? In this workshop, we highlight key reasons for civil discourse and provide opportunities for students to engage in meaningful conversation. Review the options below. 

Timing: Varies 

Intended audience: All 

Option 1 – Discourse 101 

Discuss the basics of what discourse includes and explore key components to what makes it effective.  

Option 2 – Pluralist lab (Dialogue Heavy)

This structured, academically rigorous event is designed for students who are interested in enhancing their civil discourse skills and gaining a deeper understanding of complex topics such as policy issues.

The Basics of Bias 

This interactive session invites participants to reflect on their biases shaped by socialization processes and societal influences. Facilitated by CTJ staff, this workshop offers a safe space for self-reflection and discussion on addressing biases. 

Timing: 50 minutes or 90 minutes (more time allows for deeper discussion) 

Intended audience: All 

Option 1 - Basics of Bias 

Explore the fundamentals of bias and its various forms, including implicit bias and microaggressions. Reflect on why understanding bias is crucial for personal growth as well as its implications on society. 

Option 2 - The Mirror of Bias: Who, me? Yes, you. (Discourse Intensive)

Delve into the concept of bias with a focus on internal, implicit biases that shape our behavior. This workshop encourages self-reflection to uncover and understand your own biases, fostering a deeper awareness of how embedded biases are in our everyday life and how entrenched biases affect communities. Participants will leave with tools for critical examination. 

Identity and Intersectionality 

Discover the intricacies of identity and intersectionality in this presentation. Delve into thought-provoking discussions as we explore the depths of self-reflection and consider the diverse perspectives that shape our world. 

Timing: 50 minutes or 90 minutes (more time allows for deeper discussion) 

Intended audience: All 

Option 1 - Introduction to Identity and Intersectionality 

An introduction to the basic concepts of identity and intersectionality, exploring how various aspects of identity (such as race, gender, and class) intersect and impact individuals' experiences. 

Option 2 – Using Case Studies to Explore Intersectionality (Discourse Intensive)

A deeper dive into the complexities of identity and intersectionality, examining case studies and real-world examples to understand the nuanced ways different identities interact and influence each other.