Case Western Reserve 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. The events feature a panel discussion from experts on current issues and events in an informal "coffee shop" setting followed by small group discussions between audience members with an opportunity to practice their civil discourse skills in a moderated setting.
More events coming soon.
Power of Diversity Lecture Series
This series includes distinguished guest speakers from the national or international scene and scholars from our own faculty. The speakers include scholars, thought leaders and diversity professionals whose research, scholarship, leadership and advocacy enhance the university's efforts to present diverse ideas, perspectives and viewpoints to inspire greater understanding and appreciation for inclusive excellence.
Advancing Religious Pluralism: Bridging Campus Divides in a Time of Prejudice and Polarization
November 21, 12:30–2 p.m. Veale University Center Senior Classroom
Todd Green, PhD & Homayra Ziad, PhD, InterFaith America
Open to all CWRU faculty, students, staff and the public.
Sponsor: Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement
Sustained Dialogue
The CWRU Sustained Dialogue program brings together individuals from various backgrounds to discuss campus, local and national issues of concern, including diversity and inclusion matters.
Understanding and Applying the Sustained Dialogue Model
Rhonda Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Sustained Dialogue Institute
The Sustained Dialogue process is a 5-stage peace process developed in the Camp David Peace Accords and published in texts such as A Public Peace Process: Sustained Dialogue to Transform Racial and Ethnic Conflicts. In this training, participants will:
- Learn tools and skills to effectively navigate identity differences on campus, like active listening, asking strong questions, and inclusive language;
- Practice using dialogue to talk about the things that really matter to you;
- Learn how to use dialogue, not debate, during tough moments of disagreement;
- Become a more empathetic and effective leader;
- Learn about the SD program on campus and how SD skills can help you in your role.
Virtual Workshop Series
Fridays, December 6-20, 1:00-5:00 p.m. | Register CWRU discount code: Free4sdcnDeepMember
Open to all CWRU faculty, students and staff.
Sponsor: Sustained Dialogue
University Wellness
Everyday Anti-Racism
Love fiction and looking to spark your thinking and action on anti-racism? Come to an informal discussion with professor Mark Joseph to discuss a story from his recently-completed volume: Changing the Narrative: Short Stories to Advance Everyday Anti-Racism. Stories will be made available digitally to those who register.
Tuesday, November 19 | 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Belonging: Doing It Our Way
A Shaker Heights high schooler disrupts the exclusionary status quo.
Virtual series. Open to all CWRU faculty and staff.
Sponsor: University Wellness
Improve Your Well-Being Through Meaningful Connections at Work
Jessica Grossmeier, PhD, MPH
Wednesdays, October 30–November 20 | 12–1 pm
This series explores the science behind meaningful workplace relationships and their impact on well-being, offering strategies to enhance job satisfaction and balance personal and professional life. Over four sessions, you'll engage in discussions and practice skills to cultivate authentic connections with co-workers, guided by a skilled instructor.
Virtual series. Open to all CWRU faculty and staff.
Sponsor: University Wellness
Small Acts, Big Impact: Be Healthier, Happier, and More Successful Through Kindness
MJ Shaar, MAPP
Tuesdays, October 1–November 19, 2024 | 12:30-1:30 p.m.
In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, essential dynamics like collaboration, cohesion and validation are often overlooked, if not outright dismissed. This is a missed opportunity, as scientific evidence shows that these positive interactions boost productivity, enhance problem-solving, spark innovation and strengthen team spirit, leading to significantly improved overall performance. Moreover, research reveals that the benefits of kindness extend beyond the workplace, promoting physical health, longevity, and reducing stress and discomfort in ways that modern medicine can’t fully explain. Together, let’s explore the transformative power of kindness in the workplace, and learn how to turn “have a good day” from polite lip service into a reality. Let’s create the culture we want to thrive and grow in.
Virtual series. Open to all CWRU faculty and staff.
Sponsor: University Wellness
Professional Development Center
More events coming soon.
Academic Impressions
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Multiple dates
This 2-hour virtual workshop, 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 CWRU credentials on the Academic Impressions website.
On demand and live options.
Sponsor: Academic Impressions
Faculty-Led Programs
More events coming soon.