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.
Critical Conversations: Civility
Mon., Feb. 17, 2025 | noon – 1:30 p.m.
Linsalata Alumni Center, Foster-Castele Great Hall
During this Critical Conversation, panelists will answer the question, "What role does civility (or lack thereof) play in a society?"
In-person series. Open to all.
Sponsor: Office of the Provost and counts as Explore credit.
Critical Conversations: Affordable Housing
Tues., March 18, 2025 | noon – 1:30 p.m.
Linsalata Alumni Center, Foster-Castele Great Hall
During this Critical Conversation, panelists will answer the question, "What are the contextual factors and implications shaping access to affordable housing?"
In-person series. Open to all.
Sponsor: Office of the Provost and counts as Explore credit.
Critical Conversations: Climate Change & Social Inequality
Tues., April 22, 2025 | noon – 1:30 p.m.
Tinkham Veale University Center
During this Critical Conversation, panelists will answer the question, "How are climate change and social inequality interconnected?"
In-person series. Open to all.
Sponsor: Office of the Provost and counts as Explore credit.
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.
Hard Conversations: What Kind of Conversation Are You In?
Tues., Feb. 4, 2025 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Tinkham Veale University Center, Ballroom A
During this Hard Conversation, you'll explore the question, "What Kind of Conversation Are You In?" Together, we'll uncover how to identify the tone, purpose, and dynamics of any dialogue and practice strategies to engage more effectively.
In-person series. Geared toward CWRU undergraduate students.
Sponsor: Office of the Provost and counts as Explore credit.
Hard Conversations: Are you Actually Willing to Learn?
Wed., March 5, 2025 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Tinkham Veale University Center, Ballroom A
During this Hard Conversation, you'll tackle the question, "Are You Actually Willing to Learn?" This session challenges you to reflect on your openness to new perspectives and ideas while exploring how curiosity and active listening can transform discussions. Join us to strengthen your ability to engage in conversations that foster understanding and growth.
In-person series. Geared toward CWRU undergraduate students.
Sponsor: Office of the Provost and counts as Explore credit.
Hard Conversations: Can You Trust the Source?
Mon., March 31, 2025 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Linsalata Alumni Center,Foster-Castele Great Hall
During this Hard Conversation, you'll dive into the question, "Can You Trust the Source?" Together, we'll explore how to assess the credibility of information, identify biases, and navigate conversations rooted in reliable facts. This session will equip you with tools to engage thoughtfully and critically in any dialogue.
In-person series. Geared toward CWRU undergraduate students.
Sponsor: Office of the Provost and counts as Explore credit.
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.
Undocumented: Writing a Korean-Japanese American Memoir Featuring Junko Takeda, PhD
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Tinkham Veale University Center, Senior Classroom
Before becoming a historian of early modern France and empire, Junko Takeda grew up as an undocumented immigrant facing deportation hearings. In this talk, she shares how her childhood shaped her study of France’s interactions with migrants and those on the fringes of legality. She will discuss her journey through academia, civic engagement, and immigrant advocacy, as well as the challenges of first-person Asian American and immigrant narrative writing. Drawing from her memoir, she explores themes like model minority myths, ethnic imposter syndrome, undocumented rights, BIPOC solidarity, and resilience.
In-person series. Open to all.
Sponsor: The Office For Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement, Co-Sponsored by the Department of History, and counts as Explore credit.
Engaged Citizen - American Freedom
Fri., February 21, 2025 | 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Linsalata, Foster-Castele Great Hall
This panel discussion connects into the concept of "double consciousness," as explored by W.E.B. Du Bois. This thought-provoking event will feature a diverse panel of scholars from the Case Western Reserve University Community who will discuss the complexities of identity, race, and social consciousness after the election. Panelists include: Dr. David Miller, Dr. Joy Bostic, Dr. John Flores. Moderated by Dr. Heather E. Burton.
In-person series. Open to all.
Sponsor: The Office For Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement and counts as Explore credit.
Harlem Rhapsody Featuring Victoria Christopher Murray
Friday, March 21, 2025 | 3 to 5 p.m.
Linsalata, Foster-Castele Great Hall
Victoria Christopher Murray is a New York Times bestselling author of over 30 novels, including The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies. A graduate of Hampton University and NYU’s Stern School of Business, she self-published her debut novel, Temptation, which led to an NAACP Image Award nomination. Murray has won numerous awards, including the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award and five NAACP Image Award nominations. Her novels have been adapted into Lifetime movies, and The Personal Librarian is being turned into a mini-series. With over three million books in print, she’s a top African American contemporary author. Visit www.victoriachristophermurray.com.
In-person series. Open to all.
Sponsor: The Office For Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement and counts as Explore credit.
Save the Date! Whatcha Say: The Power of Language
Friday, April 11, 2025 | 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Linsalata, Foster-Castele Great Hall
In-person series. Open to all.
Sponsor: The Office For Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement and counts as Explore credit.
Sustained Dialogue
The CWRU 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 CWRU 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 Edwin Mayes 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 (Listen to the recording)
- Inside Out for Grown-Ups: How Becoming a Connoisseur of Feelings Prepares You to Respond More Effectively (Listen to the recording)
- Setting Limits: Navigating News, Technology, and Social Media-Related Stress (Listen to the recording)
- Less Dramatic Holidays and a More Mindful New Year (Listen to the recording)
Virtual series. Open to all CWRU 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’s 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 CWRU faculty and staff.
Sponsor: University Wellness
Small Acts, Big Impact: Be Healthier, Happier, and More Successful Through Kindness
In today’s 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 “have a good day” from polite lip service into reality. Together, let’s create the culture we want to thrive and grow in.
Virtual series. Open to all CWRU 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 CWRU faculty and staff.
Sponsor: University Wellness
Professional Development Center
More events coming soon.
Siegal Lifelong Learning
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.