Strengthening Dialogue Across Differences

AAC&U and the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) are partnering to support a select group of institutions in strengthening their campus capacity for constructive dialogue across differences. This cohort-based initiative equips campuses with practical, evidence-based teaching, learning, and assessment tools designed to reduce polarization and foster a culture of open inquiry and constructive engagement across differences.

Participating institutions benefited from a structured cohort experience that combines subsidized access to CDI’s Perspectives program, an evidence-based blended learning experience that equips students with practical skills to engage in dialogue across lines of difference; professional learning communities with peer institutions and experienced practitioners; and data and analytics to help campuses understand and track dialogue outcomes over time. Together, these resources offer a scalable, research-backed approach to embedding constructive dialogue across campus contexts.

During this informational webinar, institutional leaders and campus teams positioned to advance dialogue, student learning, and campus culture at scale learned more about CDI and the Perspectives program, heard examples from institutions that have implemented CDI’s approach, and received an overview of the cohort application and selection process, including key deadlines, institutional commitments, participation benefits, and the overall project timeline.

About the Cohort

Selected institutions participate in a multi-semester engagement designed to embed constructive dialogue across curricular and co-curricular contexts. Each campus identified a cross-functional team to guide implementation and take part in facilitated learning sessions with peer institutions.

The initiative emphasizes scalability, assessment, and long-term integration into institutional priorities. 

Details related to costs, application deadlines, and how to apply were shared during the informational webinar.