USU Launches Pilot Program to Improve Civil Discourse on Campus
Video by Taylor Emerson, Digital Journalist, University Marketing & Communications
Utah State University’s Aggies Think Care Act initiative will offer a new program this spring to help students learn to engage in civil discourse and find mutual understanding on politics, culture, and society. Modeled after the Divided We Fall: Unity Without Tragedy documentary, the Aggie Talks program will start with a kick-off lecture by communications expert Clair Canfield, followed by four weekly student discussion sessions.
“Our country has become more and more politically divided,” said Kate Stephens, the associate director for the Center for Community Engagement. “But I think we share much more in common than social media and cable news programs would have us believe.”
The purpose of the program is to give students the tools and space to practice civil discourse with those they think they have nothing in common with.
All university community members are welcome to attend the kick-off lecture, but students must apply to be a part of the discussion sessions. When applying, students will complete a short survey to help ensure the final discussion group includes a diversity of experiences and perspectives.
“As we work together to construct a space of mutual respect and understanding, having a variety of perspectives present will only strengthen our ability to apply this understanding to our day-to-day lives,” said Donnie Corwin, the facilitator for the Aggie Talks discussions and a graduate student instructor in communication studies.
Students must apply for the discussion group by Saturday, March 26 by 11:59 p.m. Those selected will be contacted no later than Monday, March 28.
This program is organized by Aggies Think Care Act and supported by the Center for Community Engagement at USU.
Aggie Talks
Finding Mutual Understanding on Politics, Culture, and Society
Civil Discourse Student Kickoff EventMarch 24 | 12:00-1:30 p.m. | Library Room 154
Student Discussions
Thursdays, March 31 through April 21 | 4 p.m. | TSC room 332E
CONTACT
Kate Stephens
Director
USU Center for Community Engagement
435-797-8135
kate.stephens@usu.edu
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