At a time when campus polarization threatens higher education’s civic mission, this practical guide helps institutions reclaim their role as trusted hosts of public dialogue. Based on the Constructive Dialogue Institute’s work with hundreds of campuses and insights from experienced administrators, this playbook equips college leaders with evidence-based strategies to transform speaker events into powerful opportunities for civic learning and community resilience.

Inside the Playbook:

• Frame events as learning opportunities - Help students practice curiosity and democratic habits, even amid controversy

• Support students before and after high-stakes events - Foster reflection, reduce harm, and deepen engagement through structured preparation and debriefing

• Center student voice and agency - Collaborate with students to shape dialogue norms and expectations on campus

• Balance expression and community well-being - Use thoughtful design, risk mitigation, and mission alignment to ensure both safety and open inquiry

With real-world examples from Middlebury College, the University of Chicago, Colgate, and others, this playbook offers a replicable roadmap for turning campus tensions into teachable moments.

Who Should Read This?

Ideal for presidents, provosts, student affairs leaders, and anyone navigating contentious campus climates, this resource offers a timely, actionable framework for restoring higher education’s democratic purpose.

Download the playbook to access resources, case studies, and implementation strategies that can help your campus lead with clarity and compassion.