NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2026

Presidents and senior leaders from eight major public universities have committed to developing and implementing campuswide strategies to strengthen inquiry, dialogue, and free expression through a yearlong initiative led by the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI).

The participating institutions are Arizona State University, Indiana University Bloomington, the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of Michigan, the University of Vermont, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Together, they serve hundreds of thousands of students.

The initiative comes as universities grapple with declining public trust and continued questions about how to prepare students to engage across differences. Public universities occupy a distinctive place in American democracy. They bring together students from different communities, backgrounds, and perspectives, often at a scale few other institutions can match. Their influence extends far beyond campus, shaping the civic and professional lives of graduates and the communities they serve.

Recognizing this unique role, CDI brought together leaders from eight institutions for its third annual Leadership Institute, held Oct. 7–8 in Washington, D.C. This year's cohort builds on CDI's 2025 program with nine leading private research universities. By engaging leading private research universities and major public universities, CDI aims to leverage the distinct influence of each to catalyze a broader movement and establish models that can be adopted across higher education.

“Public universities have a unique opportunity to prepare the next generation to communicate and collaborate across differences,” said Caroline Mehl, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CDI. “By making inquiry, dialogue, and free expression institutional priorities, these eight universities are investing not just in their students, but in the health of our democracy.”

From Dialogue Programs to Institutional Change

Rather than relying on isolated programs or events, the Leadership Institute helps university teams develop comprehensive strategies for embedding inquiry, dialogue, and free expression throughout campus life—from classroom teaching and student experiences to leadership practices and institutional policies.

For participating institutions, the work builds on existing commitments and creates opportunities to develop more coordinated approaches. “Constructive dialogue is at the core of how our university accomplishes its mission, and we never want to become complacent,” said University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Chancellor Donde Plowman. “Creating an unparalleled experience for our student scholars is a differentiator at the University of Tennessee, and it is dependent on the culture we create on our campus, both in and out of the classroom. Coming together as a team to advance a culture of constructive dialogue, and to learn from others in the room, is a valuable way to make sure we remain focused for the benefit of our university community.”

During the two-day summit, leaders shared challenges, learned from peer institutions, and developed priorities and action plans for their campuses. CDI will support the teams over the coming year as they implement their plans.

At the University of Vermont, the initiative is helping connect existing efforts across campus and beyond. “Public universities are fundamental to democracy, and we can model engagement across difference. We have launched an exciting new statewide program called Vermont Listens that brings together people with a broad array of perspectives. If true listening is the first step, dialogue is the second,” said Marlene Tromp, President of the University of Vermont. “CDI helped us imagine how we could coordinate and synergize all of our dialogic programming across campus. With the feedback and support of the program and our peer institutions across the country, we will create more comprehensive and coordinated efforts across UVM and across our state.”

Other participating universities are similarly working to build on existing efforts. “The University of Michigan is committed to being a model in higher education for civil and robust discourse on critical issues. Our Center for American Dialogue is a place where people can challenge conventional thinking and encounter ideas they disagree with,” said University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso. “Our common ground must be reasoned intellectual empathy and civility.”

The opportunity to exchange ideas with peer institutions was another important element of the summit. “The CDI Leadership Institute provided a valuable opportunity to explore both the promise and the challenges of fostering constructive dialogue across differences in higher education,” said Lionel Allen Jr., Vice Chancellor for Engagement at the University of Illinois Chicago. “Learning alongside colleagues from institutions across the country deepened our thinking about how we can continue to invest in and expand Dialogue at UIC, creating opportunities for students to build understanding, engage across differences, and strengthen a sense of belonging.”

About the Constructive Dialogue Institute

The Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) is a nonpartisan nonprofit that partners with colleges and universities to create campus cultures of inquiry, dialogue, and free expression. CDI believes that a thriving democracy depends on people’s ability to engage with different perspectives, evaluate information critically, and collaborate on shared challenges. Since its founding in 2017, CDI has partnered with more than 150 colleges and universities nationwide, offering an evidence-based suite of programs designed to reach stakeholders at every level of a campus, from presidents to incoming students, and drive meaningful culture change.

Media Contact: Katherine Brandon, katherine@constructivedialogue.org