Three Pathways Institutions Are Taking

Our conversations with campus leaders uncovered three major catalysts driving constructive dialogue work across higher education.

1. Affirming/Reaffirming Commitments to Free Expression

Some universities begin with efforts to protect and articulate free expression principles—often embedding them into strategic plans, mission statements, or governance frameworks.

• At Georgia Institute of Technology, dialogue culture was formally embedded into the university’s strategic plan as one of nine core values, reinforced by state legislation and shifts in student affairs infrastructure.

• The University of Chicago has launched the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression to provide students and faculty with both philosophical grounding and practical tools for navigating difficult topics.

• UNC Charlotte brought free speech to the forefront by initiating a faculty-led task force and campus-wide resolution process, stimulating dialogue among faculty who had not previously engaged with the issue.

These efforts also reinforce higher education’s mission to promote intellectual inquiry. By engaging students with complex, even uncomfortable ideas, institutions are preserving academic rigor while fostering habits of thoughtful, principled exploration.

2. Advancing Civic Engagement Through Dialogue

Other institutions see dialogue as central to preparing students for democratic life and public responsibility, using civic discourse to develop real-world skills and community understanding.

• William & Mary launched the Democracy Initiative, tying its historical identity to modern civic learning through dialogue programs and professional development supported by CDI’s training and resources.

• At Davidson College, what began as one professor’s concern about polarization grew into a structured, campus-wide initiative—the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative—through persistent collaboration and faculty leadership.

• Duke University’s North Carolina Leadership Forum and subsequent Provost’s Initiative illustrate how sustained dialogue work can expand from local political engagement and decentralized activities to institution-wide infrastructure.

Dialogue-driven civic initiatives help students build connection and trust across perspectives. These programs foster a climate of belonging and shared responsibility that strengthens campus culture and models democratic engagement.

3. Responding to Controversy with Culture-Building

In some cases, conflict or scrutiny creates an opportunity for lasting transformation. Instead of reacting solely to unrest, these institutions responded with intentional culture-building—leveraging moments of pressure to clarify values, strengthen dialogue infrastructure, and support meaningful community engagement.

• American University launched a civic life initiative following unrest surrounding Middle East-related issues, aiming to create structured pathways for student activism and dialogue.

• Claremont McKenna College developed the Open Academy after student protests highlighted a need to reconcile viewpoint diversity and institutional values. Its three pillars—free expression, constructive dialogue, and viewpoint diversity—offer a replicable model for institutions grappling with similar tensions.

• Tufts University responded to intense media scrutiny by reorganizing key roles across the institution and establishing a cross-functional structure to support restorative practices and sustained dialogue.

Even in moments of challenge, dialogue-centered responses help students develop the skills and habits of civic and democratic life. These experiences prepare them to listen, participate, and lead within diverse communities—on campus and beyond.

Equipping Students for the Workplace

Constructive dialogue also supports a vital institutional goal: preparing students for professional success. Campus leaders in the report consistently emphasized that skills like active listening, collaboration, and navigating disagreement are not just civic assets—they’re career-ready competencies.

Employers increasingly value graduates who can communicate clearly, collaborate across differences, and navigate disagreement—skills dialogue programs are uniquely positioned to support. This is reinforced in recent findings from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which cite communication, critical thinking, and teamwork among the top career-readiness competencies.

Final Thoughts

The strategies outlined in this report offer more than case studies—they offer a blueprint for advancing a culture of rigorous, respectful discourse in higher education.

Whether through renewed commitments to free expression, innovative civic initiatives, or structured responses to moments of unrest, institutions across the country are showing what it means to lead with intention and purpose.

When dialogue is supported by strategy, leadership, and a commitment to mission, it becomes more than a program—it becomes a way of preparing students to be thoughtful scholars, engaged citizens, and principled leaders in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

In doing so, universities not only strengthen their own communities, but help revitalize higher education’s foundational role in a healthy democracy. We invite you to read the full report Building Cultures of Constructive Dialogue: A Blueprint for Campus Leaders.

Download the full report.