The Dialogue Facilitation Certification for Student Leaders is a two-day, immersive credentialing program that prepares students to lead constructive dialogue in campus settings. Designed for student leaders who facilitate discussions, serve in peer leadership roles, or represent their institutions publicly, the program builds advanced skills in guiding conversations across differences, managing tension, and reinforcing inquiry and free expression.
Grounded in CDI’s evidence-based, nonpartisan framework, this certification emphasizes structured practice, real-time feedback, and applied facilitation experience.
Participants leave prepared to facilitate dialogue with confidence and clarity in classrooms, residence halls, student organizations, and campus forums.
A practice-based student leadership credential
Focused on real-world campus application
Grounded in behavioral science and continuous evaluation
Program Format
The Dialogue Facilitation Certification for Student Leaders is offered as a private cohort.
- Delivered as a 2-day immersive in-person experience (14 total hours)
- Participants must complete observed facilitation component - full attendance required for certification
Who Should Attend this Program
- Resident advisors
- Orientation leaders
- Student government representatives
- Dialogue or civic engagement leaders
- Student organization leaders
Concepts Covered
Adopt a facilitation approach grounded in neutrality, curiosity, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
Common Use Cases
- Launching a campus-wide dialogue initiative
- Preparing student leaders for high-profile campus moments
- Embedding dialogue into leadership development programs
- Strengthening peer facilitation capacity
By the end of this program, participants will:
- Define and articulate the role and responsibilities of a dialogue facilitator
- Design and sequence a structured constructive dialogue experience
- Facilitate conversations across differences using evidence-based techniques
- Apply conflict navigation tools to manage tense or controversial moments
- Demonstrate facilitation competency through observed practice
I really enjoy the interactive moments. It really helped me to think more about what we were learning and engaging with.
I think this program was great! Good length, good amount of guided vs unguided. Clear plans to help us develop wider goals for our institutions, and genuine investment and passion from the instructors.
I thought this program opened a good place to discuss goals for our campus as well as weaknesses we can recognize as student leaders.
I really enjoy the interactive moments. It really helped me to think more about what we were learning and engaging with.
I think this program was great! Good length, good amount of guided vs unguided. Clear plans to help us develop wider goals for our institutions, and genuine investment and passion from the instructors.
I thought this program opened a good place to discuss goals for our campus as well as weaknesses we can recognize as student leaders.
