CDI Leadership Institute: Leading Through Polarized Times
A Transformational Leadership Experience for University Presidents and Senior Teams
Higher education leaders today face unparalleled challenges–increased scrutiny on higher ed and declining public trust, preparing students for a rapidly changing and polarized society, and polarization on and off campus. The Constructive Dialogue Leadership Institute equips campus leadership teams to create a climate of constructive dialogue across curricular and co-curricular spaces. Each year’s cohort consists of 10 schools, who come together for a 2-day in person retreat. This experience extends into a collaborative virtual community where leaders work together, sharing insights and refining their approaches to foster lasting impact on their campuses.
A Leadership Journey Designed for Transformative Impact
The CDI Leadership Institute offers cutting-edge research, peer collaboration, and practical tools designed to support higher education leaders in driving meaningful campus change. It helps leadership teams align around a shared vision, develop actionable strategies to foster open inquiry and dialogue, and strengthen both personal and team adaptability to effectively navigate divisive moments.
Duration
2-day retreat followed by an 8-month professional learning program.
Participants
Selective cohort of university presidents, provosts, and senior leaders.
Outcomes
A shared vision, tailored campus blueprints, and a trusted peer network.
Collaborate with Visionary Higher Education Leaders
Join an esteemed network of presidents and administrators from leading institutions. Our 2024 cohort brought together a diverse group of presidents and administrators, united by their shared commitment to advancing higher education.
The Constructive Dialogue Institute has given us the tools, training, and opportunity to connect more effectively with one another, our campus, and our world. Colleges are meant to model the conditions for democracy. It's our mission to develop students who become effective global citizens. Being able to understand one another, talk to one another, and manage conflict more effectively is the empowering key to not just democracy, but peace. We need that. Our world needs that even more.
What Your Team Will Gain
As a participant, your team will leave equipped with:
A deep understanding of the “why” for constructive dialogue in higher education.
A shared vision for campus change.
Enhanced self and team skills for navigating tense moments.
A blueprint for campus-specific initiatives, informed by the best practices of other institutions
Stakeholder mapping and other tools for implementing strategic initiatives successfully.
A lifelong network of visionary peers and expert facilitators.
The 2024 cohort of the Constructive Dialogue Leadership Institute was made possible by a generous gift from the Mike and Sofia Segal Foundation.
Explore the CDI Leadership Institute
Have questions about the program structure or how it fits your institution's goals? Schedule a call to explore how the CDI Leadership Institute can help your team lead transformative change.