University at Albany Launches Great Dane Dialogue

a young woman holding a microphone stands in front to a sign that reads Great Dane Dialogue

By Amy Geduldig

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 12, 2024) — Against the backdrop of the upcoming Presidential election, global crises and rising activism on college campuses worldwide, the University at Albany is hosting the Great Dane Dialogue, a cross-campus effort to promote civil discourse and inclusivity, and to celebrate free speech, which are foundational to scholarly inquiry and higher education.  

The initiative features programming, events and online engagement that foster collaboration and discussion to enhance understanding and address the University’s shared values of access, integrity, common good and inclusive excellence. To commemorate Constitution Day on Sept. 16, the University will host a week-long series of moderated discussions with local leaders, elected officials and alumni that focus on public service, civic engagement and civil discourse. 

“The University at Albany’s Great Dane Dialogue offers our community the opportunity to approach complex and sometimes challenging discussions with empathy and understanding, ensuring that our campus remains a welcoming and inclusive space,” said Michael Christakis, vice president for student affairs and enrollment. “While disagreement is natural and can be productive, respecting the opinions and beliefs of students, friends and colleagues is not just a matter of courtesy — it's the cornerstone of a civil society and the foundation of our democracy. This wonderful new initiative encourages everyone to explore the diverse perspectives and different experiences that make up our vibrant and unique Great Dane family.” 

In a semester-long campaign, UAlbany’s social media accounts will share videos and testimonials from students, faculty and staff about what a community that is both inclusive and free means to them. Students will also participate in programs that further support their experience on campus through activities and courses that enhance important skills that advance academic and social excellence.  

The Great Dane Dialogue builds on the University’s efforts to promote greater civic awareness about the issues that impact our society. In addition to the panel discussions next week, the University has scheduled more programs this fall designed to provide opportunities to exchange ideas, inspire others and promote positive change in the community. Programs include a panel with Albany Law School, the event series “Leading Questions” with a panel on polling, the Rockefeller College Election Series and UAlbany Votes. 

The panel discussions were planned in collaboration with the Office of Government and Community Relations, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the Office of Communications and Marketing. 

In recognition of the University’s efforts to promote civic engagement, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge awarded UAlbany with the Bronze Seal for supporting high levels of student voter engagement in the 2022 midterm elections. The challenge empowers colleges and universities to foster nonpartisan student democratic engagement. UAlbany was recognized alongside more than 500 campuses using data from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement out of Tufts University, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that nonpartisan democratic engagement is a defining feature of campus life.