Great Dane Dialogue

• New Faculty Orientation (August 20) included a session introducing faculty to UAlbany’s freedom of expression and time/plan/manner policies.
• Inclusive Danes: Since 2020, this peer-led Orientation workshop has provided a dynamic welcome for all new students. The session includes engaging activities highlighting UAlbany's diversity and inclusion values to fast-track our new students' sense of belonging and cultural competency. In addition to showcasing resources across campus for their continued support and growth, students leave Inclusive Danes feeling empowered to make new connections with a deeper understanding of themselves and their unique value as a member of our UAlbany community. 
• First-Year Experience (FYE) courses include new learning objectives related to civil discourse. These objectives will be targeted to the Writing and Critical Inquiry program and Living-Learning Communities, First-Year Seminars, and First-Year Honors College courses through class assessments, discussion prompts and classroom activities.

Conversations to Catalyze Change 

In this session on September 18, Albany Law School professor Ray Brescia discussed the value of dialogues involving likely and unlikely allies toward the pursuit of common ground — referred to as ‘interest convergence’. Brescia discussed the value of such conversations and their importance to social justice work. In times when our ability to communicate and reach broad audiences has never been stronger due to the ubiquity of social media and other technologies, the need for constructive conversations has arguably never been greater, particularly at the intersection of technology and social change.

Leading Questions: What role does public opinion polling play in democracy? 

Julie Novkov, Dean, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, moderated a conversation on October 9 with Don Levy, Director, Siena College Research Institute; Joe Bonilla '11, Managing partner, Senior Media Director, and Co-founder, Relentless; Nick Reisman ‘07, Capitol Bureau Reporter, Politico and Sonia Frederick ‘16, Member, Albany Common Council.

In this series, held during the week around Constitution Day, students were provided with real-world examples of civil discourse and civic engagement through a series of panel discussions featuring alumni, community leaders and public servants who work in fields including government, law, journalism and advocacy.

During these moderated conversations, guests shared their views on public service, civic engagement and civil discourse. These events provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, inspire others and promote positive change in our communities.

The Communicators

• Robert Bellafiore, Founder & President, Stanhope Partners
• Steve Greenberg, Founder and Principal, Greenberg Public Relations
• Joe Bonilla, Managing Partner, Senior Media Director, and Co-founder, Relentless

The Community

• Dannielle Melendez, Government Relations Analyst, Farrell Fritz and President, Pine Hills Neighborhood Association
• Chris Nolin, former Deputy Mayor, City of Troy
• Giovanni Harvey, President, SUNY Student Assembly; Trustee, State University of New York; graduate student at UAlbany

The Advocates

• John Knight, Floor Counsel, New York Assembly Democratic Legal Services Office
• Kate Corkery Knight, Managing Director, Catalyst Government Relations
• Steve Mann, Deputy State Director, Office of U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer

The Representatives

• Meghan Keegan, Councilmember, Albany Common Council 9th Ward
• Owasu Anane, Councilmember, Albany Common Council 10th Ward

We hosted several programs for faculty, including:
 

Engaging Students in Discussions of Controversial Issues  

In the current political and social climate, University instructors might find introducing and leading discussions about “hot button” topics challenging, but we can’t always avoid them, especially in certain courses. Even more challenging are the occasions when a discussion becomes heated because it takes an unanticipated direction. If we aren’t prepared for these conversations, we can quickly feel like we’re losing control.

In this highly interactive workshop designed for faculty and instructional staff, we explored research-based strategies for navigating difficult or “hot” topics to help ensure that an unexpected turn doesn’t derail a class discussion.

Getting Students Registered to Vote

Brett Levy, associate professor of Educational Theory and Practice, led an exploration for faculty, teachers and administrators about how students can sign up to vote and organize voter registration efforts within their schools.

Creating a Democratic Classroom Culture

How can faculty create a classroom culture in which students show respect for views that differ from their own and feel comfortable sharing diverse perspectives? This workshop offered guidance on how educators can foster a democratic classroom culture so students can engage thoughtfully with a variety of ideas and practice civil discourse skills that are vital in today's world.

Presented by Brett Levy, associate professor in the Department of Educational Theory and Practice. Recently selected to receive a 2024 Andrew Carnegie Fellowship from the Carnegie Corporation of New York to study strategies to reduce political polarization in the U.S., his research explores how educational programs can support civic engagement among youth. 

Civic Education and Engagement and Civil Discourse Fellows

SUNY is committed to civic engagement as an essential outcome of higher education. As part of this commitment, in spring 2024, ten faculty and staff members from SUNY campuses were selected as Civic Education and Engagement and Civil Discourse Fellows. 

Rising UAlbany junior Danielle Gandelman has been nominated for a Newman Civic Fellowship through Campus Compact. The fellowship offers attendance at a national conference, virtual training and networking, mentorship, learning and career development, and funding for civic and community engagement projects.

Additionally, the University will lean on experts from our academic departments to provide insight and guidance in facilitating civic education:  

• Angie Chung (Sociology), one of 10 SUNY Civic Education and Engagement and Civil Discourse Fellows.
• Brett Levy (Education), awarded 2024 Andrew Carnegie Fellowship to study strategies for reducing political polarization.