It has become increasingly commonplace across the U.S. for individuals to isolate in echo chambers rather than listen to and learn from each other, Paxson noted. Discovery Through Dialogue encourages an alternative by amplifying and creating new opportunities for meaningful conversations across a wide range of perspectives. The project will focus on knowledge-building, skill-building and community-building.

“While some of the work that takes place at a university is solitary, many of our greatest advancements are realized through collaboration with others whose knowledge, skills and life experiences are different from our own,” Paxson wrote. “Society’s greatest challenges — climate change, inequality, cybersecurity and so many more — demand the concerted efforts of people from a wide range of areas of inquiry who bring unique perspectives and areas of expertise to bear on these complex challenges.”

Since the University’s founding in 1764, open inquiry and respectful discourse have been hallmark elements of Brown’s commitment to unlocking knowledge and understanding, Paxson said. Advancing dialogue is essential to Brown remaining an open, inclusive and respectful community where students, faculty and staff feel safe and supported to share their views on challenging topics and complex issues.

Discovery Through Dialogue will offer myriad opportunities to engage in panels, forums and discussions. For example, a Monday, Feb. 3, event titled “Hope for Cynics,” with Stanford University psychology scholar Jamil Zaki, will focus on practical strategies for cultivating empathy, building stronger relationships and nurturing communities grounded in mutual respect.

The new project will also expand Brown’s Community Dialogue Project, through which students and community members engage with the diversity of thoughts and experiences within and beyond the Brown community, building relationships across backgrounds, beliefs and viewpoints.

“Dialogue is a crucial component of belonging, engagement and well-being within the University community, where we learn from each other and seek to understand our differences,” said Koren Bakkegard, associate vice president for campus life and dean of students. “I am excited and inspired by the launch of Discovery Through Dialogue, because expanding how students learn and practice these skills as part of a Brown education will serve students well during their time here — and prepare them for their lives after Brown as well.”

In response to students’ interest in organizing events that engage their peers in the application of constructive dialogue, a new Student Dialogue Fund will offer financial support for student-led initiatives that cultivate constructive dialogue. 

“Offering financial support for student-led initiatives is critical because students have been interested and eager to explore options to create spaces that foster constructive dialogue, and I believe offering a financial incentive to do so will empower more students to pursue these avenues,” said senior Niyanta Nepal, president of the Undergraduate Council of Students at Brown. “Having a space for open inquiry and meaningful dialog in spaces that are curated with intentionality and care allow for a deeper exploration of academic topics and how these academic topics intersect with students’ lived experiences.”

For faculty and staff, Discovery Through Dialogue will create new and expanded professional-development opportunities offered by the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, and through University Human Resources in partnership with the President’s Staff Advisory Council, and dialogue-focused programming will be included at Brown’s annual Staff Development Day in June.

Jenna Morton-Aiken, senior associate director for writing and English language support at the Sheridan Center, said community members will have a range of opportunities to strengthen dialogue skills, build confidence, and discover a reinvigorated interest in productive dialogue for those who may feel discouraged or underequipped.

“There are many personal, national and international circumstances that can make people feel resigned or overwhelmed by dialogue and discourse,” Morton-Aiken said. “This initiative provides an opportunity to learn and practice tools so that opting into complex conversations is easier and connects people to something larger than themselves — and we know from research that when we build community and communicate effectively with each other, we have more meaningful and satisfying lives.”

A new Discovery Through Dialogue website offers information about upcoming events and opportunities for all Brown community members to actively participate in the project.

“By cultivating these and other opportunities for conversations among and between students, faculty and staff across a variety of viewpoints, we will continue to advance Brown’s mission to discover and preserve knowledge and understanding,” Paxson said.