Dialogues create opportunity for connection
March 11, 2025 - Jade Richards
Building on the foundation of the original MSU Dialogues program, undergraduates participated in a pilot offering of the UGS Big Ideas seminar in the fall of 2024. MSU Dialogues evolved into a UGS course, supported by Undergraduate Learning Experiences. Students seem to be increasingly stretched both mentally and physically now. The opportunity to fulfill part of their educational requirements while also engaging in meaningful experiences that build community is an ideal combination.
Twenty-five students engaged in the pilot, culminating in a final class session where they presented impact projects that demonstrated their learning and highlighted various aspects of the course. Students expressed their initial hopes and concerns regarding the course, emphasizing their desire for a sense of belonging, the opportunity to form new connections at MSU and the importance of community. They shared realistic concerns about managing academic responsibilities alongside personal commitments, graduation timelines and the risk of burnout.
A smaller class size attracted students seeking a connected academic experience, fostering collaboration, communication skills and deeper peer understanding. Guest speakers Dr. Shannon Burton (Office of the Uiversity Ombudsperson), Dr. charlie liu (MOSAIC Center for Education and Outreach) and Dr. Samuel Saldívar (Office for Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy) discussed their roles, departmental engagement and available student support.
“The most powerful part of the day for me was the reflection on social identities and then introduction to what an ombudsperson does. Diving into my social identities made me realize how aspects of my upbringing, family, language spoken and even work experience informs not only my perspective but also work.”
Students indicated that the course offered strategies for success in academics, fostered a deeper understanding of complex issues from diverse perspectives and enhanced their interest in cultivating a sense of belonging.
Another student shared the impact of their increasing understanding, “We learn from the others around us without even realizing it and that someone could be doing something they were taught to be correct but is in fact wrong.”
Course success has boosted student interest and enrollment, leading to a full semester roster and an increase in seats from 25 to 30, including a waitlist. Students can continue with the program by being trained as facilitators for future offerings.
One student facilitator shares, “Its truly been my pleasure to contribute to the greater community through MSU Dialogues and its affiliate programs. Walking away from these experiences, I can say they have been both meaningful and fulfilling, and I deeply value the knowledge and growth I’ve gained along the way, as both an individual and a student.”
This is not just a student initiative. Employees can also engage in MSU Dialogues and become facilitators as well.
"Connecting with the Spartan community through MSU Dialogues, as both a participant and facilitator, has been a continuous gift in my work and personal life. Being able to actively listen to others to ensure their opinions and experiences have been heard and understood has strengthened my relationships with my campus colleagues, friends and family," said Phoenix Blackwood, a former participant and facilitator.
MSU Dialogues is part of MSU's commitment to fostering dialogue. Key initiatives include the Urban-Rural Dialogue Project led by Dr. Michael Kaplowitz, Dr. Liu, and Yuqing Liu for relationship-building among diverse undergraduates; a Cultural Competency program in the College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, built by Pace and Pizaña; and the Institute of Ubuntu Thought and Practice led by Dr. Majee.
MSU Dialogues will be available virtually and in-person this summer, with undergraduate dialogues resuming in fall 2025. Please join us at our gathering on April 25, 2025.
For more information, email MSU Dialogues Coordinator Jade Richards at jader@msu.edu.