Faculty Institute
The Faculty Institute is an 18-month professional learning experience for college faculty across disciplines—from biology to political science—to redesign a course, build a new one, or lead campuswide workshops that teach students how to have productive conversations.
INTRODUCTION
Help your students have productive conversations
College classrooms are where students learn to question ideas, listen across differences, and practice the civic skills our country needs. Yet today’s college faculty face polarized climates, anxious students, and little time to model or teach students to have the kind of respectful discussions they know matter.
The Faculty Institute gives educators the vital space, tools, and community to help build healthier, more open campus cultures, fueled by genuine curiosity, critical analysis, and respect for differences.
The Challenge
College faculty are seeking tools and support for teaching their students how to have productive conversations across lines of difference.
The Program
Starting with a 2.5-day in-person convening that leads into 18 months of virtual sessions, faculty learn and apply C&S’s proven frameworks.
The Outcome
Faculty leave the program equipped with a redesigned course or workshop that embeds civic skills into learning experiences.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Structure for teachers, impact for students
When faculty create spaces for students to practice having tough yet productive conversations, everything shifts. Students start seeing hard issues as shared problems to solve, not battles to win. It creates trust and cultivates collaboration that extends far beyond the classroom, preparing young people to create bold, fresh solutions that move their communities forward.
- Stronger Skills & Confidence: Faculty learn to create and facilitate respectful, challenging discussions in any classroom.
- A Revamped Curriculum: Faculty come out of the program equipped with a redesigned course or workshop that embeds civic skills into learning experiences.
- Practical Tools: Faculty receive ready-to-use templates, assignments, assessments, and techniques.
- A Supportive National Network: Faculty foster a community of peers to learn from and collaborate with long after the program ends.
- Space To Shape Campus Culture: A common survey and simple progress check-ins help colleges identify what’s working and learn from others in their cohort.
How to Participate
Program Details
How It Works
The Faculty Institute program, part of the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness coalition initiatives, launches with a 2.5-day in-person convening followed by an 18-month virtual community of learning and purpose.
- June 14–16, 2026: Program kickoff hosted in-person at Macalester College, including foundational workshops, discussion practice, and introduction to C&S frameworks.
- Next 18 Months: 18-month virtual sessions and learning community following the convening. Includes expert-led workshops, peer coaching, hands-on practice, and resource sharing.
- End of Program: A $2,000 stipend is distributed to participants after completion of the final implementation report.
- Program Fee: $12,000 per participant; includes the 2.5-day convening* and 18 months of support, coaching, sessions, and resource library access.
Program & Application Timeline
Spring 2026: Applications Open
Late Spring 2026: Application Deadline
June 14–16, 2026: In-Person Convening at Macalester College
July 2026 – December 2027: Virtual Workshops & Coaching (18 months)
Late 2027: Final Report Due + $2,000 Stipend Released
*Travel & Logistics: Faculty arrange their own travel. Housing recommendations provided by C&S and Macalester College.
Ready to Get Started?
Please email faculty@collegepresidents.org to learn more.
Meet Kara Dillard
Faculty Fellow Kara Dillard created Better Conversations Together, a program at James Madison University that equips all 5,000 first-year students with the skills to talk and collaborate across political divides—building a culture of dialogue from day one.
“With America’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, we have a responsibility to ensure that young people not only learn about our history but also practice the skills of civic dialogue and democratic decision-making when shaping what they want our next 250 years to look like.”
Kara Dillard
Professor, James Madison University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in Campuswide Immersion?
Any college committed to strengthening civic culture and preparing all students with essential civic skills can join a cohort.
What does participation look like?
Participants begin with a 2.5-day in-person convening, followed by an 18-month virtual learning community that includes expert-led sessions, peer coaching, and hands-on course or workshop design.
What will faculty walk away with?
Faculty leave with a redesigned course or campus workshop, ready-to-use tools and frameworks, increased confidence facilitating difficult conversations, and a national network of peers committed to strengthening campus civic culture.
How do I get in touch with questions or to learn more?
For program details, eligibility questions, or next steps, email faculty@collegepresidents.org to connect with the Faculty Institute team.
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