Fatima Johnson, assistant dean of students for multicultural programs and services, leads a discussion during a 2016-2017 Cultivating Community session.
The SUNY Geneseo Cultivating Community series returns this fall under the guidance of Associate Professor of Communication Meredith Harrigan and Interim Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) robbie routenberg.
Launched last academic year as a way to expand and strengthen the college community, the series uses mindful dialogue and creative thinking as the tools through which participants are encouraged to learn, understand, connect and grow.
“We had a strong turnout last year,” said Harrigan. “And we were particularly encouraged by the level of conversation and the positive energy the series generated. Participants seemed to really enjoy the opportunity to meet and engage in qualitatively rich conversations with people from across the campus and across roles. We are hoping to build on that success and continue these important conversations.”
The first dialogue in the fall 2017 series is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 2, from 1 to 2:15 p.m. in the College Union ballroom. Participants will gather to discuss the question “In a world that appears so divided, what would it take for Geneseo to feel ‘U-Knight-ed’?” robbie routenberg will offer brief framing commentary, after which participants will have the opportunity at tables to voice their experience with the topic, learn from others’ perspectives, share innovative ideas, and explore new possibilities.
• RSVP on the Cultivating Community website.
Future dialogues will be held during All-College hour on Wednesday, Nov. 1, and Wednesday, Nov. 29, in the College Union ballroom. For more information, contact Harrigan and routenberg.