The disruptive protests and encampments that broke out in 2024 made it clear that today’s college campuses struggle to promote constructive engagement across lines of difference. These events followed years of survey data showing that a majority of students withhold their private opinions, and many faculty avoid contentious topics, for fear of reprisal.
The Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) addresses these challenges through a comprehensive approach. Unlike other programs requiring substantial resources, CDI has developed scalable tools to improve overall campus culture, supported by the John Templeton Foundation. Our tools are distinguished by four features:
1. Multi-level: We offer complementary programming for students, faculty, staff, and leadership to build skills and establish infrastructure for lasting change.
2. Embedded: We extend beyond voluntary participation by integrating programming into existing systems like student orientation and faculty onboarding.
3. Scalable: We use technology like e-learning to provide cost-effective solutions.
4. Research-based: Our programs are grounded in social science research and continuously evaluated to ensure effectiveness. Prior randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show our programs to be effective at improving intellectual humility, affective polarization, and conflict resolution skills.
This project builds on our current work via four key activities: (1) expand and refine a suite of evidence-based tools to support intellectual virtues and civil discourse in higher education; (2) conduct rigorous research to evaluate effectiveness; (3) scale our programs to 1.75 million college students; and (4) conduct 12 original research projects to advance knowledge on the practice of intellectual humility and constructive dialogue. Through these activities, we aim to prepare a generation of students equipped to work with others, even those with whom they disagree, to solve collective problems.
