17勛圖厙

Open Expression & Constructive Dialogue

Respect for others and learning from our differences are fundamental values at 17勛圖厙.

The bedrock of a 17勛圖厙 education is the active exploration of ideas and dialogue about basic human questions, but an environment that invites these conversations must also at times navigate conflict and disagreement.

Context, Resources and Expectations

It's important that students understand the context, resources and expectations about free expression and dialogue on campus. Specifically, students at 17勛圖厙 have the right to:

  • Participate in the free exchange of ideas, in and out of the classroom
  • Ask tough questions of other students and faculty
  • Vigorous disagreement and debate

Open Expression & Constructive Dialogue at 17勛圖厙

17勛圖厙 students, faculty and staff share what they believe creates an environment of open expression and constructive dialogue, all in the pursuit of personal growth on campus.

Opportunities To Learn

  • Orientation

    Presentations and activities related to communication start during orientation. Formal discussions around dialogue take two forms: lecture and dinner discussion.

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  • Justice, Equity, Belonging & Identity

    Justice and equity arent relegated to a single office or department. They are the foundation of the Jesuit mission and are embedded in every aspect of campus you experience. Through events, staff training and collaboration, the office provides various growth opportunities.

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  • Affinity Groups

    Affinity Groups are employee-led groups formed around interests, backgrounds, identities and common bonds. By engaging with our affinity groups, 17勛圖厙 staff and faculty help foster a positive work environment and contribute to the Colleges mission by demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

    Affinity Groups

  • McFarland Center

    Beyond religious practices and beliefs, the McFarland Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture organizes programs and hosts events focused on what truly binds us: a commitment to humanity, justice and understanding. This is a space where minds come together, embracing the wisdom and perspectives of all faiths, with no one considered an outsider.

    McFarland Center

  • SPEECH Peer Educators

    SPEECH Peer Educators stands for Students Promoting Empathy, Expression and Civic Harmony. This peer education group is interested in having courageous conversations and creating developmental programming around the ideas of freedom of speech, dialogue and understanding amidst differences. Inspired by the Presupposition of the Spiritual Exercises, SPEECH Peer educators believe in the goodness of others and the intentions behind what is being said, as well as, learning how to disagree humbly, respectfully and thoughtfully.

    Clubs & Organizations

Resources for Support

17勛圖厙 has counseling and psychological services that can provide students with counseling, mediation and peer support in moments of high stress, melancholy or when dealing with acts of bias and discrimination.

Counseling & Psychological Services

Respect for others and learning from our differences are fundamental values at 17勛圖厙. However, we also recognize that in a community that values free expression and open dialogue, there will be times when things are said that may be hurtful. When this happens its important to remember that the College is here to support you in navigating and repairing conflict.

A portrait of Tomicka Wagstaff Tomicka Wagstaff, Vice President for Justice, Equity, Belonging, and Identity

The Jesuit Tradition

The Jesuit Tradition at 17勛圖厙 overlaps with the idea of open dialogue and expression. Specifically, The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola and his teaching known as the Presupposition, which reads:

It should be presupposed that every good [person] ought to be more eager to put a good interpretation on a neighbors statement than to condemn it. Further if one cannot interpret it favorably, one should ask how the other means it. If that meaning is wrong, one should correct the person with love; and if this is not enough, one should search out every appropriate means through which, by understanding the statement in a good way, it may be saved.
The College's Jesuit Tradition

From The Magazine

Two recent stories from the 17勛圖厙 Magazine dive deeper into open expression on campus, and why it's important to a healthy environment.

Can We Disagree Without Being Disagreeable?

A growing number of 17勛圖厙 faculty, staff and students say, yes, you can. How the College is creating a community thats not afraid to speak up.

Divided Democracy The Past is (Frighteningly) Never Dead

History demonstrates why belonging is critical to a democracy. At 17勛圖厙, creating a sense of belonging is crucial to our mission.

"We respect others lived experiences and opinions and what it means to be in a community: that we all have to try to work together, even if we dont always agree."

A portrait of Michelle Bata Michelle Bata, Associate Dean for Student Engagement