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Deliberative Dialogues are guided conversations on a variety of topics often difficult to discuss. The program uses issue guides from the National Issues Forum Institute (NIFI) to direct conversations among small groups. Participants practice conversational skills as they learn to respect and appreciate the perspectives of others.

Deliberative Dialogues: New program has people talking.

Volume 5 • Number 1 • Spring 2022

Illustration of two yellow heads with conversation bubbles.

Deliberative Dialogues: New program seeks to depolarize opinions and connect students

Deliberative Dialogues are guided conversations on a variety of topics often difficult to discuss. The program uses issue guides from the National Issues Forum Institute (NIFI) to direct conversations among small groups. Participants practice conversational skills as they learn to respect and appreciate the perspectives of others.

Team Pennycress: A cooperative of regional institutions takes on an important environmental and economic challenge

Genetics professor Dr. John Sedbrook and a cooperative of regional institutions takes on an important environmental and economic challenge through research on the pennycress plant.

From left to right photos of Wendi Whitman, Harriett Steinbach, Dr. Katy Strzepek, and Dr. Lance Lippert walking on the quad with additional graphics.

Studying service: Gaining real-world experience and broader perspective of service in the civic engagement and responsibility minor

Illinois State’s civic engagement and responsibility minor is for every student, representing five of the University’s six colleges, and encourages students to engage in community service.

Illustration of diverse super hero team.

ReggieCon: University offers alternative, unique vehicle to discuss social issues

Illinois State offers an alternative and unique vehicle to discuss social issues through the establishment of ReggieCon, ISU’s home-grown comic convention with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion.