The Diversity Dialogue Project (DDP) is a strictly peer-facilitated learning experience where participants are provided a safe, welcoming, and supportive space in which they can speak openly and candidly with each other about, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, gender, and much more.

The Dialogue sessions are guided by trained student-facilitators skilled at creating and maintaining frank and respectful exchanges of opinions and life experiences.

Unlike traditional classroom settings, there are no set agendas.

Topics of conversation are decided on by the participants themselves in the course of the conversation.

Facilitators are neither teachers nor experts or critics instructing dialogue participants in what (and how) to think.

The Sessions

Students talking during DDP sessionThe topics discussed during DDP sessions are always chosen by its participants, not the facilitators or the DDP executive team.

Past topis have included workplace discrimination, colorism, Gamming & diversity, violence, islamophobia, Greek life, religion, whiteness, interracial dating, slavery, ‘colorblindness’ and terrorism.

The conversations are small group meetings (up to 15 people) and last one hour.

Session are currently held virtually using Zoom.

Trained undergraduates introduce topics and keep the conversations flowing.

Participants are encouraged to share personal experiences and explore assumptions, biases, and opinions about diversity.

Support

The DDP is supported by several campus units. The Office of the Provost provides primary funding.

The Frederick Douglass Institute for Intercultural Affairs provides one half-time Graduate Assistant Position to assist with training, scheduling and communication.

The Center for Multicultural Affairs and Inclusive Education allows the use of their facility for dialogue sessions when we have face-to-face sessions.

Faculty members from English, Sociology, and Philosophy direct the program.

The Dialogue sessions are guided by trained student-facilitators skilled at creating and maintaining frank and respectful exchanges of opinions and life experiences.

Unlike traditional classroom settings, there are no set agendas.

Topics of conversation are decided on by the participants themselves in the course of the conversation.

Facilitators are neither teachers nor experts or critics instructing dialogue participants in what (and how) to think.

The Sessions

Students talking during DDP sessionThe topics discussed during DDP sessions are always chosen by its participants, not the facilitators or the DDP executive team.

Past topis have included workplace discrimination, colorism, Gamming & diversity, violence, islamophobia, Greek life, religion, whiteness, interracial dating, slavery, ‘colorblindness’ and terrorism.

The conversations are small group meetings (up to 15 people) and last one hour.

Session are currently held virtually using Zoom.

Trained undergraduates introduce topics and keep the conversations flowing.

Participants are encouraged to share personal experiences and explore assumptions, biases, and opinions about diversity.

Support

The DDP is supported by several campus units. The Office of the Provost provides primary funding.

The Frederick Douglass Institute for Intercultural Affairs provides one half-time Graduate Assistant Position to assist with training, scheduling and communication.

The Center for Multicultural Affairs and Inclusive Education allows the use of their facility for dialogue sessions when we have face-to-face sessions.

Faculty members from English, Sociology, and Philosophy direct the program.

Executive Board Members

Name
Dr. T. Storm Heter
Title
Professor, Director
P:
(570) 422-3168
Campus Address
Stroud Hall 408
Name
Dr. Ray Muller
Title
Professor, Co-Director
P:
(570) 422-3014
Campus Address
Stroud Hall 310B
Name
Dr. Timothy Levonyan Radloff
Title
Instructor, Board Member
P:
(570) 422-3809
Campus Address
Stroud Hall 310E
Name
Dr. Laura Kieselbach
Title
Assistant Professor, Board Member
P:
(570) 422-3992
Campus Address
Stroud Hall
Name
Dr. Scott Mathers
Title
Assistant Professor, Board Member
P:
(570) 422-3963
Campus Address
Stroud Hall
Name
Kylie Regan
Title
Graduate Assistant
P:
(570) 422-3453
Campus Address
Stroud Hall

Contact Us

If you would like to be involved in one of our sessions, please fill out the registration form.

Contact Information

Campus Address
Stroud Hall 408
Phone:
(570) 422-3168
Title of Department Leader
Coordinator
Name
Storm Heter