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In a follow-up to a previous article in ITC, the new Sustained Dialogue Campus Network (SDCN) program at Tri-C is off to a very successful start.  The program debuted January 13 when student participants began a two-day training session. While students were in training sessions, sustained dialogue supporters from Tri-C and the community convened to learn more about the program.

SDCN Executive Director Amy Lazarus travelled to Cleveland to lead the event, outlining the processes and goals of the SDCN. Representatives from Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown’s office were also in attendance, as well as leaders from the Diversity Center and numerous members of the Tri-C faculty, staff and administration.  The student trainees joined the SDCN supporters for part of the morning and the two groups worked together in small groups to explore issues the student participants will be examining.

Tri-C is the first community college nationwide to implement the SDCN.  The SDCN is composed of students from 14 colleges and universities using dialogue to transform campus tension and implement positive change.

As part of a larger, multi-tiered initiative, the GIRC and the Office of Inclusion and Diversity staffs hope that the Sustained Dialogue project will affect campus climate to create a more tolerant, supportive learning environment and equip students with conflict management skills.

For more information or to get involved, contact Andre Burton, director of Inclusion & Diversity at x4773, or Jennifer Batton at x2231, or click here.