College is an opportunity to preparing our students for knowledgeable, engaged, and ethical citizenship in a polarized public square. Our goal is for our college students to better understand and address conflict at individual, community, and global scales.This work is happening in our classrooms, in internships and experiences, in student life, and beyond.

We also feature opportunities for students on the experiential learning page.

Ideas for Student Engagement: 2023-24

If you know of a space or project that would benefit from a conflict transformation approach, please be in touch! You can email us at conflicttransformation@middlebury.edu 

  • Enroll in one of our several new courses
    • Fall 2023, INTD 232 - Conflict Transformation Skills (half-credit)
    • Winter 2024, INTD 1259 - Conflict Transformation Skills (full credit)
    • Winter 2024, INTD 1018 - Restorative Justice Theory and Practice
    • Spring 2024, SOCI 228 - Theories and Practice of Conflict Transformation
  • Join trainings for Residential Life staff and orientation leaders in restorative practices (email blind@middlebury.edu)
  • Submit artwork in our fall exhibit call, “What does conflict look like?” More details coming by 9/15.
  • Join a student advisory group exploring opportunities for constructive peer-led discussions on campus (email sstroup@middlebury.edu for more)

Supporting Students: Opportunities for Faculty and Staff

There are many constructive approaches to conflict, informed by practices in dialogue, intercultural competence, restorative practices, and mediation. We are supporting efforts to build critical self-awareness, including mindfulness practices.

Undergraduate Engagement

96 Students who enrolled in "CT Skills" courses in 2023
43 Faculty and staff participants in Spring "CT Lunch Discussion" series
24 Faculty and staff applicants for the F23 Engaged Listening Project

Contact

Sebnem Gumuscu, Associate Professor, Political Science
Brian Lind, Associate Dean for Community Standards