We are pleased to announce the launch of WashU Ideas, Discourse and Exploration (WIDE) Speaker Series .


Internal Submission Deadline: Proposals reviewed on a rolling basis until program funds are exhausted.
Cycle: AY2024-2025

Description

Introduction: The purpose of this call for proposals is to provide an opportunity to the WashU community to cultivate inclusive and productive dialogue around complex topics.

Background and Context: This speaker series offers the WashU community the chance to hear from a range of insightful internal and external scholars, to engage in personal growth and learning, to celebrate the value of open dialogue and to strive to comprehend the disparate perspectives, motivations, and feelings of others.

Eligibility: Applicants must be full-time faculty members at Washington University at the time of application. Proposals reviewed on a rolling basis until program funds are exhausted.

Objectives: By facilitating open and respectful exchanges, the events seek to promote understanding, explore diverse viewpoints and ideas, and model respectful and engaging discourse in a pluralistic community.

These events will:

  • Increase participants’ knowledge of the principles and practices of civil discourse, including respectful communication, active listening, and constructive dialogue.
  • Equip participants with the skills necessary to engage in thoughtful, respectful, and productive discussions on complex or controversial topics.
  • Promote an environment where diverse viewpoints are welcomed and respected, contributing to a more inclusive campus community.
  • Instill a sense of responsibility in participants to engage in dialogue that is ethical, informed, and aimed at mutual understanding rather than winning an argument.
  • Help participants recognize and address their own biases and assumptions, fostering more fair and balanced discussions.
Proposal Guidelines

Please include in the application a clear description of the event including:

  • Topic or theme
  • Event modality (i.e., in person vs. virtual vs. hybrid)
  • CV, a bio, and the topic for each participant; please also include names of any internal WashU faculty/staff that may join the invited participants (such as on a panel).
  • Event format (i.e., panel discussion, fireside chat, debate etc.). Please note that an unmoderated presentation by a single speaker presenting a singular viewpoint will not be accepted.
  • Proposed participant(s), both external and internal
  • Proposed event dates
  • Listing of activities between event participant(s) and WashU faculty and/or students
  • Estimate of costs and details of any cost sharing (i.e., from School or Program). Eligible costs include travel and honorarium for external participant(s), cost of WashU venue and cost of official meals/refreshments accompanying the event(s).
  • Signed letter of support from your School Dean (Required)
  • The faculty and staff contact person who will assume responsibility for event logistics. Please note that the staffing for the event will need to be provided by the host department/program/school.

In preparing the proposal, please note the following:

  1. Each set of invited speakers/participants will need to be hosted by a school or academic department/program within the university, with a faculty member and a staff member being identified as the primary points of contact for logistics and organization in the proposal. The host department or school will extend the invitation and coordinate all of the appropriate and necessary arrangements for a successful visit.
  2. Successful applicants will be awarded funding from the Office of the Provost and Faculty Senate Council to cover and process all approved expenses that are part of the participants’ visit. (honorarium, accommodation, and transport costs for external participant(s), official meals/events, and cost of renting out the WashU venue(s) for the events)
  3. Invited guest presenters are expected to participate, at a minimum, in one moderated public forum (e.g., panel discussion, fireside chat or debate, whether in person or virtual or hybrid), engage with WashU faculty, students, and staff, and meet with WashU colleagues to deepen professional relationships and discuss any potential projects that lay the foundation for future collaborations.
  4. Proposals should describe all planned activities and indicate if the activities will have any ties to current research or a current course being pursued at WashU.
The proposal should include
  • Estimated/desired attendance numbers of the targeted audience
  • Preferred location of event
  • Names of the team that will manage logistics for in-person visits (if applicable)
  • Details of any Zoom meetings or recordings
  • Names of the team that will manage media in the event space (if applicable).
  • Itemized budget

Event Facilitation: 

In some instances, the selection committee may recommend/require that organizers undertake specialized facilitator training or include a trained facilitator at the event. This is to support event participants engaging in productive and respectful conversations with individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, disciplines, and perspectives.

Successful applicants will be awarded additional funding to cover the training and/or fees for a facilitator if needed.

Resources for facilitation may be available within WashU via the Dialogue Across Difference team (as capacity allows) in Student Affairs (Jacob Chacko, PhD – Director); and externally via the Difficult Dialogue National Resource Center and the Constructive Dialogue Institute.

Winning proposals will be required to submit a summary assessment of the event(s) on conclusion, including what went well, student feedback, lessons learned, and more.

Please contact Assistant Provost Charisse Sekyi (sekyi@wustl.edu or 314-935-2580) with any questions.