Danville Community College (DCC) held Constructive Dialogue training during its Fall Convocation on August 16, 2023. The program marked a significant step forward in equipping faculty and staff with enhanced communication and collaboration skills, fostering a more inclusive and productive learning environment.
The Constructive Dialogue professional development initiative is integral to DCC's commitment to providing its educators with the tools and techniques necessary to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus. The program aims to empower faculty and staff to engage in open conversations, understand differing perspectives, and cultivate an environment where ideas are exchanged respectfully and constructively.
During the Fall Convocation, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a series of exercises and interactive discussions led by Constructive Dialogue Institute trainers Kourtney Bradshaw-Clay and Jake Fay. The sessions were thoughtfully designed to address a wide range of topics, including active listening, empathy building, conflict resolution, and fostering a culture of collaboration.
"The importance and benefits of Constructive Dialogue will extend beyond each of our faculty and staff who attended convocation, but will aid in creating a rich and vibrant community for everyone at DCC," said Dr. Cornelius Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Student Services. "We are committed to fostering a collegial environment where differences and perspectives will be acknowledge and celebrated so we all grow together and model global citizenship for our students. This was a great kickoff to exciting curriculum ahead with CDI."
In addition to promoting enhanced communication, the program also emphasized the importance of navigating sensitive topics and differing opinions in a respectful manner. Attendees gained practical strategies for addressing conflicts constructively, enabling them to model effective communication for their students. The Constructive Dialogue Institute is endorsed by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).
"We're grateful to Danville Community College for entrusting us to bring meaningful programming to its campus," said Kourtney Bradshaw-Clay, Director of Partnerships for the Constructive Dialogue Institute. "When a community gains a shared language and set of norms for communicating, it can truly transform its culture. We applaud Danville for its commitment to constructive dialogue and for recognizing its pivotal role in fostering success among staff, faculty, and students."
As DCC continues to prioritize the well-rounded growth of its faculty and staff, the Constructive Dialogue professional development program will remain an ongoing initiative. The College is committed to offering continuous learning opportunities that empower faculty and staff to excel in their roles and create an atmosphere conducive to intellectual exploration and innovation.
For more information about Danville Community College, visit www.danville.edu.
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