Funded by a grant from the Wisconsin Institute of Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD), At the Table is a Spring 2026 pilot program intended to promote civil dialogue at 51ÁÔÆæ and build facilitation skills among students and instructors. Undergraduate students, paired with faculty mentors, were selected to complete dialogue facilitation training, then plan small-group dialogue events to lead on campus during April and early May. These At the Table dialogues are opportunities for 51ÁÔÆæ community members to gather over meals for meaningful conversation and respectful, open exchange.
51ÁÔÆæ students, staff, and faculty are all welcome to register for one of the At the Table dialogues listed below. Registration for each dialogue is limited, so don’t delay! In the registration form, you’ll have space to indicate any dietary or accommodation needs.
Far From Home: International Students, Scholars, and Immigrants’ Experiences
Tuesday, April 21, 11:30–1:30pm
Location: Garland Hall 104 (Center for International Education conference room)
Being far from home is more than just missing where you came from. It can mean isolation, culture shock, financial stress, and trying to succeed in spaces that were not built with you in mind. We will talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly. We’ll share stories, speak honestly about the challenges we face, and brainstorm resources. So join us for a safe and real conversation created for international students, scholars, and immigrants.
Facilitated by: Jarnekha Abdul Naser (Neuroscience) and Musa Yahaya, Teaching Faculty in Public Health
The Future is Ancestral
Thursday, April 23, 3:30–5:30pm
Location: Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC), room 211 (Manpower Conference Room)
Join us for a meal and facilitated conversation about Earth Day observances, traditional ecological knowledge, and current environmental practices.
Facilitated by: Avani Tandon (Conservation and Environmental Science) and Lynne Woehrle, Assoc. Prof. of Sustainable Peacebuilding
Where Do We Start? Finding Community in an Individualized World
Friday, April 24, 6:00–8:00pm
Location: First Generation+ Resource Center, Student Union EG39
In a society designed to keep us apart, how do we go about finding our people? What keeps us from connecting with each other? What does community look like in the modern world? All experiences are valuable, so join us for a conversation about community and making connections with the people around us.
Facilitated by: Maelan Hampsten (Digital Arts and Culture) and Sarah Beth Nelson, Asst. Prof. in Information Studies
From ‘You Good?’ to Real Support: Mental Health, Stigma, and Connection
Tuesday, April 28, 5:00–7:00pm
Location: Student Union W119
Seeking to promote mental health awareness, this facilitated discussion provides members of the 51ÁÔÆæ community an opportunity to engage in an open dialogue in hope of gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of mental health wellness in our community. The discussion will also include cultivating strategies to destigmatize mental health on campus and share how we promote our own mental health wellness.
Facilitated by: Patricia Iwok (Psychology) and Tim Kalmer, Clinical Asst. Prof. of Nursing
You Are Not Alone: From Military Service to Campus Life
Thursday, April 30, 5:00–7:00pm
Location: Lubar College of Business, room N440
Students who serve or have served in the military are invited to join us for a tasty meal and facilitated dialogue — sharing stories, building community, finding belonging, and bridging the gap between the field and the classroom.
Facilitated by: Don Strickland (Business Administration) and Romila Singh, Assoc. Prof. of Human Resource Management
Military and Veteran Students: Navigating and Coping with Uncertainty
Friday, May 1, 1:00–3:00pm
Location: Student Union E240
We invite military or veteran students to discuss over luncheon the supports available and needed to facilitate your academic success and wellbeing.
Facilitated by: Emily Turner (Health Sciences, Pre-OT) and Bhagwant Sindhu, Assoc. Prof. of Occupational Therapy, Science & Technology
On Loss and What Remains
Friday, May 1, 5:00–7:00pm
Location: Women’s Resource Center, Student Union EG37
Join us over a meal for a facilitated discussion centered around the exploration of the experience of loss. Together we will look to develop a deeper, multi-faceted understanding of what it means to lose, how we can be changed by loss, and how we can show up for each other as a community when a loss has occurred.
Facilitated by: Jenica DeWaide (Philosophy and Psychology) and Miren Boehm, Prof. of Philosophy
Public Space Design and Campus Safety: What Can We Be Doing Better?
Monday, May 4, 5:00–7:00pm
Location: Northwest Quad, room 399 (Community Design Solutions office)
We are hosting a discussion to discuss feelings, thoughts, and observations on architecture around campus and the feelings of welcome and safety they may portray. We’re looking for anyone interested or knowledgeable in campus security, urban architecture and planning, or mere interest in the topic.
Facilitated by: Shannon Fox (Criminology) and Krisann Rehbein, Director of Community Design Solutions, School of Architecture & Urban Planning
Reclaim Your Power
Wednesday, April 15, 5:00–7:00pm
Location: Women’s Resource Center, Student Union EG37
Join us for an evening of discussion on the overwhelming events of the world — generate activism and advocacy over dinner!
Facilitated by: Levi Valentine (Psychology) and Liz Drame, Prof. of Teaching and Learning