Johns Hopkins University is launching a new initiative to support undergraduate and graduate student efforts to promote respectful on-campus dialogue.
Through the Student Blue Jay Dialogue Innovation Fund, selected projects will receive up to $10,000 in funding, which can be used for speaker fees, food and venue expenses, or other costs. The proposal deadline has been extended to Oct. 22.
"The Student Blue Jay Dialogue Innovation Fund will create more opportunities for students from across the university to engage in collaborative learning and innovative thinking on topics that matter to them," says Rachelle Hernandez, vice provost for student affairs. "Recipients of this funding will receive support for their dialogue event and will also receive dialogue training through the Constructive Dialogue Institute, which focuses on facilitating meaningful conversations across differences."
All proposals must be a collaborative effort co-sponsored by at least two registered student organizations, established research groups, or departmentally supported student programs. Proposals should be designed to start in the spring with a broad student audience in mind.
The student fund mirrors the university's Faculty Dialogue Innovation Fund, which was launched in 2024. The first two rounds of the faculty funds have already supported four projects, including fostering productive dialogue on religion and science and using arts-based learning activities to promote conversation.
These efforts are part of a larger initiative to promote open dialogue and intellectual exploration on JHU's campuses, announced by President Ron Daniels and Provost Ray Jayawardhana last fall. The effort also features a nonpartisan live debate series, The Hopkins Forum, which has already explored the COVID-19 pandemic, artificial intelligence, and the future of the Supreme Court.
"At their heart, universities are seedbeds of pluralism," Daniels and Jayawardhana wrote. "We are relied upon to nurture in our community the skills and habits of dialogue across difference."
More information about the Student Blue Jay Dialogue Innovation Fund and how to apply is available on the Johns Hopkins Student Affairs website.
Posted in University News, Student Life
