Reimagining Pluralism in the University

A 2025-2026 Professional Development Experience

Purpose & Goals

Pluralism recognizes that difference is a social and cultural fact, with consequences and opportunities for society, politics, and our everyday lives. Offered by the Center for Dialogue & Pluralism, Reimagining Pluralism in the University is a professional development experience for Cornell tenured, tenure-track, and RTE faculty, who want to become more capable of:

Facilitating knowledge development through engagement with different perspectives in academic settings (classrooms, departments, labs, etc.)
Leading collaborative processes that optimize the opportunities inherent in dimensions of difference
Strengthening connection across difference and mutual understanding with colleagues and students
Initiating actions to advance the social good through academic work (e.g., research, teaching, administration)

Structure

Reimagining Pluralism in the University consists of two parts:

Interactive sessions for participants to work together to build knowledge and skills related to program goals
Implementation phase during which each participant completes their own project to amplify academic pluralism at Cornell. Participants will be supported throughout their project with mentoring and financial resources (up to $1,000).

Part 1: Interactive Sessions

Five co-learning sessions to connect with fellow participants, practice facilitation skills and frameworks, and explore pluralism as a dynamic and necessary approach in higher education. During the co-learning sessions, participants will design a project to increase pluralism and receive input from fellow educators.

Participants are expected to attend each of the five sessions:

- - December 10, 2025 (9 am – 5 pm; breakfast and lunch provided)
  - December 11, 2025 (9 am – 5 pm; breakfast and lunch provided)
  - January 7, 2026 (9 am – 5 pm; breakfast and lunch provided)
  - January 8, 2026 (9 am – 5 pm; breakfast and lunch provided)
  - May 7, 2026 (9 am-1 pm, breakfast provided)

Progress Check-In (Optional)

Optional check-in with program facilitators during the spring 2026 semester to receive targeted support and guidance in applying pluralism skills and frameworks and/or designing a personally meaningful pluralism project.

Part 2: Implementation Phase

Each participant completes their own project to amplify academic pluralism at Cornell. Participants will receive mentoring from program facilitators and/or program alumni as they implement and assess their pluralism project. Participants are eligible to receive up to $1,000 to facilitate the implementation of their project.

Additional Opportunities (Optional)

Optional opportunities to share knowledge and skills, such as: participating in a showcase highlighting pluralism projects for members of the Cornell community, including academic leadership (date TBD); serving as a mentor for subsequent cohort participants during their project implementation phase; co-authoring a journal article about pluralism in higher education.

Apply

Applications due November 9, 2025

Cornell tenured, tenure-track, and RTE faculty are invited to apply. Participants are expected to attend each of the five sessions.

Applicants will be notified by November 15, 2025.