This foundational certificate program trains all Dartmouth students interested in engaging in dialogue across conflict instead of avoiding it. The self-guided foundational certificate can be completed across one term or stretched across as many as four terms, giving students maximum flexibility for completion and the ability to track progress using Dartmouth Groups. Students will learn the psychology behind conflict and collaboration, a framework for navigating real interpersonal conflicts, and experience dialogue first-hand.

What to expect: 

The program begins with taking Constructive Dialogue Institute's Perspectives course, understanding the psychology behind conversation, differences, and communication. Students will meet with Dartmouth Dialogues’ program coordinator to review expectations for the foundational certificate.

Students will then attend two events featuring productive dialogue between different perspectives. These can include:

• Dartmouth Political Union (DPU) Debate Series
• Rocky Center programs 
• Dickey Center Middle East Dialogues programs 

In tandem, Students will be responsible for attending two workshops provided by Dartmouth Dialogues throughout the duration of the program. 

• In Workshop 1: Students will develop a framework for navigating complex conversations.
• In Workshop 2: Students will be given the opportunity to practice learned dialogue skills and navigate various forms of conflicts. 

The foundational certificate will culminate with a capstone dialogue, giving students the chance to put what they’ve learned into practice. Students will plan a specific and personal capstone dialogue during a planning meeting with Dartmouth Dialogues’ program coordinator with the objective of engaging in a conversation on a complex topic with a partner from outside the Dartmouth community. Students will then complete a reflection on their learning throughout the course, highlighting strengths, challenges, and changes in thinking. 

Students who complete all components of the foundational certificate within any span of four terms will receive a digital badge that can be added to their LinkedIn profile to demonstrate their completion.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the foundational certificate, students will:

1. Feel confident participating in productive dialogue around complex topics
2. Notice and manage their own emotional responses during dialogue
3. Ask genuinely curious questions that surface a conversation partner’s underlying values and experiences
4. Have a dialogue on a complex topic with someone whose perspective differs from their own

Contact dartmouth.dialogues@dartmouth.edu with any questions.