Intergroup Dialogues

To enroll in an intergroup dialogue:

• Fill out an override request form (Click here ).

• You will be notified by IGR staff about the status of your enrollment request.

• Once an override request is granted, you should go to wolverine access to officially add the course to your schedule.

Intergroup Dialogues are 2-credit courses carefully structured to explore social group identity, conflict, community, and social justice. Each intergroup dialogue involves identity groups defined by race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. Each identity group is represented in the dialogue by a balanced number of student participants, usually 5-7 participants from each group. Trained student facilitators-one from each represented identity group-encourage dialogue rather than debate. Students examine and discuss reading materials that address issues and experiences relevant to the groups in the dialogue, in relation to both the University setting and general society. Facilitators and participants explore similarities and differences among and across groups, and strive toward building a multicultural and democratic community.

Past Dialogues Have Included:

• Gender
• Race & Ethnicity
• Sexual Orientation
• Socioeconomic Class
• Native Americans and Other U.S. Citizens
• International Students and U.S. Students
• Race & Ethnicity among Women
• Blacks and Jews
• Gender in the Asian Community
• White Racial Identity
• Multiracial Identity
• Religion

 Here's what some past participants have said about the dialogue experience:

• "Overall I feel this dialogue has been one of the most educational and valuable experiences of my life. I know my life and outlook on things has changed a lot because of it, as well as the people involved… Hopefully I have had the same effect on others as they have [had] on me."

• "As an Engineer, I rarely get to participate in a class that was as fun and informative as this intergroup dialogue. I have learned more in this class than in any of my other classes, because of the fact that the topic…is so broad; it has influence over every aspect of daily life."

• "…I feel like I have become a better person than I was a year ago. I have to thank intergroup dialogues for that. It's been a tremendous journey."

• "I appreciate the opportunity that has been given to me. The opportunity to expand my thoughts and my understanding of others. Being able to transcend boundaries and take other people's thoughts and feelings [into consideration] have helped me to grow in only twelve weeks."