IGR CommonGround Workshops
General Information

CommonGround Workshops

IGR’s co-curricular programs are developed for students to learn about social inequalities and social justice outside the classroom. The CommonGround Workshop Program is one way that student organizations, residence halls, Greek life, classes, and other campus communities can request workshops on topics such as (but not limited to) racism, sexism, classism, or heterosexism. Workshops are designed around a 1.5 to 3 hour time frame and engage participants in dialogues about these complex issues within society. The goal is to increase awareness and knowledge on issues of social justice, identity, diversity, and intergroup relations.

CommonGround Workshop Topics

Below are some frequently requested workshop that we offer. If you don't see a topic that interests you, please let us know three weeks in advance and we can work with you to explore various opportunities.

Why Are All the ______ Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
Discuss the phenomenon of segregation on college campuses and its complexities.

Why Don’t You Understand Me?!
A closer look at how social identity can impact conflict and communication.

Understanding the Campus Climate
Explore how social identities impact the way students interact and how one can change the way the campus feels.

Redlining in the Metro Detroit Area
Engage in a powerful conversation about one of the most segregated metropolitan areas in the country.

Power and Influence in Groups
Look at the way social identities affect group dynamics and discuss strategies for effective teamwork.

The Media: Seeing is Believing
Analyze the use of media messages and how they affect our own concept of social groups.

Civic Engagement
Illuminate many misconceptions and realities of active participation.

The American Dream: A Conversation on Privilege
Understand “privilege” and “meritocracy” by utilizing an interactive board game.

Oppression Defined
Give meaning to the term “oppression” and its impact on everyday life.

Socialization, It Sure Explains a Lot
Explore the ways that we’ve been socialized by messages and how they affect us and society.

Stereotyping…Everybody’s Doing It
Examine the concept and consequences of stereotyping, and your assumptions of social issues.

Request a workshop for your organization! Direct any questions towards -- IGRCommonGround@umich.edu