By Minsoo Kim, student leadership consultant, Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement.
“Conversations Across Difference” is a new initiative from the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, led by student leadership consultants. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join small-group discussions on timely and sometimes challenging topics in a respectful setting. These conversations are designed to be welcoming, allowing people to share different viewpoints, challenge ideas, and build understanding. Rather than debating to “win,” the focus is on listening, asking thoughtful questions, and understanding others’ perspectives.
The first Conversations Across Difference event on February 10, “Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?” explored how AI tools might help close learning gaps or widen them. Studentfacilitators reported that participants gained an appreciation for new perspectives and a more balanced view of AI. “During the conversation, I realized that perspectives on AI vary depending on the field of work a person plans to pursue,” said Madison Joung, a senior studying computer game design. “I feel that this discussion also showed how we want to approach AI in our lives, which is keeping the human aspects of our lives while using AI as a tool rather than a replacement.”
The program helps students build empathy, communication skills, and confidence to discuss complex issues. It also supports a stronger sense of belonging and connection. The structure gives participants a safe space to share and connects them with people across diverse experiences and backgrounds. To learn about upcoming topics and to register, visit https://clie.gmu.edu/convoacrossdifference/.