“I think we have forgotten that people don’t have to agree in order to get along, and I feel I’m better equipped to work through my differences with people after this workshop,” said one student.
“We need to get better and be better at being a community, talking to each other, and listening to each other—I believe this workshop will get us there,” said another.
The workshop in question? A new program from the Positive Connection Initiative (PCI) that left one college campus buzzing.
Purchase College (SUNY), a small public liberal arts school nestled on the border of New York and Connecticut, is the academic home of ~3,500 students. In late August, PCI facilitated the newest version of its signature dialogue skill-building workshop for about 1,000 Purchase College Panthers.
As students settled into their dorms and excitement for the start of classes hung in the air, the PCI team was preparing for a marathon—a series of 11 workshops attended by the entire incoming class, the school’s 65 Resident Assistants (RAs), 30 student tour guides, and members of the Purchase Student Government Association. Each workshop was co-facilitated by a Purchase College staff or faculty member and a PCI staff member.
Each group of students received a custom workshop with activities tailored to their unique stations. For example, incoming students gained the courage to discuss hot-button political issues while RAs practiced diffusing roommate conflict and enforcing school policies.
While the activities differed by group, the skills taught were consistent across the 11 sessions. The heart of the workshop is a cluster of skills essential to productive and respectful dialogue: active listening, curiosity, and emotional awareness and regulation.
While conventional dialogue trainings focus on what to say and how to say it, PCI breaks the mold by emphasizing listening over talking.
One of the most common mistakes made during a conversation is listening to respond, causing us to tune out the other person. When we listen to learn, we can begin to realize just how much we don’t know about our conversation partner. This humility allows us to tap into our natural curiosity—the purpose of PCI’s signature workshop.
The workshop also teaches de-escalation techniques for when a conversation partner grows emotional or defensive.
Early data has hinted at a profound impact on students, a finding supported by extensive written feedback. A research study of the workshops, including a five-month follow-up assessment, is currently underway in partnership with scholars from the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University.
But unseen by these students were the months of preparation by the PCI team leading up to this marathon of programming. From developing the activities for each workshop in close consultation with Purchase College staff to providing facilitation training to Purchase staff and faculty, the team worked tirelessly to provide the students with an exceptional and impactful experience.
While nothing can compare to seeing the expressions on students’ faces as they come to understand each other, these quotes from participants come close:
“I absolutely loved my experience with the workshop. It helped me to both connect with and challenge both myself and my peers.” — Resident Assistant
“It gave me an opportunity to see where I can grow and where my strengths are.” — Student Tour Guide
“This workshop has definitely helped develop and expand my knowledge and view when talking to others, especially in serious and challenging topics.” — Student Government Leader
If you are interested in working with PCI to bring better dialogue to your school or organization, get in touch with us at www.connection.net/contact.