Division of Campus Life
Strengthening Community Amid Conflict
Campus Life fosters belonging, connection and understanding to help our community build skills to manage conflict.
Strengthening Community Amid Conflict
Campus Life fosters belonging, connection and understanding to help our community build skills to manage conflict.
Strengthening Our CommunityDear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff, Brown University is enriched and strengthened by a diverse campus of individuals who bring varied backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives to our learning community. During times of national and global conflict that affect those who live, work, and study at Brown, the bedrock of our education and research mission is to build an understanding of both our shared values and our differences. In the Division of Campus Life, we partner with colleagues across the University to help our community develop skills for engaging in challenging dialogue and gaining an understanding of contrasting views and often deeply held beliefs. We embrace this responsibility as part of our charge to sustain a compassionate community that strives to advance knowledge. We encourage you to explore our approach to strengthening our community amid conflict and invite your active participation. In partnership, Interim Vice President for Campus Life |
Community Messages
Brown University leaders regularly share information, support, resources and guidance for those who live, work and study at Brown.
Building Skills to Encourage Dialogue and Build Understanding
People who live and work in a connected and caring community experience better health and well-being, stronger social bonds, and more academic, professional and personal success. By fostering belonging, connection and understanding, we can prevent and counteract the negative effects of conflict.
Programming & Workshops
Every semester, students, faculty and staff can attend programs designed to build and enhance their skills for engaging in community dialogue—including active listening and giving and receiving feedback—and deepen their understanding of and engagement with complex issues.
Residence halls, identity and cultural centers, and student groups provide numerous opportunities for students to find a sense of belonging, cultivate relationships across differences and develop healthy practices.
- Orientation and Weeks of Welcome – The Office of Residential Life hosts many events to encourage new students to embrace the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that are integral to the Brown University ethos. Activities include a keynote lecture centered on social justice and equity, peer-facilitated small group sessions where students explore their identities and learn about others, and First Readings seminars examining Brown's Slavery and Justice Report. This scaffolded onboarding approach establishes a shared foundation for addressing difficult topics and fostering an inclusive and respectful campus community.
- Residence Hall Programs – Area Coordinators and Community Coordinators regularly invite students to come together in the casual, familiar and informal setting of their Residence Hall to explore perspectives on topics of belonging and difference.
- Community Dialogue Program Workshops – One of the many workshops hosted by the Community Dialogue Program, a "Perspective-Taking Workshop" introduces students to strategies for perceiving or understanding a concept from another person’s point of view. Participants explore the benefits of perspective-taking, such as counteracting bias, improving conflict resolution, and stabilizing relationships.
Providing Support During Times of Crisis
When responding to troubling events that have occurred beyond our campus, the University emphasizes providing support and resources for impacted community members. At all times, Brown provides resources to increase safety, encourage health and well-being, and create opportunities for connection and open discussion.
Responding to Discrimination and Harassment
Racism, discrimination and harassment are not tolerated at Brown. At all times, and especially during times of heated global or political conflict, we each have a responsibility to remain vigilant and hold ourselves and each other accountable to our community values and the policies and laws that govern our behavior.
The Office of Equity Compliance and Reporting (OECR) was created in the spring of 2024 to enhance Brown’s approach to confronting discrimination and harassment. OECR is committed to ongoing improvement of Brown’s response to discrimination and harassment, including regular assessment of processes, policies and training for students and employees.
Events
Events hosted by departments and offices across campus offer opportunities to engage with local and global issues, serving to build understanding, cultivate a caring and supportive community, and foster constructive dialogue.