Campus Diversity & Inclusion

Constructive Engagement at Union College

Engaging one another to understand differing viewpoints is vital to any enterprise and central to the core of learning at Union College.

Constructive Engagement aims to broaden our perspectives on different issues and presents an opportunity for us to engage in meaningful conversations instead of debates. Aligning with the College’s vision and strategic plan, the Constructive Engagement initiative provides the opportunity for every Union student to lead, to develop wisdom, empathy and courage. We foster a learning environment where students, faculty and staff are empowered to engage with one another through intentional dialogues and reflection that helps us learn and grow as a community.

The Union College Forum on Constructive Engagement was launched with a symposium on the inauguration of President David R. Harris in the fall of 2018. This symposium is aimed at enhancing our appreciation of the value of constructive engagement across perspectives. The series has continued with a number of guests from non-profit organizations.

Support for Constructive Engagement comes from Kelly Williams '86 and her husband, Andrew Forsyth, through the Williams Legacy Foundation.

Constructive Engagement events

Founders Day a nod to Union’s past, present and future

Founders day celebration

Union selected for Hillel International Campus Climate Initiative

Union is partnering with Hillel International, the world's largest Jewish campus organization, to better understand, strengthen and enhance the environment for Jewish students.

Schenectady Clergy Against Hate highlight an evening of constructive engagement in the Nott

the Forum on Constructive Engagement series aims to broaden perspectives for and promote meaningful exchange on issues

Constructive Engagement series to feature Schenectady Clergy Against Hate Jan. 18

Members of Schenectady Clergy Against Hate will lead a discussion Thursday, Jan. 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the Nott Memorial as part of the College’s Forum on Constructive Engagement.

Three clergy superimposed against a photograph of the Nott Memorial ceiling

Town-gown is focus of May 22 Constructive Engagement event

Leaders of the Union and Schenectady communities will gather on Monday, May 22, in O’Brien 117 at 4 p.m. for a panel discussion, “Town and Gown: the Relationship between Schenectady and Union College.”

Students on a downtown stroll

Constructive Engagement to discuss new Congress Feb. 1

Political science professors Clifford Brown and Zoe Oxley will lead a Constructive Engagement event on “Representation and Dynamics in the New Congress” on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 4 to 5 p.m. in Olin 115.

U.S. Congress building

Perspectives on abortion is next topic for Constructive Engagement

The Union College Forum on Constructive Engagement presents “More than Two Sides: A Conversation on Abortion with Rebecca Shrader” on Thursday, April 21, at 12:45 p.m. (common hour) in O’Brien 117.

Rebecca Shrader

Mask-wearing is topic of Forum on Constructive Engagement

The Union community is invited to the Forum on Constructive Engagement on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 at 4 p.m. in O'Brien 117.

The topic is “(Un)Masked,” a discussion about mask-wearing.

(Un)Masked

Civil Discourse series begins Jan. 14

Moderated by President David R. Harris, this three-part discussion series aims to promote dialogue in contentious political climate.

President David R. Harris

Police Reform is topic of Oct. 13 forum

The Forum on Constructive Engagement will present two former members of Congress – Republican Charles Bass and Democrat Albert Wynn – on “Police Reform” on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 at 6 p.m.

A sign that says police