'Deeper Conversations: Around the Table' Offers New Opportunities for Student-Driven Dialogue

Carnegie Mellon University is transforming the Deeper Conversations initiative into a more personal, student-driven experience. 

Starting this fall, Deeper Conversations: Around the Table(opens in new window) invites students to engage in topics that are important to them, providing funding and support for small-group discussions focused on campus experiences, timely societal issues and topics of shared importance over a communal meal. 

Co-facilitated by the Division of Student Affairs(opens in new window) and the Provost’s Office(opens in new window) with support from the President’s Office(opens in new window), Deeper Conversations: Around the Table gives students the opportunity to shape campus discourse in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

Through a dedicated fund for meals and materials, the initiative empowers students to convene meaningful conversations that foster curiosity, reflection and engagement across differences. A fund will provide up to $1,500 per small-group discussion for on-campus catering, books and discussion materials, and other modest expenses to encourage participation.

"Food has always served as a catalyst for deeper conversations around the world, and our partner restaurants within Dining Services are proud to help curate menus that enhance this incredible series," said Joe Beaman, director of Dining Services.

Student organizers will be paired with a trained staff facilitator who will help create the conditions for productive, inclusive and reflective dialogue. This partnership creates opportunities for deeper engagement while maintaining a consistent framework for dialogue across the discussions.

"A CMU education extends beyond classroom walls, rooted in the skills we sharpen through meaningful and thoughtful engagement with others in our community with varying perspectives and experiences,” said Provost and Chief Academic Officer Jim Garrett(opens in new window). “By centering student leadership, this initiative empowers CMU students to practice civil discourse, navigate complex societal issues and build meaningful connections."

Students are invited to submit discussion proposals via the program website(opens in new window) by Monday, Sept. 28, for consideration in this preliminary round. A selection committee will review all submissions and invite the student leaders of the selected discussions to participate in skill-building workshops prior to hosting their events. 

Deeper Conversations originally launched in 2024 as an academic series that brought the CMU community together to explore divergent viewpoints and discuss some of the most complex challenges facing society. Deeper Conversations: Around the Table continues to build those bridges of connection and understanding, but with a new approach prioritizing a network of smaller, recurring discussions throughout the academic year.

“The program reflects a shift toward more personalized and participatory forms of engagement, giving students opportunities to explore the issues that matter to them through smaller, more meaningful conversations across campus,” said Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs Gina Casalegno(opens in new window). “The Deeper Conversations lectures hosted over the past several years have been valuable opportunities to expose our community to diverse viewpoints, and we know from students that they are eager to take those conversations to the next level in more intimate settings. This new series will extend the reach and impact of the initiative while creating a more sustainable and responsive approach to community conversation.”