Award-winning author and University of California counseling psychology professor to offer programs Oct. 16 and 17 on managing polarized times and achieving the promise of higher education
Tania Israel – Photo by Will McClintock
Award-winning author and counseling psychology professor Tania Israel, known for her work on bridging political differences and social justice, will be a guest on campus Oct. 16 and 17 to speak about how colleges can address the multiple issues facing higher education.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have two days with Dr. Israel, who will lead us in meaningful conversations about how to create an even more inclusive community here at Lafayette and understand the dynamic of today’s polarized political climate,” said Sarah Moschenross, vice president for student life.
“I encourage everyone on campus to make time and attend as many of her presentations as possible,” she said. “As we head into the final weeks of this election season, this is a timely opportunity to engage with a respected leader about how to navigate information and engage with family, friends, and colleagues.”
Sponsored by the Office of the President, Division of Inclusion, Division of Student Life, and Landis Center for Community Engagement, Israel, Professor of Counseling Psychology and an Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at University of California, Santa Barbara, will open her series Oct. 16 with a talk noon-1:15 p.m. in the Wilson Room at Pfenning Alumni Center.
Israel’s open workshop for faculty, staff, and administrators, “Realizing the Promise of Higher Education in a Divided World,” will focus on the troubled times on college campuses, including political criticism of higher education, the lead-up to a contentious presidential election, and the continuing reverberations of the Israel-Gaza war. She will discuss how this difficult period affects educational and developmental goals, the well-being of faculty, staff, and administrators, and how colleges can achieve the promise of higher education while facing these challenges.
Register for the workshop. Lunch will be served.
Later in the day, she will deliver her keynote address, “All I Need to Know About Political Conflict, I Learned From The Wizard of Oz,” 4:15-5:30 p.m. in Colton Chapel.
In her address, Israel will take her audience on a journey down the yellow brick road to help them navigate the challenges and stress of living in a politically polarized period that’s roiled by social media algorithms, provocative news, and clashing politicians.
Register for the keynote address. Refreshments will be provided.
Oct. 17 schedule
On Oct. 17, noon-1:15 p.m., Israel will offer an open workshop for students, “Cancel or Connect? Campus Culture in a Divided World,” in the Wilson Room at Pfenning Alumni Center. Her presentation will employ evidence, storytelling, and skills to help students navigate national and world conflicts, which can play out in classrooms, conference rooms, and public spaces, affecting free speech, social justice, and mental health.
Students can enroll here.
From 5 to 7 p.m., Israel will offer a private workshop for resident advisers, “Beyond Your Bubble: Skills and Strategies for Dialogue Across Political Differences.” She will engage in a dialogue and help RAs build skills for listening, managing emotions, developing accurate perceptions of others, and sharing their views.
