Deliberative Dialogue popular once again Upperclassmen lead first-years in discussions on race, ethnic tensions, peace

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Last Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, newly arrived Middlebury students participated in Deliberative Dialogue. Returning upperclassman led the freshmen, who were grouped by commons, in discussions on issues such as racial and ethnic tensions, gender and immigration policy.

This year, Associate Dean of Student Affairs Karen Guttentag organized Deliberative Dialogue. Thirteen veteran students joined external consultant Lisa Bedinger train 75 upperclassmen in leading discussion groups. "The deliberative dialogue model frames conflicting views as desirable for the growth opportunities they provide, and encourages participants to react by searching for areas of agreement rather than invalidating differing perspectives or trying to persuade others of the exclusive correctness of our own opinions," said Guttentag

Starrett Berry '09, one of the new Deliberative Dialogue moderators, discribed his experience "Training was actually a little more difficult than I imagined. Keeping your mouth shut is a lot harder than they let on. But it was still a lot of fun." When asked about the dialogue itself, he responded, "Being a moderator was amazing. It was certainly an exercise in self-control. It was really interesting to spend the entire time listening to other people's perspectives and not ever inserting your own."

Although official responses to this year's program have yet to be heard, Jean Lin '10 of Woodsville, New Hampshire, said the Deliberative Dialogue was her favorite part of freshman orientation, remarking that she especially "enjoyed the small group atmosphere and the level of intellectualism in the discussion." Responses from students who took part in last year's Deliberative Dialogues event were also laudable, "I friggin' love this."