Sustained Dialogue Needs Assessment 2015
Please respond in less than two paragraphs per question.
1. Please provide the following basic information about your school.
Name:
Location:
Size of enrollment:
Type of institution: __Public __Private __ Land Grant __ State __ Community
Number of campuses:
Academic structure: ___Semesters ___Trimesters ___Block Schedule ___Quarters
Percent of student body receiving financial aid:
Type of engagement desired: ____Deep
Note: If you are seeking a “Training and Events Only” engagement, this application is not
necessary.
2. What need(s) do you see for Sustained Dialogue (SD) at your institution? Specifically, how do you
think and hope SD could impact your school? (Essentially, why SD and why now?)
3. What are the current “hot topics” of conversation at your school? (Have there been incidents,
events or articles that relate to inclusion, diversity, civic engagement, international affairs, peace,
or retention?)
4. What is your 3-5 year vision for SD at your school? (This may include a pilot semester, growth
goals, relationship with the community, funding, infusion of SD into particular areas of campus and
student transition planning. If your school has multiple campuses, which campus(es) do you think
should pilot SD and why?.)
5. Take a look at our Core Offerings. Which 1-2 offerings are you interested in implementing on your
campus in Year 1? Which offerings may be of interest in the future? How would these particular
offerings help you make the impact that you are seeking?
6. Are there any existing initiatives that are similar to SD (dialogue groups, civic engagement
initiatives, leadership development, etc.)? If so, what relationship do you envision between SD and
these initiatives?
7. Is there an approach to dialogue, diversity, and inclusion that particularly speaks to your campus?
(Such as: inclusive leadership, identity and openness, cultural awareness, 21st century civic skills,
peace and reconciliation, and humility in service, etc.). ALSO, what are some ways in which the
IISD

www.sdcampusnetwork.org

202.393.7643

444 North Capitol Street, #434

Washington, DC 20001
campus describes or markets itself? (What sorts of students does it attract? What sort of
experience does it pride itself in offering?)
8. Which administrators in offices such as the President’s Office, Student Life, Chief Diversity Officer,
Civic Engagement and Service Learning, etc. have been or should be approached regarding this
initiative? What interests might they have?
9. What is the process of securing funding? Please provide information on any offices that have been
contacted for funding, proposals that have been submitted, etc. Please include the month when
the campus’ fiscal year begins.
10. There are several roles that are important for supporting and maintaining a strong SD chapter.
Please fill in the following table to help us better understand the potential structure of SD at your
institution. (Details of each role can be found below the chart.)
Identified?
Year(s) or
Name(s)
Email(s)
Involvement to Date
(Y/N)
Title(s)
Leadership Team
Active Advisor(s)/
Office(s) that
may “house” SD
Supporters
Key SD Roles
Leadership Team: These faculty, staff or students work with advisors, supporters, and others to bring
Sustained Dialogue to campus. Once the school has become an SDCN member, the team recruits
others to participate in dialogue groups, coordinates trainings, builds events that further the group’s
mission, and works toward becoming a resource to the larger campus community.
Advisor(s): Advisors work closely with the leadership team to ensure they are supported in their
efforts to organize and moderate SD. Advisors should be willing to attend meetings with leaders, aid
in brainstorming dialogue topics and other events, be attentive to program structure and growth
goals, help troubleshoot any challenges that arise. Ideally, the advisor has past dialogue experience
and attends Sustained Dialogue training to become an expert in the unique SD model. Often, advisors
work in the campus office or center that “houses” the SD program.
Supporter(s): Supporters contribute to SD recruitment efforts, program evaluation, funding, and/or
general name recognition. Champions typically interact with the leadership team or other members
of SD less frequently than Advisors, but are committed to promoting and maintaining institution-wide
support for the SD initiative.
Please feel free to contact rhonda@sdcampusnetwork.org to submit your assessment or seek further
information. We look forward to exploring possibilities for Sustained Dialogue at your school!
IISD

www.sdcampusnetwork.org

202.393.7643

444 North Capitol Street, #434

Washington, DC 20001