Conflict and Conversation Colloquium Series
Imagining Otherwise: Rethinking the World We Inherit
Fall 2026
What if the world we've inherited isn't the only one possible? This year's Conflict and Conversation Colloquium Series invites our community to contemplate questions that matter on a personal and societal level. Each session brings together diverse perspectives on timely and sometimes contested issues, creating space for genuine dialogue rather than debate for its own sake. Instead of settling for surface-level soundbites, we will highlight some of the nuance, complexity, and tension that real understanding requires. Join us over the course of this academic year as we practice the important work of imagining otherwise.
Fall 2026 Schedule
September 9 at 6 p.m. in the Krauskopf Memorial Library, Cooke Wing
Difficult Dialogues: Skills for Successful Communication in Uncertain Times
Dr. Audrey Ervin, Professor of Counseling Psychology
This workshop provides practical strategies to navigate difficult conversations with confidence, empathy, and respect. Participants will learn the difference between aggressive, passive-aggressive, passive, and assertive communication. Participants will apply research-informed communication skills to facilitate win-win interactions across a variety of life domains (i.e., work, school, personal relationships, etc.) This interactive workshop prepares participants to turn disagreement and uncertainty into constructive problem-solving, stronger relationships, and shared understanding.
September 16 at 12:15 p.m. (Common Hour) in the Krauskopf Memorial Library, Cooke Wing
Inflection Point: 2026 Midterm Elections
Dr. Craig Stutman, professor of history and policy, will host this panel that will include Dr. Jeffrey Carroll, associate professor and chair, Center for Data & Society at Chestnut Hill, and Dr. Kevin Davis, adjunct professor of public policy at DelVal, MMP Coordinator for the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health
October 27 at 6 p.m. in the Krauskopf Memorial Library, Cooke Wing
International Security Workshop
Dr. Wojciech Michnik, assistant professor of political science from Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland
October 28 at 12:15 p.m. (Common Hour) in the Krauskopf Memorial Library, Cooke Wing
National Parks
Dr. Greg George, professor of biology