News Story

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 28, 2024 – In an effort to foster meaningful dialogue across differences, La Roche University is one of eight American Catholic colleges and universities to partner with the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) for the 2024-25 academic year. 

Founded in 2017 by Jonathan Haidt and Caroline Mehl, CDI is a national nonprofit organization that helps colleges and universities transform their campuses into learning environments that support dialogue across differences. CDI develops research-based educational tools and resources to equip universities and workplaces with practical skills to build inclusive cultures and engage in constructive dialogue.  

“At La Roche University we believe that fostering dialogue is fundamental to our Catholic identity and our mission to promote justice and peace in a constantly changing global society,” said Christina Clark, Ph.D., president of La Roche. “We strive to teach students to think critically and engage in meaningful interactions that lead to more compassion and humanity for all. By integrating CDI tools and resources, we can create a more cohesive community where students learn to engage in difficult conversations productively. This approach will not only reduce conflict but also enhance our students’ ability to contribute positively to society.” 

CDI and the Association for Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) will partner to support a cohort of Catholic higher education institutions over a 12-month period. As a cohort member, La Roche will implement CDI resources into various aspects of campus life.  

Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Sarah White will lead the CDI initiative at La Roche. She said, “By embedding constructive dialogue practices at various level of the academic journey and our campus life, we aim to establish a foundation of respectful communication that will persist throughout the La Roche community.”  

In Spring 2025 the University will integrate CDI resources into Ethics and Philosophy courses, and the La Roche Experience (LRX), a required sequence of courses for all traditional undergraduates. Student leaders, including Resident Assistants, will engage in the CDI program, and the University will provide workshops for faculty, staff and members of the Introcaso Center for Lifelong Learning.  

“We strive to ignite curiosity in students to learn about others unlike themselves and give students the common language necessary for dialogue across differences, while nurturing a sense of compassion, respect and justice in these interactions,” Ms. White said.