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O'Neill School part of Volcker Alliance initiative to combat polarization on university campuses

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Volcker Alliance logo
Volcker Alliance

Bloomington and Indianapolis, IN - The Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs is honored to be a part of the recently announced Volcker Alliance Constructive Dialogue Curriculum Initiative, a partnership with the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) to help schools of public service implement innovative curricula that prepares the next generation of public service leaders to bridge divides and work collaboratively across differences.

The O’Neill School is one of 14 schools of public service that are members of the Deans Summit, a collaborative network of schools that confer degrees in public policy, public administration, public affairs, and related fields. The Deans Summit, which is supported by the Volcker Alliance, launched the Constructive Dialogue Curriculum Initiative in direct response to the alarming growth of political polarization on campuses across the nation and out of a belief that schools of public service have a unique role to play in preparing university students to discuss topics and policies that reach across society’s divides.

“Being a part of the Constructive Dialogue Curriculum Initiative is a fantastic opportunity for the O’Neill School to provide leadership in our shifting environment,” said Siân Mooney, dean of the O’Neill School. “Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do, and the chance to work with our partner schools to bring people together to solve pressing issues regardless of political beliefs will best serve students in the state of Indiana and beyond.”

Over a period of 18 months, participating schools will develop a new course or adapt an existing course to teach the skills for collaborating across difference, embedding CDI’s signature Perspectives program within their larger curricula.

“Political polarization is growing at an alarming rate, democratic systems are being tested and weakened, and the population’s faith in public institutions is at an all-time low,” said Sara Mogulescu, president of the Volcker Alliance. “We believe civil, constructive discourse is a pillar of effective democracy and this initiative will help rising leaders entering the workforce—public sector, private sector, or otherwise—to practice these skills.”

Through this initiative, the Volcker Alliance aims to surface best practices that can inform other interested educators and leaders. A white paper that shares qualitative and quantitative data on student outcomes and potential implications

“The O'Neill School is eager to bring the tools and techniques from the Constructive Dialogue Institute curriculum to our students,” said Suzann Lupton, associate dean of student services and enrollment management for O’Neill’s Indianapolis location. “The initiative will improve the classroom experience and give students the ability to facilitate better dialogue in their communities.”

Other participants of the program include:

  • Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University
  • Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, Cornell University 
  • The John Lewis Public Administration Program, Tulane University 
  • Clinton School of Public Service, University of Arkansas 
  • Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley 
  • College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, University of Illinois - Chicago 
  • Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan
  • Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota 
  • Truman School of Government and Public Affairs, University of Missouri 
  • Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh
  • School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas Dallas
  • Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia 
  • The Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin 

Media Contact

Ken Bikoff, Faculty Liaison and Public Relations Officer
Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs | Indiana University
onnews@iu.edu

About the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

The O’Neill School is a world leader in public and environmental affairs and is the largest school of public administration and public policy in the United States. In the 2023, “Best Graduate Public Affairs Programs” by U.S. News & World Report, the O’Neill School ranks first in the country. Four of its specialty programs are ranked first, including nonprofit management, another four specialty programs are in the top ten rankings.