About the Day

Read Amherst’s Nov. 7 article, “Day of Dialogue Generates Ideas for Change.”

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The Day of Dialogue morning presentations were recorded. Amherst students, faculty and staff may log in to listen.

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Speaking to Silence: Conversations on Community and Individual Responsibility

On Friday, November 2, 2012, classes will be cancelled and offices will be closed so that the Amherst College campus community (students, faculty, staff and administrators) may participate in a program of presentations and small group discussions.

As you participate in the day’s activities, we feel that it would be helpful if you consider the following questions, which will frame our conversations:

 1. How can individuals or groups go about taking responsibility for implementing change at Amherst?

 2. What are our next steps? What can we do to promote community on campus, either as individuals or as members of groups?

Please arrive at the Coolidge Cage by 9:15 a.m.

We will enter LeFrak Gymnasium from the Cage. The first part of the program will be held in LeFrak.


MORNING PRESENTATIONS IN LEFRAK GYMNASIUM

Opening Remarks by the President

The day will begin with opening remarks by Biddy Martin. 

Presentation I: 9:45

Our first presentation, titled “Changing the Conversation: A Facilitated Discussion about Sexual Violence,” will be led by Gina Maisto Smith, nationally recognized legal and policy expert on sexual assault and misconduct, and four Amherst students.  

Presentation II: 10:45

Our second presentation, titled “Growing Our Community: Growing Ourselves,” will be led by Rhonda Cobham-Sander, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Black Studies and English and former special assistant to the president for diversity.   


Morning Discussions in Small Groups:
Locations Across Campus, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Following these two morning sessions, we will break into small groups (you will receive a ticket with the location of your group when you arrive at the Cage) for conversations and reflections on the morning presentations. Student facilitators will lead these sessions.


Lunch and Conversation, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Valentine Quad

A catered lunch will be provided for all.  


Afternoon Discussions in Small Groups:
Locations Across Campus, 1:45 to 2:30 p.m.

We will return to our discussion groups, in their original locations, to explore the topic of “Community and Individual Responsibility.” Again, students will facilitate these discussions.


Closing Gathering on Valentine Quad, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

Remarks by President Martin. Refreshments will be provided.


Some Things to Note

Counselors from the Community Crisis Response Team will be available to anyone who wants to meet with them throughout the day in the Chapin Lounge. More private spaces in Chapin will also be available. The Counseling Center and the Keefe Health Center will be staffed and open for everyone.

Chapin Chapel has been established as a quiet space for contemplation.

In addition to Chapin, the following facilities will be kept open: the Vincent Morgan Music Library, second floor, Arms Music Center;  the Keefe Science Library, third floor, Merrill Science Center; the Babbott Room, The Octagon; Moss Quantitative Center; and the Writing Center.  


Breakfast and Dinner 

Valentine Dining Hall will be open for breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. and for dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

Valentine will not serve lunch. Lunch will be catered on Valentine Quad.