Building Resilience Through Community, Connection, and Collaborative Problem-Solving

Date: March 6, 2026

Time: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Illini Union, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Description

In today’s sociopolitical climate, teaching and mentoring can feel like navigating shifting terrain. We are asked to uphold teaching excellence, academic freedom, and foster civil discourse, all while keeping ourselves grounded and safe. This retreat is a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect. It’s about building collaboration and learn that you are not alone in this work.

The retreat is a space where faculty can show up as their whole selves to share stories, swap strategies, and build the kind of community that makes resilience possible. It isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. It’s about learning from each other and leaving with tools and relationships that make the hard stuff feel a little lighter.

What You’ll Experience

Expert Insights from The Institute of Citizens and Scholars: Learn practical strategies for navigating disagreement and fostering inclusive dialogue from national leaders in civil discourse.
Stories from Across Campus: Faculty lightning talks on resilience, navigating difficult conversations, and balancing mental health.
Interactive Sessions: Hands-on activities, dialogue circles, and role-play scenarios to practice strategies for civil discourse.
Student Perspectives: A panel discussion on co-creating learning environments that foster trust and collaboration.
Thematic Table Conversations: Table discussions with faculty and staff across campus on topics like academic freedom, mental health, and inclusive dialogue—designed to spark collaboration.

Framework

Connect: Build community and reduce isolation through reflective practice and authentic dialogue.

Co-Create: Develop actionable tools for navigating challenging conversations with students, colleagues, and administrators.

Carry Forward: Strengthen faculty leadership and collaboration by establishing networks that support dialogue, wellness, and professional growth.

Guiding Questions

How do we create classrooms that invite honest and constructive dialogue?

What does resilience look like in the face of academic and political pressures?

How can we support one another in fostering inclusive and respectful learning environments?

Join Us

This retreat is more than a professional development event—it’s a call to community. Together, we will explore strategies, share stories, and build partnerships that carry forward beyond a single day. Come ready to listen, learn, and lead.

Registration details and full agenda coming soon.

Questions: Please contact Manny Rodriguez Rivera