Baruch Connects

During the 2025-2026 Academic Year, Baruch Connects programming focuses on innovative learning opportunities developed by faculty and staff specifically designed to engage student participation. Key elements are strengthening the campus community through dialogue, understanding, and collaboration, celebrating the pluralism of perspectives that make Baruch a vibrant and dynamic institution. The President and the Provost sponsor these programs, providing resources to enable a breadth of diverse initiatives that are universally inviting, respectful, and dialogue driven.

2025-2026 Baruch Connects programs include:

• Workshops and seminars focused on dialogue, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Collaborative projects and forums that bring students from all backgrounds together to learn from one another
• Peer-led storytelling initiatives that explore lived experiences across cultures, faiths, and identities
• Intergroup dialogues or facilitated conversations on topics relevant to the Baruch community
• Creative arts programs or performances that celebrate Baruch’s shared values

Throughout the academic year, the College is creating opportunities for members of the Baruch community to enhance their knowledge and skills so each of us is better equipped to facilitate open, inclusive dialogue. More information will become available as new events are added, so check back often.

If you have an upcoming faculty and staff event related to the Baruch Connects initiative, please send details to BaruchConnects@baruch.cuny.edu.

Intercultural Celebrations

Baruch proudly celebrates the rich cultural heritages reflected in the many holidays recognized by CUNY, which will become pillars of Baruch Connects. During the fall semester, the series kicked off on Thursday, Sept. 26, with a Rosh Hashanah Festival at Clivner=Field Plaza and continued with a Diwali celebration on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Starting in January 2025, CUNY will officially add holidays to the academic calendar—including Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr, and Diwali—and Baruch is excited to observe these alongside our already established celebrations. As we move into the spring semester, we will host several more vibrant campus events. These celebrations are designed to be student-centered and will be held in collaboration with our many student clubs.

Rosh Hashanah
A celebration of the Jewish New Year
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024
12:30–2 pm
Clivner=Field Plaza
Sponsored by Leader Family Hillel at Baruch College

Diwali
The Festival of Lights celebrated across Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist traditions
Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024
12:30–2 pm
Clivner=Field Plaza
Sponsored by the Indian Student Association

Lunar New Year
Also known as the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.
February 2025

Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and the holiest month in Islamic tradition.

Eid Banquet, a celebratory dinner commemorating the conclusion of Ramadan season
Thursday, April 3, 2025
6–8:30 pm
Newman Vertical Campus, Room 1-107
Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association, Muslim Business Association, and Women in Islam

Easter
Practiced within the Christian faith, Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Easter Celebration, a carnival-style event with games, club tabling, and themed activities
Thursday, April 24, 2025
12 noon–3:00 pm
Clivner=Field Plaza
Sponsored by the Office of Student Life in collaboration with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, SOON Movement, and the Chinese Christian Fellowship

Respectful Dialogue Series: How to Disagree Better

The Respectful Dialogue Series is a platform for open, respectful conversations that will span the entire academic year. We will host several weeklong capsule series exploring essential themes around dialogue and intellectual engagement. Baruch Connects extends even further with events and programming hosted by each of our schools and academic units. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to creating an inclusive environment where ideas are freely exchanged, and all voices are heard.

These series will offer lectures, academic programming, student activities, and community festivals designed to:

• Foster a culture of respectful, open dialogue across campus
• Encourage all members of our community to embrace intellectual diversity and engage with differing perspectives
• Promote understanding and cooperation across religious, cultural, and ideological divides
• Equip everyone at Baruch with practical skills for effective communication and conflict resolution

April 2025: Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding

Embracing Pluralism: Building Bridges Across Differences
Tuesday, Apr. 8
12:30–2 pm
Information and Technology Building, 151 East 25th Street, 7th Floor, Rackow Room, Room H-750

Lunch will be provided; RSVP here

Join in this interactive session facilitated by two senior leaders from Interfaith America, where they will explore how college campuses can cultivate a culture of pluralism—the ways in which we recognize and value different perspectives. Our facilitators will share their experiences as bridge-builders, demonstrating the power of empathy, respect, and dialogue in fostering inclusive communities.

Baruch College’s Spring Festival
Thursday, Apr. 10
12:30–3 pm
Clivner=Field Plaza

Presented by President S. David Wu and the Undergraduate Student Government, this campus-wide celebration boasts an international theme that highlights the richness and diversity of our global community. There will be food, games, and activities for all.

February 2025: Intellectual Pluralism and the Marketplace of Ideas

The Role of Social Media in Civil Discourse
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Information and Technology Building, 151 East 25th Street, 7th Floor, Rackow Room, Room H-750

Social media empowers us to engage with and influence contemporary debates. However, it also presents challenges such as misinformation, anonymity, and peer pressure, which can erode civil discourse and lead to unintended consequences. A panel, moderated by Professor William Organek, featured Professors Lisa Blankenship, Eric Gander, Debbie Kaminer, and Isaac Vaghefi, who explored how respectful disagreement serves as the cornerstone of diverse and inclusive dialogue and shared best practices for fostering civility in online interactions.

Marketplace of Ideas for Social Impact (Virtual Event)
Wednesday, Feb. 26

Baruch undergraduate students showcased innovative theories of change developed in their social entrepreneurship courses that address pressing societal challenges. The interactive session was moderated by Professor Abhisek Ghosh Moulick. Attendees provided feedback, engaged in dialogue, and helped refine the most promising ideas. Participants then “invested” in concepts they believe hold the greatest potential for social impact.

Civil Debate: Techno-optimism: The Way Forward or a Dangerous Delusion?
Thursday, Feb. 27
Information and Technology Building, 151 East 25th Street, 7th Floor, Rackow Room, Room H-750

Join us for a student-facing debate on this timely issue, moderated by Professors Allison Hahn and Eric Gander. The promise of technology is everywhere today—from artificial intelligence to genetic engineering and beyond. But are we moving too fast toward this brave new world? Should we actively slow the pace of technological innovation to allow laws and social norms to catch up? This engaging debate will explore the potential and perils of rapid technological advancement.

October 2024: The Foundations of Civil Discourse

Global Fall Festival
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Clivner=Field Plaza

Festival celebrating the global diversity of Baruch’s campus community with fun activities and food from around the world.

World Café: What Matters Now?
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Newman Vertical Campus
Hosted by the Marxe School as part of the Respectful Dialogue Series

Baruch’s first-ever World Café, a structured conversational process that encourages knowledge sharing. Students, faculty, and staff discuss timely topics in small groups, café style.

Forum: The Presidency as an Institution
Thursday, Oct. 24
Newman Vertical Campus
Facilitated by Professor Natale Cipollina

A discussion to educate ourselves not just on the candidates but on the institution of the presidency. What powers does the President hold, and how has the office evolved?

Keynote Address: Dialogue as a Stepping Stone for Social Change
Thursday, Oct. 24
Newman Vertical Campus
Speaker: Kazu Haga

We live in a world full of violence and division, where change is necessary. But how do we advocate for justice while healing relationships and building communities? Kazu Haga, a renowned trainer in nonviolence and restorative justice, explored the role of dialogue in creating social change.

Additional Activites for Faculty and Staff

Forums and Discussions

• Democracy as Creative Practice
  Monday, Nov. 18, 2024
  4–6 pm
  Marxe School of Public and International Affairs

Professional Development and Training

• The Dialogic Classroom: Workshop for Faculty
  Thursday and Friday, Jan. 23-24, 2025
• Hate Crimes Workshop with the NYC Office of the District Attorney, Staff Professional Development
  Monday, Oct. 28, 2024
• Dialogue Across Differences: Workshop for Academic Department Chairs
  Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024
• Designing Environments for Constructive Dialogue: Workshop for Academic Leadership
  Friday, Aug. 23, 2024