Baruch Connects is an exciting initiative that embodies Baruch’s core values of collaboration and connection. This initiative brings the Baruch community together to embrace the broad range of perspectives that make Baruch such a vibrant and dynamic institution. Baruch Connects includes three types of activities: Intercultural Celebrations, a Respectful Dialogue Series, and additional activities for students, faculty, and staff.
We hope you’ll join us at these important events that help us continue to cultivate a campus culture of care, respect, and community. Please feel free to send any questions 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; details coming soon
Eid al-Fitr Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and the holiest month in Islamic tradition.
March 2025; details coming soon
Easter Practiced within the Christian faith, Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
April 2025; details coming soon
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
February 2025: Intellectual Pluralism and the Marketplace of Ideas
The Role of Social Media in Civil Discourse
Tuesday, Feb. 25
12:30-2 pm, Lunch will be provided.
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. This panel, moderated by Professor William Organek, will feature Professors Lisa Blankenship, Elizabeth Edenberg, Eric Gander, Debbie Kaminer, and Isaac Vaghefi, who will explore how respectful disagreement serves as the cornerstone of diverse and inclusive dialogue. Panelists will also share best practices for fostering civility in online interactions.
Marketplace of Ideas for Social Impact (Virtual Event) Wednesday, Feb. 26
2:30–3:45 pm
Via Zoom (sign-in details to follow)
Baruch undergraduate students will showcase innovative theories of change developed in their social entrepreneurship courses that address pressing societal challenges. This interactive session, moderated by Professor Abhisek Ghosh Moulick, invites attendees to provide feedback, engage in dialogue, and help refine the most promising ideas. Participants will also have the opportunity to “invest” 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
12:30-2 pm, Lunch will be provided.
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.
Events are scheduled for April 8–10. More details coming soon.
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.
Diwali Celebration
Thursday, Oct. 31
Clivner=Field Plaza
Sponsored by the Indian Student Association
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist traditions. Baruch marked this important cultural celebration with fun, food, and festivities.
Additional Activities for Students, Faculty, and Staff
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.
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