Extended to October 7: Submit Proposals for Baruch Connects 2025-26 Programs for Students

Baruch Connects, the College’s initiative to bring the Baruch community together and embrace the broad range of perspectives that make Baruch such a vibrant and dynamic institution, continues throughout 2025-26.

Provost Linda Essig and I invite members of the faculty and staff to submit innovative program proposals—specifically to engage student participants—aimed at strengthening our campus community through dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. This initiative is rooted in Baruch’s core values of collaboration, connection, care, and respect, and seeks to celebrate the pluralism of perspectives that make our institution vibrant and dynamic.

Program Goals

Foster a culture of respectful, open dialogue across campus and encourage all members to share and listen with empathy and curiosity
Encourage intellectual breadth by engaging with pluralistic perspectives, worldviews, and backgrounds
Promote mutual understanding and cooperation across religious, cultural, and ideological differences
Equip students with practical skills for effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving
Build strong communities and a sense of belonging, ensuring every student, faculty, and staff member feels valued and included
Embed dialogue and connection across campus structures, programs, and experiences

Desired Outcomes

Delivery of programs that foster mutual understanding across differences
Strengthened campus community, supporting individual growth and collective wellbeing
Practical frameworks for navigating ideological differences in and beyond the classroom
Increased sense of belonging and inclusion among all students

Examples of Program Types

Workshops or seminars focused on dialogue, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
Collaborative projects or forums that bring students from different 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

Submission Guidelines

WHAT: Proposals should be no longer than 1000 words and clearly describe the activity; outline the program’s objectives, intended audience, and recruitment methods; format (in-person, virtual, or hybrid); means of assessment; names and titles of organizers and presenters; and how the program aligns with Baruch Connects’ goals
WHY: All proposals must include clearly defined learning goals; anticipated learning outcomes specifically for student participants; and how outcomes will be assessed
HOW: Include details of any support or resources required, including setup, promotion, refreshments, and similar
WHEN: Include proposed dates and times of the program
WHERE: Provide a location (indicate preferred campus space, online, or in a community setting)

Please limit proposals to 1000 words. Submit proposals by Tuesday, Oct. 7, to BaruchConnects@baruch.cuny.edu.

What’s Next

Selected proposals will each receive up to $5,000 of financial support toward resources, materials, and refreshments to execute their student-facing event or program during the 2025–26 academic year.
Programs and events will be featured on the Baruch Connects webpage and promoted across campus channels.
Selected programs and events will receive some logistical support (room scheduling, ordering catering, RSVP tracking) from the Office of the President to implement their programs.
Interdisciplinary and collaborative submissions are strongly encouraged.

Let’s join together to further develop a campus community where dialogue thrives, differences are embraced, and every voice is heard. We look forward to your creative ideas and partnership in advancing the mission of Baruch Connects.

For questions or additional information, please send an email to BaruchConnects@baruch.cuny.edu.

Sincerely,

S. David Wu
President, Baruch College