By the Numbers: Day of Dialogue 2023
Saint Joseph’s hosted its largest ever Day of Dialogue, featuring 95 hours of discussion and over 2,300 registered attendees.
On Feb. 15, 2023, Saint Joseph’s University hosted its fourth and largest ever annual Day of Dialogue. While the event occurred over a span of 12 hours, its ultimate goal is to spur conversations and action around diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the entire year.
The day kicked off with a fireside chat between Morgan M. Bryant, PhD, assistant professor of marketing, and keynote D. Steve Boland, chief administrative officer for Bank of America and one of the vice chairs of the company’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Council.
“There’s room at the table for everyone to engage in meaningful conversation about DEI – that's what Saint Joseph's University Day of Dialogue is all about,” Boland recapped on social media — a nod to his remarks that morning. “You don’t have to wait for someone to pass you the baton.”
From there, the day was broken into five sessions, comprising 76 workshops happening both in person and online, for a total of 5,700 minutes or 95 hours of discussion (not including keynotes)! Those discussions included inclusivity in higher education, imposter syndrome, poverty, mass incarceration, disability and the effects of ableism, and more.
"Day of Dialogue is a great example of what it looks like to work, teach and learn at a Jesuit institution," says Chontel Delaney, MS, committee co-chair and associate director of academic technology. "Our work is human centered and it's about caring for yourself and everybody around you."
The day took months of planning from a committee of 40 students, faculty and staff. Here’s a closer look at how it all came together.
Day of Dialogue By the Numbers
- Day of Dialogue Sessions: 76
- Minutes of Dialogue: 5,700
- Day of Dialogue Registrants: 2,300+
- Event Themes: 7
- Keynote Speakers: 3
- Panelists/Facilitators: 154
- Student Volunteers: 60
- Committee Members: 41
- Co-Chairs: 2
- Food Trucks: 4
- Interactive Activities: 6
A Look Back at the Day
Attendees were invited to share what they felt and learned on an interactive Post-It note wall.
A student panel spoke on mental wellness with topics including coping strategies, healthy communication tips and resources.
Attendees processed the sessions while coloring social-justice themed pages.
Attendees at the morning's fireside chat with D. Steve Boland, chief administrative officer for Bank of America and one of the vice chairs of the company’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Council.
Community members were encouraged to contribute to the Day of Dialogue themed string art with Hilo Fiber Bar String Art Studio.
Writing Center tutors conducted an anti-racist writing workshop.
Faculty engaging in discussion during one of the breakout sessions.
Images were on display from "Dear World," an interactive event that uses photography to encourage dialogue, connection and community.
