Professional Development Opportunity: Resetting the Table's Campus Facilitation Training Program

NCDD Network Partner, Listen First Project, shared with us Resetting the Table's Campus Facilitation Training Program, a 5-month virtual course for higher education professionals to enhance dialogue facilitation skills. Tailored for those with experience, it provides a comprehensive framework for productive campus conversations, with expert coaching support. Ideal for Student Life, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion roles, the training includes ten sessions on practical techniques and collaborative communication, plus insights into RTT's Speaking Across Conflict workshop. With proven impact, this is a must for campus leaders aiming to foster resilient communities. Apply by April 14, 2025; starts in June. Read more in the blog post below.

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The NCDD is excited to share this valuable training opportunity for higher education professionals seeking to build capacity for dialogue across differences on their campuses.
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In our increasingly polarized society, the ability to facilitate meaningful conversations across deep differences has become an essential skill for campus leaders. That's why we want to highlight Resetting the Table (RTT)'s 5-month virtual Train-the-Trainers Facilitation Training program designed specifically for higher education professionals. Learn more about the Training!

Program Overview

This comprehensive training equips campus administrators and faculty with a robust framework for productive communication across differences, along with hands-on practice supported by expert coaching and feedback. The program is designed for those with prior facilitation experience who want to enhance their ability to support courageous and constructive communication among students on charged issues.
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RTT has developed one of the most recognized and road-tested frameworks for meaningful communication across differences of background and views. Their methodology helps communities move beyond the destructive tendencies of conflict while investigating differences directly and respectfully.

Who should I apply?

The program is particularly valuable for professionals working in:

• Student Life
• Residential Life
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices
• Centers for Teaching Excellence
• Other campus roles focused on student engagement and community building

RTT encourages two participants to apply from each campus, ideally representing different areas of campus life. This approach helps build a cross-functional network of skilled facilitators who can support dialogue initiatives across the institution.

What Participants Will Learn

The training focuses on practical skills development, including:

• Five proactive facilitation techniques for achieving collaborative communication across differences
• A troubleshooting framework for responding to challenging group dynamics
• Step-by-step guidance on how to lead RTT's flagship Speaking Across Conflict workshop
• Strategies for applying dialogue tools in various settings, from structured workshops to classroom discussions to contentious decision-making processes

Program Structure and Timeline

The training includes:

• Ten 2.5-hour training sessions (most sessions run 10am-12:30pm PST / 1-3:30pm EST)
• Two coached practice sessions
• One-on-one consultation with RTT staff
• All sessions conducted via Zoom

Key dates for the upcoming cohort:

• Application Deadline: Friday, April 14, 2025
• Program Start: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
• Program Completion: November 20, 2025

Participants are expected to lead at least one Speaking Across Conflict workshop on their campus during the training period.

Impact

Previous participants have reported transformative results from this training:

"This was the most in-depth and professional-level facilitation training I have encountered. After completing this training, I feel empowered to hold conversations across our community's deepest divides, and as a result, hopefully help foster a more resilient and thriving community."
— Maia, Staff Director of the UCLA Dialogue Across Difference Initiative

"I left RTT's training genuinely less afraid and more motivated to lead conversation about issues that tear my community apart. With RTT's masterful guidance, they can build the courage and skills to face each other's fears."
-- Rachel, Associate Professor of Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

"This training will give you the skills you need to facilitate difficult dialogues and help create a culture of courageous conversation on your campus. I feel more confident in encouraging my students to go deeper and engage in meaningful, challenging conversations that lead to real understanding and growth."
— Chip, Director of DEI Education and Learning Initiatives, Brandeis University

Registration Information

• Cost: $1,500 per individual participant
• Financial assistance may be available – contact RTT if cost is a barrier to participation
• For questions, contact [email protected]

Why This Matters to the NCDD Community

As an organization committed to promoting dialogue and deliberation, NCDD recognizes the vital importance of building capacity for meaningful engagement across differences, especially in higher education settings. RTT's approach aligns closely with NCDD's values of fostering understanding, strengthening relationships, and enabling collaborative problem-solving across divides.

This training offers NCDD members working in higher education a valuable opportunity to deepen their facilitation skills while gaining practical tools they can immediately apply in their campus communities.

If you participate in this training program, we'd love to hear about your experience and how you're applying these skills on your campus. Consider sharing your insights in a future NCDD blog post!
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Have you participated in Resetting the Table's training programs before? Share your experience in the comments below.