ACUE is proud to share the next chapter of our work to strengthen teaching, learning, and engagement in higher education.
With the support of a $300,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, ACUE is partnering with 19 colleges and universities to equip faculty to facilitate deliberative dialogue and civil discourse in the classroom. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to help faculty create learning environments where students can build the skills to listen deeply, think critically, and engage productively—one classroom at a time.
“ACUE’s Deliberative Dialogue initiative is a valuable tool to support instructors in facilitating productive classroom conversations,” says Amanda L. Irvin, PhD, Executive Director for the Center for Teaching and Learning at Columbia University. “Equipping students with the tools to build bridges and work effectively with others, even when diverging views are present, is key to cultivating learning environments where all students feel they belong.”
Through this partnership, participating institutions will expand faculty access to research-based teaching practices that support deliberative dialogue and civil discourse, including:
- Provide all faculty access to ACUE’s Deliberative Dialogue Quick Study series
- Support a cohort of faculty through ACUE’s Effective Teaching Certification
- Strengthen campus cultures grounded in inquiry, respect, and civic readiness
“At Montclair State University, we are committed to preparing students for thoughtful, engaged participation in a diverse democracy,” says Jonathan Koppell, PhD, President of Montclair State University. “Our partnership with ACUE strengthens our ability to equip faculty with proven strategies for fostering respectful, evidence-based dialogue in the classroom and beyond. Together we are bolstering a campus culture rooted in inquiry, mutual understanding, and civic responsibility.”
We’re honored to partner with the following institutions on this initiative:
- Adams State University
- Champlain College
- Columbia University
- Dominican University
- Eastern Wyoming College
- Fairmont State University
- Helena College – The University of Montana
- Indian River State College
- Johnston Community College
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Montclair State University
- Mountwest Community and Technical College
- Rutgers University–Newark
- Salt Lake Community College
- State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
- SUNY New Paltz
- Texas Woman’s University
- University of Houston-Downtown
- Weber State University
Thank you to the Carnegie Corporation of New York for investing in higher education’s role in strengthening civil discourse and promoting open dialogue.
About ACUE
The Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) is dedicated to student success through high-quality instruction. In partnership with higher education institutions, we offer the only nationally recognized Effective Teaching Certification, endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE), supported by a vibrant online community of practice focused on advancing teaching excellence.
ACUE-certified faculty deliver exceptional teaching in every class, resulting in higher student engagement, improved achievement, and stronger retention—outcomes that enhance institutional impact and support long-term student success. Learn more at acue.org.
Media Contact:
Gabriela Acosta, Sr. Director of Marketing
gacosta@acue.org
