Navigating the U.S. Sociopolitical Context in Higher Education
The current U.S. sociopolitical context is rooted in centuries of history and that history is engrained in U.S. institutions. We recognize that northwestern graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, especially international students, may not be fully aware of the context that influences current U.S. politics and day-to-day interactions. A lack of knowledge of the historical and contemporary contexts places students at a disadvantage when transitioning to the U.S., Chicago, and/or U.S.-based academic environments and when attempting to fully engage with their colleagues and academic activities.
The purpose of the Navigating the U.S. Sociopolitical Context in Higher Education program is to provide education and facilitate conversations to empower students and postdocs to successfully engage in sensitive conversations and navigate interpersonal dynamics with students, postdocs, faculty, staff, and community members from various backgrounds. This program is hosted by the TGS Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Success (GPS) in partnership with TGS English Language Programs, TGS Graduate and Postdoctoral Training and Development, and Counseling and Psychological Services.
Panel discussions with key experts will take place on the Evanston and Chicago campuses for Northwestern graduate students and postdocs. The program will start with a brief presentation followed by breakout groups for the audience to develop key questions for the panel to address. Questions will be submitted anonymously to the facilitator who will present them to the panel. The program will not be recorded to ensure confidentiality and encourage respectful, productive discussion. All graduate students and postdocs are welcome to this educational event.