Student Associates are the foundation of our efforts to accomplish our goals. We welcome students at undergraduate and graduate levels and from all majors and scholarly interests to participate with us. Student Associates are trained as facilitators, and participate in planning and executing events, programs and activities of our key projects.
Student Associates Will:
- Develop & practice workplace skills
- Receive training as dialogue facilitators
- Serve as facilitators in on and off-campus events
- Build resumes in event planning and public relations
- Become a Part of a TEAM! Have Fun!
- Make a difference at UTSA and in San Antonio
- Have opportunity to be involved in the National Coalition of Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) Young Leaders Community
- Be a part of building something BIG!
We meet regularly and work closely with the Directors of the Initiative. We believe in the mission of teaching UTSA and San Antonio to engage better, collaborate with skill, and deliberate effectively!
To find out more, get on our email list, and get involved, email laurie.lewis@utsa or sara.deturk@utsa.edu
Student Testimonials
Jacqueline Aguillon
As a fourth-year student at UTSA, my experience with the Center for Dialogue & Deliberation and COM 4413 has profoundly transformed my academic, professional, and personal life. At the start of the semester, I believed my communication skills were already strong and considered myself a self-proclaimed “outstanding communicator.” However, shortly after enrolling in a course that specialized in dialogue and facilitation, I was shown that I had much to learn. I discovered that true dialogue is not about reaching an agreement but about actively listening, understanding diverse perspectives, and engaging in respectful deliberation. The practices I have learned, like fully listening to someone or using techniques like intentional pauses have impacted my personal life in profound ways. COM 4413 and the Center for Dialogue & Deliberation gave me the tools and empowered me to discuss difficult topics in other parts of my life.
One of the most impactful experiences I had was when I facilitated an interfaith group dialogue during the fall semester. The dialogue consisted of a potluck where community members were encouraged to come together to discuss their religious beliefs. I was able to put into practice the tools I learned from the CDD and COM 4413 and successfully facilitated a dialogue consisting of people of the Christian, Mormon, Jewish, and Islamic faith. This opportunity challenged me to delicately listen to members who were sharing emotional parts of their lives and the intricacies of their beliefs. The training I received equipped me to manage this challenging group dynamic and facilitate a successful dialogue between people who fundamentally believe different things. It is incredibly rewarding to witness individuals from diverse backgrounds interact and learn from each other and know you had something to do with that. My involvement in the Center has given me a purpose and community I do not take for granted. Engaging with like-minded peers and mentors who share a passion for dialogue has been both inspiring and motivating. I am deeply grateful for the Center’s impact on my life and the student body's lives.
Rebekah Alegria
As a second-year master’s student in Communication at UTSA, the Center for Dialogue & Deliberation (CDD) has been instrumental in shaping both my academic and personal growth. Enrolling in COM 4413, Dialogue Facilitation, was a turning point for me. The course has laid a foundation in the principles and practices of dialogue, highlighting the importance of fostering understanding and empathy in conversations, particularly around challenging or controversial topics. I have developed skills that have not only enhanced my ability to facilitate meaningful discussions but have also deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of human interaction.
My involvement as an associate at the CDD has allowed me to put skills like active listening and embracing contradictions into action, reinforcing the power of dialogue within diverse communities. Facilitating discussions through the CDD, I have witnessed firsthand how structured conversations can bridge divides and uncover common ground, even among participants with differing perspectives. This experience has also inspired elements of my master’s thesis, which explores identity and communication in organizational crises.
Dr. Laurie Lewis and Dr. Sara DeTurk have created an environment where dialogue is not just “talking" or just a skill but is a way of thinking. Dialogue is a method of approaching difference with curiosity and respect. Their leadership has empowered me to grow as a scholar and as a communication professional, giving me tools I will carry into my career and beyond. The Center for Dialogue & Deliberation is the epitome of innovation and impact, creating room for critical conversations that resonate beyond university walls. I am proud to be a part of this initiative and am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me.
Lauren Hochman
When I started college in 2015, many of my assignments focused on analyzing current issues, such as war and political unrest. Through conversations with my classmates, I realized that a large amount of college students have become well-versed in politics, their identities, and global issues. Now more than ever, interactions can feel like a constant battle of ‘right’ versus ‘wrong’ and ‘us’ versus ‘them.’ Seeking an opportunity to help improve this situation, I joined the Center for Dialogue & Deliberation.
CDD is a rarity among universities, where social tensions and prejudices can skyrocket during the instability of young adulthood. As a college student, I have seen this increase with my own eyes, and as a dialogue facilitator, I have witnessed it decrease within an hour. The topics of conversations held by the center, including politics, gender identity, and mental health, can be difficult for many to discuss due to their controversial nature. However, hosting structured dialogues in which every participant has an equal voice can reduce fears of judgment and foster mutual understanding within the group, even if their opinions do not change.
In addition to bettering the UTSA community, the Center for Dialogue & Deliberation betters the students who become facilitators. The training and event participation provide them with a unique career path and opportunity to develop diverse communication, leadership, teamwork, and empathy skills that will serve them no matter what field they go into, along with growing their inner confidence and fostering a sense of purpose.
I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to become an Associate and dialogue facilitator for the Center for Dialogue & Deliberation. Within only a few months in the program, my social anxiety was reduced, and I made connections that will last for years. I wake up every morning feeling like I have made a difference in the world. I look forward to facilitating many more events during my time at UTSA.
