Events
Come together for dialogue and learning
Plan to attend a Wisconsin Exchange event to experience civil discourse in action. Several events and hands-on opportunities are in the works for the current academic year, including a speaker series, an AI-tool pilot, and conversations that will help shape the future of the Wisconsin Exchange.
FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS
Wisconsin Exchange Speakers
An ongoing slate of speaker events will explore what viewpoint diversity, healthy debate and civil discourse look like. Sometimes, we’ll hear expert voices talking about what’s required for the pluralistic exchange of ideas or the impact it can have. And sometimes we’ll bring together speakers with differing points of view, modeling respectful disagreement.
Confirmed speakers:
March 5, 2026: Democracy in the Balance: The Essential Role of Journalism in Advancing Civil Discourse
A fireside chat with School of Journalism and Mass Communication Director Kathleen Bartzen Culver and distinguished journalist and media executive Andy Lack, former Chairman and CEO of NBC News, leader at Bloomberg Media Group, and producer for CBS News’ 60 Minutes.
Co-sponsored with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
March 18, 2026: For Me, But Not For Thee: Free Expression in Higher Education
A fireside chat with Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and author, lawyer and advocate Greg Lukianoff, CEO of FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression).
Co-sponsored with the La Follette School of Public Affairs, with support from the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership, the Center for the Study of Liberal Democracy (CSLD), and the Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy (CROWE).
March 23, 2026: “We the People”: Pluralistic Democracy in a Partisan Age
A conversation with Dr. Colleen Shogan, 11th archivist of the United States, CEO of In Pursuit, senior advisor, More Perfect, and senior fellow of civics education, Stand Together Trust. Hosted by Allison Prasch, Associate Professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture in the Department of Communication Arts.
This event is part of the Pluralism in Practice Workshop. To register for the “We the People” event only, visit the workshop’s registration page and select “Fireside Chat Only – Dr. Colleen Shogan.”
Co-sponsored with the College of Letters & Science, with support from “1776/2026,” a series of events and projects focusing on the 250th anniversary and legacies of the Declaration of Independence, a program of the Paul Martin Wolff Center.
FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS
Wisconsin Exchange: Pluralism in Practice Workshop
A workshop for students, faculty, and staff to engage with thought leaders, participate in sessions focused on constructive dialogue, and learn about campus initiatives that support civil discourse.
Date: March 23, 2026
FACULTY AND STAFF
Teaching and Learning Symposium 2026
A pluralism and civil discourse track will be offered at the Teaching and Learning Symposium scheduled for next spring.
Date: May 14, 2026
FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS
Exchange in Action
Challenges and opportunities for pluralism on our campus, and our shared expectations for the Wisconsin Exchange, will be the focus of a series of discussions with members of the initiative’s steering committee. Register to participate in these ongoing conversations — we want to hear your ideas, questions, and hopes for the Wisconsin Exchange.
Date: Various dates to be announced. If you would like to be part of these conversations, sign up below.
FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS
Common Ground Forum
The Wisconsin Exchange will work with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute’s Center on Civility and Democracy to host a Common Ground Forum.
Additional events
This is a selection of upcoming events that may be of interest.
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March
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March 18For Me, But Not For Thee: Free Expression in Higher EducationFireside chat with Greg Lukianoff and Chancellor Mnookin
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March 23“We the People”: Pluralistic Democracy in a Partisan AgeConversation with Colleen Shogan and hosted by Allison Prasch4:00 PM, Varsity Hall, Union South
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April
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April 27
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Submit an event
If you have an event for possible inclusion on this calendar, please submit an event on the Today Calendar and email wisconsin.exchange@wisc.edu to let us know the name of your event.