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 and conversations that will help shape the future of the Wisconsin Exchange.
Engineering Health for the Common Good: A Symposium on Human Genome Editing and the Convergence of Biology and AI
Technology is transforming our world — how will we guide its future? Join scientists, physicians, ethicists, patient advocates, and faith leaders to explore the opportunities and risks of emerging gene-editing innovations.
Date: October 22, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Escaping Our Bubbles: What Really Divides Us
Isaac Saul, founder of Tangle, will speak to the downstream effects of algorithms and information bubbles on us individually and society as a whole, including how they reinforce existing beliefs and shape our understanding of the world. This is a student-focused event. Snacks will be provided.
Date: October 22, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Panel: Writing, Deliberation, and Civil Dialogue
The Center for Teaching and Research on Writing will host panelists Mike Wagner, Michelle Schwarze, and Percival Matthews in a discussion on how writing serves as a means of deliberation that helps achieve civil dialogue and embrace diversity of viewpoints.
Date: October 22, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
Open Inquiry at UW–Madison: The Faculty Survey in Conversation
What is the state of academic freedom, free expression, and intellectual pluralism at UW–Madison? And what should their future look like? Join the campus community for a discussion on the results of a Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership survey of UW–Madison faculty views and experiences. Lunch will be provided.
Date: October 23, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.
Badger Stories Workshops
Do you have a unique story to share? Are you passionate about community, civic engagement, and civic health? Learn how to tell your story and inspire our campus and broader community at workshops hosted by the Stories for Civic Health Project. This program is supported by a Wisconsin Exchange grant.
Workshop dates:
- October 27
- October 29
- November 5
Dinner and Dialogue Series
Students are invited to join for a catered dinner and evening of lively, student-led discussions exploring some of today’s most pressing public policy questions. Space is limited!
This program is supported by a Wisconsin Exchange grant.
Big Issues, Bold Conversations — Affordable Housing
What should governments do about housing affordability? Should municipalities eliminate single-family zoning to allow multi-family, higher-density housing? Should cities guarantee unhoused citizens the autonomy to live safely on public land or enforce local authority to keep public spaces clean and order intact?
Date: October 27 at 6 p.m.
Big Issues, Bold Conversations — AI Technology & Social Media
What should governments do about AI technologies? Should major online platforms use AI tools to detect and restrict viral election content? Should developers and platforms face liability when chatbots and algorithms lead to real-world psychological or financial harm?
Date: November 11 at 6 p.m
Constructive Disagreement in a Divided Age: What Universities Can Teach About Listening, Learning, and Truth
As the nation heads into a highly polarized midterm election season, UW–Madison welcomes Professor Robert P. George and Dr. Cornel West for a timely conversation on pluralism, civil dialogue, and the value of constructive disagreement. Faculty, staff, students, and friends welcome.
Date: October 28, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Badger Stories Showcase
The Stories for Civic Health Project presents a storyteller showcase for the Madison community, hosted by former Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly. This program is supported by a Wisconsin Exchange grant.
Date: November 18, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Wisconsin Exchange: Pluralism in Practice Workshop
A sustained engagement with thought leaders and practitioners, the Pluralism in Practice Workshop provided students, staff, and faculty opportunities to dive deeper into the dynamics of viewpoint diversity and constructive engagement across differences.
Date: March 2, 2027
Event information coming soon.
Teaching and Learning Symposium 2027
Constructive dialogue across difference will be a focus area at the Teaching and Learning Symposium scheduled for next spring.
Date: May 13, 2027
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 below to participate in these ongoing conversations — we want to hear your ideas, questions, and hopes for the Wisconsin Exchange.
Additional events
This is a selection of upcoming events that may be of interest.
October
-
October 22Engineering Health for the Common GoodA Symposium on Human Genome Editing and the Convergence of Biology and AI5:00 PM, DeLuca Forum, Discovery Building
-
October 26Civic Virtue Lecture SeriesMercy Otis Warren: Civic Virtue and American Memory5:00 PM, 7200 Law Building
-
October 28Constructive Dialogue in a Divided AgeWhat Universities Can Teach About Listening, Learning, and Truth4:30 PM, Alumni Lounge, Pyle Center
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.
Events archive
Explore past Wisconsin Exchange events to revisit key fireside chats, conversations, and insights.