New SU program allows students to discuss important topics, gain leadership skills

SALISBURY, Md.-  Thanks to a new program, students at Salisbury University now have the chance to talk about tough topics.

The Civic Reflection Fellows Program is offered through a partnership between the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. It allows for groups of people to talk about things that are difficult to talk about including race, diversity, inclusion, and exclusion. University staff tell 47 ABC that faculty in the program will examine the impact these conversation will have on students and its connection to what they’re learning in the classroom and students will receive leadership skills while also gaining confidence.

“We think or we hope that they will feel more likely to go off in their communities and ask these questions as well. Start asking more from their leaders and start demanding more from people in those position. So hopefully that’s what they’ll get out of this process,” said PACE Assistant Director Michael Webber.

“We’re already the only university that we know about that uses this type of conversation to welcome students to campus. So it’s pretty exciting that we get to have a fellowship program like this one to kind of bolster that throughout the academic year,” said PACE Director Sandy Pope.

The program is funded through the university’s Fulton Public Humanities grant. Both Faculty and the 15 selected student fellows will receive training and a $1,0000 stipend for completing the program.