Navigating Conflict: Promoting & Supporting Civil Discourse in the Classroom

This resource page offers tools and guidance to help ComArtSci faculty and staff engage with students and colleagues during conflict, uncertainty, or challenging events. From civil discourse to reporting hostile environments, these resources help educators and students navigate challenges, build inclusive, responsive learning spaces, and sustain a respectful campus community.

Resources

Resources on this page are updated regularly to reflect new tools and information. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest updates and resources.

President’s Message on Civil Discourse: President Guskiewicz emphasizes the importance of civil discourse and respectful communication within the MSU community.

Provost’s Faculty Resources Page A comprehensive FAQ and resources provided by the Provost to help faculty navigate civil discourse in academic settings.

Classroom De-escalation/OSSA Guide:A guide to help instructors handle disruptive behavior in classrooms with de-escalation strategies.

Civil Discourse in Classrooms Guidebook (for educators This guidebook provides educators with strategies and tools for fostering respectful, productive discussions on sensitive topics, helping to create an inclusive classroom environment where diverse perspectives can be shared and explored.

Center for Teaching and Learning Fall Events for Inclusive Pedagogy The Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI) hosts a series of fall events focused on inclusive pedagogy. These events offer educators workshops and discussions on creating equitable, welcoming learning spaces for all students.

Student Resource Page Resources available to students, including support services for dealing with challenging situations related to civil discourse.

Civil Discourse Guidebook (for students) Designed for students, this guidebook offers practical advice on how to engage in civil discourse, navigate challenging conversations, and respect differing viewpoints while promoting a culture of understanding and mutual respect.

Responsible employees, including undergraduate and graduate employees, as well as volunteers, are required to report when a community member discloses experiencing prohibited conduct under the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy. For more details, visit the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance page.

File a report. MSU treats all reports filed with the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance (OCR) through Investigation, Support, and Resolution (ISR) with the utmost seriousness. Anyone, including students, faculty, staff, and guests, is welcome to submit a report.

Learn how to recognize and determine when to report a hostile environment at MSU with this helpful infographic.

Election Care Kit: A guide for post-election well-being, featuring self-care tips, resources for managing stress, and tools to help you process and reflect in the days following the election.

CAPS Services: Connect with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for support in managing post-election stress. Offering individual counseling, group sessions, and mental health workshops, CAPS is here to help you find balance and resilience.

MSU Supportive Measures:  OCR provides tailored, non-disciplinary, and non-punitive services designed to ensure safety and maintain access to educational and employment opportunities. Graphics included below.