In academic spaces, we are trained for extractive listening to process information and ideas. Relationship-oriented teaching, advising, and collaboration, however, calls for existential listening to others’ experiences in a way that offers presence, affirms humanity, and bears witness without immediately rushing to offer solutions, refer to external expertise, intellectualize, or falsely claim identification and understanding. In this workshop, we will explore a framework for existential listening and then practice applying it in response to recorded testimonies. The workshop will be interactive and participatory, but will not ask you to share your own personal stories. Participants will come away with increased stamina for receiving personal, sensitive, or uncomfortable disclosures from students or colleagues through concrete practices they can then teach and share with others, if interested.
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This event is part of Dialogue Michigan's 2026-2027 faculty and staff workshops. Learn more at myumi.ch/dialogue.
