2023-2024 Impact Summary (Year 1)
110
Students completed the program
95%
Students reported that the discussion provided an opportunity to learn from their peers
94%
Students overwhelmingly approved of the format and structure of the event, reporting that it made it easy to participate
Data Highlights
Below is the data collected by the Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative (WEC) across all seven dinners in 2023-2024. On average, the response rate from students has been at least 95% each time.
- Allowed for inclusive conversations (95%) and engaging conversations (94%).
- Students reported feeling valued (95%) and comfortable (95%) during the discussion, and that they enjoyed it (93%).
- Students agreed that different viewpoints could be heard and shared respectfully (94%) and that the discussion helped them understand opinions different from their own (88%).
Evaluation Executive Summary
WEC conducts an outside evaluation on our initiative every year through collected data and observations.
What the students had to say …
I have enjoyed the Deliberation Dinners so far and am grateful for the opportunity to build connections with people who have different views than mine. My favorite part of the dinners has been dissecting and understanding how the others at my table think and challenging their views. Professor Benitez-Barrera has done a great job creating a safe, welcoming environment for us to share our thoughts in. The space feels open and supportive, which creates a sense of comfort that allows us to speak up, ask questions and be open to being challenged. As for feedback, I think that this program should be advertised on a grander scale next year. It’s a wonderful opportunity that many others would enjoy. I’ll let you know if I think of more feedback as we continue to meet!
Overall, I have really enjoyed getting to discuss each month’s topic. I think the project addresses a big problem in our society and being able to talk about “hot topics” in an environment where everyone is trying to learn from each other has been a very cool thing to witness and take part in. I have really appreciated starting the monthly meetings with a meal. I know the benefit of doing this has been mentioned multiple times, but I really feel that it creates a sense of camaraderie and lets relationships form in a way that maybe wouldn’t be possible without the dinner segment of the nights.
Issue Questions Discussed
1. What should UW-Madison’s policy be with respect to students’ use of AI for academic work?
2. Should we expand nuclear power generation capacity in Wisconsin?
3. Should marijuana be legalized, regulated, and taxed in Wisconsin?
4. Should the state of Wisconsin establish a flat tax on income?
5. Should Wisconsin adopt a public health approach to gun violence prevention?
6. Should Wisconsin establish a right to abortion, or make it illegal?
7. Should U.S. citizens be required to vote in elections?
Dates & Location
Location: Varsity Hall at Union South
Time: Mondays, 5–7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 23, 2023
- Nov. 20, 2023
- Dec. 11, 2023
- Jan. 29, 2024
- Feb. 12, 2024
- March 4, 2024
- April 8, 2024
Faculty & Academic Staff Facilitators
| Name | Department | School |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Stevens | Agricultural and Applied Economics | Agricultural & Life Sciences |
| Carlos Benítez Barrera | Communication Sciences and Disorders | Letters & Science |
| Diana Rodríguez-Gómez | Educational Policy Studies | Education |
| Gwen Eudey | Economics & Finance, Investment and Banking | Letters & Science, Business |
| Harry Brighouse | Philosophy | Letters & Science |
| John Zumbrunnen | Political Science, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs & Vice Provost for Teaching & Learning | Letters & Science |
| Juliana Pacheco Duarte | Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics | Engineering |
| Karen Kopacek | Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research Division and Office of Student Affairs | Pharmacy |
| Kathy Cramer | Political Science | Letters & Science |
| LJ Randolph | World Language Education, Curriculum & Instruction | Education |
| Lori Lopez | Communication Arts, Director of the Asian American Studies Program | Letters & Science |
| Pam McGranahan | Nursing, Director of the Doctorate of Nursing (DNP) program | Nursing |
| Robert Nix | Human Development & Family Studies | Human Ecology |