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In Conversation: dialogue session VU community #1 11 November 2025 14:00 - 17:00

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What if we created more space at VU for real conversations about war, peace, academic freedom and our wellbeing as a community? Join the first university-wide dialogue on 11 November: In Conversation.

Why this series?

In Conversation iis a year-long dialogue series that creates space for open and respectful conversations within the VU community. Together, we explore how we deal with social tensions, differences of opinion and the search for connection. 

This series is part of an broader national initiative by Dutch universities to strengthen dialogue on academic freedom. At VU, we give it our own meaning by talking, listening and learning together.

What to expect

An open and safe gathering where everyone at VU is welcome: students, lecturers, researchers and support staff. You, as a participant, decide which themes we will discuss. You do not need to prepare anything. Together, we will discover what matters to us and where the conversation leads.

You can expect:

  • Space to talk about what truly concerns you
  • Small dialogue groups guided by trained facilitators
  • Encounters between students and staff from different faculties and backgrounds
  • A collective reflection without names or judgments

Possible conversation themes include:

  • The role of the university in times of war and peace
  • Freedom of speech and academic freedom
  • Wellbeing, safety and connection on campus
  • Living together in a diverse community

Join us 

Every voice matters. Whether you are a student, researcher, lecturer or staff member, your participation helps bring different perspectives to the table. Together we make VU a place where genuine dialogue can grow. Register here.

Practical information

Date: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Time: 14:00 – 17:00 (doors and registration open from 13:30)
Location: Main Building Foyer
Language: English
Organised by: CTL, 3D and the Network Science in Dialogue

Programme

13:30 – 14:00 Welcome and registration

14:00 – 15:00 Plenary opening: exploring which themes matter most to our community

15:00 – 15:30 Break

15:30 – 16:30 Open Space Dialogues: choose a theme that resonates with you and join a group guided by a facilitator

16:30 – 17:00 Plenary closing and collective reflection

About In Conversation: dialogue session VU community #1

Starting date

  • 11 November 2025

Time

  • 14:00 - 17:00

Location

  • Foyer Main Building

Organised by

  • CTL, 3D & Network Science in Dialogue

Language

  • English

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to attend all sessions?
    No. You can decide for each session whether to join. There is a flow throughout the year, so joining more often helps you follow the conversation. If you miss the first one, you are welcome to join later.
  • The session lasts three hours. Do I have to stay the whole time?
    We understand three hours sounds long, but it allows us to slow down and have meaningful conversations. If you need to leave early, that is fine. We do ask everyone to be present for at least the first two hours.
  • Can I register on the day itself?
    Registration closes one day before the event, but you can still come to the registration desk on the day itself between 13:30 and 13:50. If there is space available, you can join.
  • Can I participate without registering?
    No. We ask everyone to register so we know who was present and can create balanced groups. Your information will only be used for organisation and will not be shared.
  • What happens if a conversation becomes tense or disrupted?
    Each session has trained dialogue facilitators who maintain a safe and respectful environment. They can pause the discussion or de-escalate when needed, following clear guidelines on respectful interaction.
  • Will the Executive Board be present?
    No, the dialogues are first and foremost for the VU community. Outcomes will be shared with the Executive Board, which will join later in the process.
  • Will there be minutes or recordings?
    No recordings will be made. After each session we publish a short anonymised summary highlighting key themes and next steps.
  • Can I bring friends, classmates or colleagues?
    Yes, but please register individually so we can keep the groups balanced across different backgrounds and roles.
  • What happens with the outcomes of the dialogues?
    The themes that emerge will be collected and shared with the community. Where relevant, we will continue working on them in follow-up sessions or small working groups.
  • Will there be snacks or drinks?
    Yes. There will be coffee, tea, fruit and a variety of cookies.
  • When are the next sessions?
    · Session 2 (10 February 2026): Mid-year themes, defined together with participants
    · Session 3 (24 March 2026): Deep dives and community priorities
    · Session 4 (14 April 2026): Working groups and practical experiments
    · Session 5 (2 June 2026): Campus-wide closing session and shared commitments

Questions?

Contact us!

dialogue@vu.nl

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