Open Inquiry

Fostering productive disagreement across perspectives

In a time when it’s easy to talk past one another, Open Inquiry helps us practice dialogue skills essential for crafting the future of learning—listening carefully, questioning respectfully, and engaging across difference. Disagreement becomes a learnable practice that strengthens both ideas and community.

Why It Matters

  • Dialogue across difference is a learnable skill that strengthens with practice.
  • Graduates who can navigate disagreement with respect are better prepared for leadership and civic life.
  • Building a culture of productive disagreement strengthens classrooms, workplaces, and civic life.

Guiding Questions

Questions We’re Exploring

  • What does authentic dialogue look like in today’s campus and community contexts?
  • How do we practice intellectual courage while maintaining mutual respect?
  • What communication skills prepare students for complex professional and civic challenges?

Michigan’s Commitments to Open Inquiry

Initiatives across U-M advancing dialogue, understanding, and open exchange.

Talking Maize & Blue

An interactive introduction for new Wolverines to Michigan’s tradition of open inquiry, curiosity, and learning through respectful disagreement.

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Raoul Wallenberg Institute

Fostering empathy, tolerance, courage, and leadership through research, teaching, and public engagement to combat antisemitism, divisiveness, and discrimination.

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Program on Intergroup Relations (IGR)

A nationally recognized program that combines theory and experience to help students understand identity, inequality, and collaboration across difference.

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National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID)

Advancing scholarship that deepens understanding of inequality and fosters evidence-based solutions through collaboration among scholars, practitioners, and leaders.

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Institute for Civil Discourse

Promoting thoughtful dialogue across political and ideological divides through teaching, research, and public engagement that strengthen democratic understanding and civic trust.

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Difficult Dialogues: Meet the Moment Initiative

Building capacity across U-M to engage in meaningful, challenging conversations. Through workshops, coaching, and campus partnerships, the initiative helps faculty and staff develop the skills, confidence, and community to lead dialogue that fosters listening, inquiry, and reflection.

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U-M Library Resource: Open Inquiry & Talking Maize & Blue

This library guide supports Michigan’s open inquiry initiatives, offering curated readings, tools, and activities to help our community practice curiosity, critical thinking, and dialogue across difference.

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U.S. at 250

As the United States marks 250 years of democracy, Michigan joins a national reflection on how we honor the past and shape the future. Led by the Initiative for Democracy & Civic Empowerment, the Clements Library, and the Arts Initiative, this campus-wide effort connects LCE’s commitment to open inquiry with conversations about the evolving work of democracy.

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As these commitments expand, Michigan is shaping a model for how universities can sustain curiosity, dialogue, and trust in a changing world.

Get Involved

The michigan union

Apply for a Grant

Fund a project, event, or research effort that strengthens dialogue and critical engagement.

an orchestra outdoors plays on a variety of instruments

Connect Your Work

Partner with LCE to bring your dialogue-related program or initiative into the statewide network.

students chit chatting around a round table

Join an Event

Attend workshops, talks, or dialogues that model open inquiry in action.