2026 Symposium

Intercollegiate Symposium

We are pleased to provide a space for students, faculty, and members of the community to gather and discuss the questions that connect us. This year our symposium will be on October 16-17th at Lee University. 

This year's theme is “Self-Evident? Seeking Understanding through Civil Discourse.” Readings will draw on politics, philosophy, history, and literature to explore the challenges of serious discussion on contentious issues. We'll consider how charitable dialogue can find common ground that respects each interlocutor and appreciates the weight of what's at stake. We'll be joined by Dr. Matthew Dinan from St. Thomas University to provide a keynote lecture on Civic Friendship. 

Upon registration you'll be given some reading in advance to guide the conversation and then circle up with other students and faculty to discuss what you've read—no prior knowledge on the topic is expected.

Please use this link to register.

A reading packet will be provided upon registration.

Meals and light refreshments will be provided throughout the course of the symposium.

Friday, October 16th

12:00pm to 1:00pm Registration

1:00pm to 1:15pm Opening Remarks

1:15pm to 2:30pm Discussion Seminar 1

2:30pm to 2:45pm Break

2:45pm to 4:00pm Discussion Seminar 2

4:00pm to 5:00pm Break

5:00pm to 7:30pm Keynote Lecture (Johnson Lecture Hall)

Saturday, October 17th

9:00am to 9:30am Coffee & Refreshments

9:30am to 10:45am Discussion Seminar 3

10:45am to 11:00am Break / Group Picture

11:00am to 12:00pm Lunch

12:00pm to 1:15pm Discussion Seminar 4

1:30pm to 2:00pm Closing Plenary Session

2:00pm Finis

If you have any questions, please contact the CRC at crc@leeuniversity.edu.

The CRC is able to host this symposium thanks to the continued support of Lee University, our alumni, the Jack Miller Center, the Institute for Humane Studies, and members of the broader Cleveland community.