Common Ground Corner
Lunchtime discussions a big hit

By Lisa Miles
Common Ground Coordinator

Good things happen when groups work together. And that is certainly true of the Community Table Discussion Series, a new collaboration between Dining Services and Common Ground.

Community Tables are an opportunity for small groups of students, staff and faculty to discuss a topic of common interest while interacting with members of the campus community with whom they might not usually interact. While the topics chosen have been of broad interest to the entire community, bringing different campus constituencies together in dialogue is the real focus of the effort.

The collaboration between Common Ground and Dining Services makes a lot of sense. According to Common Ground Director Glyn Hughes, “We came together in the wake of last year’s One Book, One Campus program focused on the book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? Common Ground was looking for ways to get people talking to other people who they wouldn’t ordinarily encounter.” Bettie Clarke, director of residential dining services, added “We were thinking about the renovations to the Heilman Dining Center, how we hoped people would see the space as more inviting, more inclusive. And we all know that breaking bread with someone is a good start at getting to know them.”

To date there have been two pilot luncheons, and the response among participants has been enthusiastic. The most recent topic discussed was “Are You Overworked?” Participants reported how valuable it was to interact with others who attended and found more in common with them they anticipated. “I really thought the dialogue was interesting. I have little opportunity to engage with students and faculty so this discussion afforded me the opportunity to do that,” said Carole Mitchell of the Admission Office.

So come break bread with someone new to you at the University, and enjoy stimulating conversation as well. There is still time to sign up for the April Community Table scheduled for April 24, from 12–1 p.m. in the HDC glassed-in meeting room. The topic will be “The Relationship between the University of Richmond and the City of Richmond.” Contact Lisa Miles at lmiles@richmond.edu or extension 1655 to reserve a space. Lunch will be provided.

Spring discussion series continues

The spring discussion series “In Common” continues April 10 with “What Happened before You Came to UR: Reading The Collegian Online.” The discussion will be held in the Think Tank, second floor of Tyler Haynes Commons, at 12 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.