Pre- and post-election events on campus engage the community in the electoral process

Organizations on campus are sponsoring activities before and after the Nov. 5 elections. From Cultural Life Programs (CLPs) to listening sessions, to dialog opportunities, the events aim to provide the campus community with opportunities to engage with the electoral process and its outcomes. The co-directors of On Discourse, the Shared Equity Leadership Team (SELT) and Spiritual Life have compiled the list below, which is organized chronologically. To add an activity, email Cynthia King, associate dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence, at [email protected], or Lisa Knight, the Alva and Beatrice Bradley Professor of Anthropology, Asian Studies and Religion, at [email protected].

Ongoing election-related events and initiatives

• Dins Vote
  • Oversight: David Fleming (Politics and International Affairs) with Emmie Barth ’25
  • Description: Initiative to encourage student voter participation.
• Faculty Development Center: Teaching During an Election Resources
  • Description: Comprehensive set of resources for “teaching during an election.” These resources are designed to support instructors in facilitating difficult dialogues and fostering respectful disagreement, as well as guiding discussions on freedom of expression and the First Amendment. They also provide activities to enhance media literacy, civic engagement and reflective practice. The resource set also includes several post-election materials (see the “additional resources section” under the “Teaching During an Election” tab), such as a “Day After” guide and post-election response guides curated from other institutions and national organizations.
• Duke Library: “Post-erity Election Thoughts”
  • Date Range: October 30 – November 8, 2024
  • Description: Share election thoughts on postcards, displayed in a designated area of the library. Reflect on feelings before and after the election.

Politics and International Affairs

Event Title: Pizza and Politics
Date: October 21 and November 6
Location: Department of Politics and International Affairs
Description: Bimonthly events focusing on the November election, providing students an opportunity to discuss political issues in a casual setting.

Tocqueville Center

Event Title: Parties and Elections in America (CLP)
Date: October 22 and 23
Time: 5–6:30 pm
Location: Burgiss (October 22) and Watkins (October 23)
Description: Featuring Tim Alberta, Erin Covey, Jessica Taylor, and Ruy Teixeira on the topic of parties and elections in the U.S.

The Riley Institute

Event Title: Bridging the Political Divide: A Dialogue-Based (CLP)
Date: October 29
Time: 5 – 6:15 pm
Location: Watkins Room
Description: Through small group dialogues, students will examine the impact of polarization on their college experience and how they can help reduce political animosity on campus and beyond.

Poverty Studies Interdisciplinary Minor

Event Title: Poverty & Policy: The Stakes of the 2024 Election for Low-Income Americans (CLP)
Date: Wednesday, October 30
Time: 5:15–6:30 pm
Location: Johns Hall 101
Description: A CLP event co-hosted with DinsVote, featuring Furman experts discussing the policies proposed in the current election and their impact on low-income Americans.

Economics Department

Event Title: Economics and the Election (CLP)
Date: November 4
Time: 6–7 pm
Location: Patrick Lecture Hall (PYR-126)
Description: A discussion led by Furman economics professors, examining key election issues related to economics, including tax proposals, international trade, and healthcare policy.

Office of Spiritual Life

Event Title: Election Day Opportunity for Reflection, Prayer, and Meditation
Date: November 5
Time: 8 am–2 pm and 6–10 pm
Location: Chapel
Description: The Chapel will be open for reflection, prayer, and meditation throughout the day. (Note: A class and rehearsal will be held in between these times.)

Office of Spiritual Life

Event Title: Post-Election Grief Group
Date: November 6
Time: 4 pm
Location: Chapel Lounge
Description: A special post-election grief group with co-facilitator Pam Amatucci, discussing the creation of a tailored self-care document.

Office of Spiritual Life

Event Title: Post-Election Interfaith Gathering
Date: November 6
Time: 5 pm
Location: Chapel
Description: A gathering for reflection and interfaith dialogue following the election.

Departments of Communication Studies, Computer Science and Politics and International Affairs; The Riley Institute, Duke Library, Furman Humanities Center, Digital Ethics Minor, Journalism Minor

Event Title: Detecting AI Truth Decay in the 2024 Election (CLP)
Date: November 7
Time: 5 pm
Location: Daniel Recital Hall
Description: Emmy-winning journalist Al Tompkins will explore the impact of AI on the 2024 election and society, drawing on his 52 years of journalism experience.

The Shared Equity Leadership Team, The Center for Interpersonal Connections, and The Intergroup Dialogue Program

Event Title: Food for Thought: Building Community after the Election
Date: November 7
Time: 2-4:30 p.m.
Location: Dinning Hall, top floor
Description: Community meal to exchange perspectives, foster understanding, and build support following the election.

On Discourse Initiative

Event Title: Election Dissection
Date: November 8
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Johns Hall 101
Description: You’re invited to come and ask your questions about the election results and what comes next, featuring Professors  David Flemming, Jessica Hennessey, Ken Kolb, Liz Smith, Danielle Vinson

Tocqueville Center

Event Title: The Black Experience in America (CLP)
Date: November 12 and 13
Time & Location:

• November 12: 5–6:30 pm, Johns Hall
• November 13: 6:30–8 pm, Burgiss
  Description: A discussion with Esau McCaulley, bestselling author and theologian, on the significance of the election that may place the first Black woman in the Oval Office.
  Part II:
• November 13: 6:30–8 pm, Burgiss
  Description: Facilitated conversation with students on the meaning of patriotism.