|
This popular two hour OPAL (Office of Pluralism and Leadership) program is
designed for undergraduate student groups (Greek letter organizations,
COSO groups, hall residents, UGAs, Tucker service trip groups, athletic
teams, etc.) who already know one another and wish to enhance
personal connections and build a stronger community.
A trained staff facilitator instructs students to "cross" a line in an
exercise that enables participants to explore views on engaging and often
unspoken community topics. Through embracing the widest range of
differences in a respectful environment, CTL promotes self and inter-group
awareness, increases meaningful dialogues, and broadens community
understanding.
To request a workshop, you can apply online at: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~opal/crossing/form.html
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request CTL?
To request CTL you must designate a student requester. This person
will function as the main contact for the group to work out the details.
The role of this person is the following:
- Assess the group's readiness and interest in CTL.
- Fill out and submit the request form.
- Meet briefly with the CTL Coordinator.
- Finalize logistics with assigned CTL staff facilitator.
- Follow up with CTL staff facilitator after the workshop.
- Report any concerns or questions to the CTL Coordinator or staff
facilitator.
Who are the trained staff facilitators?
CTL has trained staff facilitators from across the campus.
Facilitators come from the Office of Residential Life, Tucker Foundation,
Athletics, Office of Pluralism and Leadership, and Health Services. We do
not train student facilitators. After talking with the student requester,
the CTL Coordinator will assign one or two staff facilitators who will work
with your group.
How do I know my group is ready to do CTL?
The best time to do CTL is when your group has already established a
relationship with one another and has some level of trust. This will
allow for a deeper and more meaningful discussion. This workshop is not
appropriate to be used as an initial "getting to know you" exercise.
Why does CTL take two hours?
The power of the workshop lies in the honest sharing of experiences and the
respectful exchange of ideas and opinions. To get the most out of the
program, enough time is needed to fully explore and discuss the many issues and
topics that come up as a result of the questions asked and how the group
answers them.
What type of space do you need to do CTL?
A quiet and private room where participants can comfortably stand in a
horizontal line and step forward a few feet is needed. It is also
necessary to have movable chairs so participants can easily talk in pairs, as
well as in the larger group.
What is the ideal group size for CTL?
15-35 participants is the ideal group size. Special accommodations may
be possible for large groups on a case by case basis. We are not able to
do CTL for groups smaller than 12 participants.
My group has done CTL already and enjoyed it. Can we do it
again?
Definitely. Since the majority of the learning comes from the unique
group discussion, participants will gain something new each time they do it.
If you're interested in learning about other programs that will
complement the CTL program, please contact the CTL Coordinator.
My organization has done CTL in the past and it looks so easy. Can
I get a copy of the questions so we can do it ourselves?
Crossing the Line is a signature program of the Office of Pluralism and
Leadership. Due to the nature of the topics discussed, the program is
delivered by CTL facilitators. One of the reasons the program
runs so smoothly is because it is guided by trained and skilled facilitators.
CTL without appropriate facilitation can undermine program outcomes and
result in unintended discomfort for program participants. The
OPAL Office does not release Crossing the Line materials or questions to
campus organizations wishing to do the program on their own.
Organizations that choose to create their own version of the experience
do so without the support or approval of the OPAL Office and are
prohibited from calling the program Crossing the Line.
I would like to learn more about a particular topic or question that
came up in the CTL program. Can someone help me?
Definitely. We're thrilled that CTL has inspired your interest in
learning more. Please contact the CTL staff that facilitated your
program or the CTL Coordinator
to set up a meeting to discuss the many campus resources and options available
to you and others.
|
