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
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:
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.
