HOW IT WORKS
To stay in the loop about our dinners, make sure to sign up for our listserv.
(That's where we communicate dinner professors and sign-up forms.)
We email about dinners the week before.
Sign-Up
Visit our Upcoming Events page to explore the dinners currently open for registration. Each listing includes information about the guest, topic or theme, date, and time, so you can choose the event that best matches your interests and schedule!
Share Your Interest
After you select event(s), you will complete a short, ~10-minute application. We use this to learn more about your interests and to thoughtfully curate a small group of students for each event. Since we receive a high volume of applications, we encourage you to be intentional and genuine in your responses. We love seeing curiosity and excitement for each conversation!
Selection Confirmation
Selected students will receive a confirmation email or text message with all event details, including time, location, and any preparation suggestions. In this stage, we will also request that selected students confirm their availability for the event.
Prepare
Before the dinner, participants are encouraged to come with a few questions they are excited to ask or topics they’d love to explore. You are also welcome to learn a bit about the featured guest or the focus of the evening. No formal preparation is required as long as you come curious, open, and willing to converse!
Arrive, Connect, and Dine
Over a shared meal and experience, students engage in meaningful conversation with Duke faculty, administrators, and other special guests! Our team will help guide the conversation to keep it fun and engaging!
Continue the Conversation
After the dinner, students are invited to stay connected with those who attended the dinner as well as through future Duke Conversations events!
POLICIES
Cancellation
If you are accepted to a dinner but are unable to attend, you must give notice at least 1 DAY IN ADVANCE to the Duke Conversations executive member responsible for your dinner notice. Otherwise, you will be prohibited from attending any Duke Conversations event for the remainder of the semester.
Transportation
Free transportation to the dinner will be communicated to you via text from our facilitators. If you are late, you will be responsible for your own transportation.
Code of conduct
Participating in a Duke Conversations event is a privilege afforded to Duke students by the generosity of Duke professors and by the Office of Undergraduate Education. Participants must be respectful not only to the professors, but also to each other and each other’s perspectives.
FAQ
Q – HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A CONVERSATION?
A – To stay up to date, head over to the "sign up" tab in our website where you can share your contact with us. We will let you know by email whenever there are conversations over the course of the semester. You can also sign up from the "conversations" tab in our website.
Q – How are students selected?
A – Students are selected through our Participant Application form. We look for curiosity about the topic, as well as your demonstrated interest through our application prompts.
Q – How do i know if i was accepted to attend a dinner that I signed up for?
A – Each dinner has a limited number of students who can attend. If you are selected for a dinner, you will be notified by the Friday before your dinner. Otherwise, we will notify you that you are on our waitlist.
Q – What is the selection process like for a dinner?
A – Duke Conversations believes that conversations are the most meaningful and engaging when participants of all years, areas of study, and identities are represented. Thus, in addition to ensuring that students who have not previously attended a conversation are able to participate, the Duke Conversations Executive Team carefully reviews and selects students who are both different from each other and have demonstrated interest in the professor or topic.
Q – Can I attend more than one dinner?
A - Absolutely! Students are welcome to apply to multiple dinners throughout the semester.
Q – When will I be notified if I have been accepted to attend a dinner?
Q - What should I wear?
A - Duke Conversations dinners are casual and comfortable. There is no need for formal attire, so wear what you feel comfortable in!
Q - Is the dinner/event free to attend?
A - Yes! Duke Conversations will handle all costs associated with the event, including transportation.
Q - What if I am not selected for a dinner?
A - Not being selected does not reflect negatively on your application. We always receive more interest than available seats and strongly encourage you to apply again for future events. We try to rotate opportunities among students whenever possible!
