Guarini Dialogues Dinner Strengthens Connections Between Graduate Students and Dartmouth Leadership

In a recent effort to strengthen community ties and address pressing issues, Dartmouth's senior leadership and graduate student leaders gathered for an intimate dinner hosted by Jennifer Rosales, Senior Vice President for Community & Campus Life. The event, held at Rosales' residence, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on issues affecting graduate students.

The dinner brought together nine members of the Graduate Student Council (GSC) Executive Board, including the President and Vice President, along with two Guarini Fellows. Joining them were Rosales, Dean Jon Kull, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies; La-Tarri Canty-Bess, AVP of Campus Initiatives and Chief of Staff for the Community and Campus Life Office; Kristi Clemens, Executive Director of the Dialogue Project; and Amy Keeler, Guarini Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.

Discussions during the evening centered on student life, community building, housing challenges, customized employer recruiting, and ways to enhance graduate student engagement. Attendees shared their experiences and perspectives in an open and collaborative setting, reinforcing the importance of dialogue between students and administrators.

"Building a cohesive community requires genuine conversations," Rosales said. "This dinner enabled us to create spaces where graduate students feel heard and valued, and where we can build trust for meaningful engagement."

Dean Kull echoed the importance of these discussions, adding, "Engaging with our students outside formal settings provides invaluable insights. It's through these interactions that we can better support their needs and aspirations."

"It felt like walls were broken down over dinner, allowing us to truly connect with the Dartmouth administration. I left feeling inspired and optimistic about the possibilities for real change," said Graduate Student Council External Affairs Chair Francois LeSage, 

The evening concluded with a shared commitment to taking actionable steps to strengthen the graduate student experience. Events like this highlight Dartmouth's dedication to dialogue-driven engagement, ensuring that student voices remain at the heart of institutional decision-making.