About CDE
The Office of Civil Discourse and Engagement (CDE) combines and expands existing efforts and expertise on how to engage in constructive conversations with educational programs to increase awareness, enhance knowledge and understanding, and offer alternative or varied solutions to important social problems.
CDE offers these opportunities to faculty, staff, students, and the community. CDE is a part of the Ginsburg Center for Inclusion and Community Engagement and supports Student Government Funded Areas such as the Multicultural Student Center, Cultural Center, LGBTQ+ Support Services, and Pride Commons.
Civil Discourse is:
- Productive
- Honest
- Brave
- Audience Based
- Listening and talking
- Each speaker’s responsibility to engage
- Makes space for people to share (guidelines)
Civil Discourse is not:
- Mere politeness
- Exercise in martyrdom
- About telling other people who they are
- Purely performative
- A debate or “winning” (UMichigan)
CDE defines Civil Discourse as:
- Constructive conversation or dialogue which intends to enhance understanding.
- Civil discourse is honest, brave, and productive, and requires taking responsibility for truly listening and talking about important local, national, and global topics/issues (American University).
- Civil Discourse promotes intellectual discovery and includes all of us to provide a well-rounded perspective.
Public Policy Events
The Office of Public Policy Events creates opportunities for meaningful dialogue on the issues that shape our world. Through a variety of campus-wide events, the office brings together speakers and thought leaders who represent a wide range of perspectives—both from within the UCF community and beyond.
These events are designed to foster open discussion, critical thinking, and civic engagement, inviting participants to explore different sides of today’s most important public policy topics. All Public Policy Events are free and open to students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.
SG Funded Areas
Student Government (SG) allocates the Activity and Service Fee that students pay to fund offices, agencies, and events to promote student well-being, activities, and academic success at UCF. The Multicultural Student Center (MSC), LGBTQ+ Student Support Services, Pride Commons, and the Cultural Center are fully funded through SG and student-run agencies, offices, and initiatives.
Multicultural Student Center & The Cultural Center
The Multicultural Student Center (MSC) fosters an inclusive and equitable campus by supporting diverse programming and promoting cultural competency across identities including race, ethnicity, gender, ability, and spirituality.
LGBTQ+ Support Services and Pride Commons
LGBTQ+ Student Support Services fosters success and community for LGBTQ+ students and allies through resources, programs, and connection. The office promotes education, support, and belonging around sexual orientation and gender identity.
Involvement
As a UCF student, you are part of a university that prides itself on providing the best opportunities for its attendees. With hundreds of clubs and organizations available to join, deciding how to make your college experience more personal might be tough. CDE is here to help you narrow down your choices.
Interfaith and Worldview
Interfaith and worldview engagement is about fostering a community where people of all backgrounds can connect with respect, curiosity, and authenticity. It encourages meaningful relationships across differences, grounded in shared commitments to dignity, understanding, and the common good. By creating welcoming spaces and practicing honest, compassionate dialogue, we build a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone belongs.
Location hOURS
Ginsburg Lounge
- Mon-Fri: 8 am – 5 pm
- 407-823-2716
- Student Union, Room 207
The Cultural Center
- Mon-Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
- 407-823-0401
- culturalcenter@ucf.edu
- Student Union, Room 214
Pride Commons
- Mon-Fri: 10 am – 5 pm
- 407-823-3082
- Ferrell Commons, Room 171