The Campus Commons Approach

The Bronfman Fellowship and Campus Commons envisions a future led by people who see the world through a lens broader than their own and who value Jewish learning as an instrument for discovery, creativity, and change.

Three women sitting on chairs in a library or cozy room with wooden walls and bookshelves. The two women in the center are engaged in conversation, holding coffee cups. The woman on the left is reading a book, and the woman on the right is smiling. There are large windows with natural light and a potted plant in the background.
Three young men sitting and talking in a library, engaged in a lively discussion, with bookshelves in the background.
Three young men sitting and talking in a library, engaged in a lively discussion, with bookshelves in the background.

The Campus Commons core curriculum is brought to life through the lens of each cohort’s unique staff and faculty. We bring together a diverse team that embodies pluralism and offers a wide range of lived experiences and approaches to bridge-building.

Foundations of Bridge-Building

Skills-based sessions rooted in the latest research in social psychology. Topics include motivators and drivers, reflective listening, constructive questions, self regulation and awareness, and setting the tone.

Dialogue Lab

Practice real-world conversations on timely topics, chosen by the cohort. Through the Campus Commons protocol, Cohort Members will engage in honest dialogue within a diverse group to sharpen their ability to navigate difference and build meaningful relationships across divides.

Homegroup

A space of reflection, learning, and community- building within a small group of 10 students led by our near-peer Mentors . Includes bridge-building foundations such as building trust, intention setting, and relationship building.

Jewish Text Study

Small-group text study led by a diverse team of expert faculty. Topics include containing multitudes, testing boundaries, speech beyond speech, storytelling and experience, and the ideal 'chevruta' [study partner].

Implementation Workshops

Virtual, small-group sessions throughout the semester to workshop leadership in-action on campus. Choose from four focus tracks: Interfaith, Intrafaith, Service, or Student Government and Administration.

Campus Commons Internship

Mentorship, facilitation training, and funding to support participants in the design of their own on-campus projects based on their learning from Campus Commons. All Campus Commons cohort members are eligible to apply.