In Fall 2025, USC launched an innovative new program called the USC Open Dialogue Project driven by a mission to foster a campus culture where Trojans embrace and embody the principles of academic freedom, free expression and open discourse—essential values that nurture intellectual courage, open-mindedness, thoughtful engagement, curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.

To serve that mission, the Open Dialogue Project offers student workshops, faculty trainings, speaker series, and panel discussions. It also invites students, staff, faculty, and YOU to share ideas for bringing Trojans together across their many differences, stoking critical thinking, and promoting respectful conversations. Come learn all about the Open Dialogue Project with Director Neeraj Sood and Assistant Director Kamy Akhavan on Friday, November 7 at 2:30 pm in THH 114. Attendees will spend at least half the time in this session participating in an experiential workshop to learn the A-B-C method of conversation. Come prepared to listen, learn, and share. No registration needed.

Open Dialogue Project Director Neeraj Sood is a Professor at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy who also holds joint appointments at the Keck School of Medicine, Marshall School of Business, and Viterbi School of Engineering. Assistant Director Kamy Akhavan is the Managing Director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, the Lead Instructor for the USC Distinguished Leaders Program, and as an Instructor in the USC Dornsife Toolkit Program and the USC Political Science Department.