Stories of U Programming

Stories of U programming is designed and led by students. Our goal is to generate interactive, in-person programming to help all members of the Union community to deepen their knowledge of themselves, explore their passions and personal capacities, and articulate their values and goals—as individuals and as part of a community. 

At Stories of U events, participants write, talk, and produce videos as a way to make meaning, find purpose, and explore the transformative power of a Union College education. Programming highlights include:  

• DEIB-focused “Sharing Circles” and Stories of U Dialogue series, designed to promote values of “brave space,” inviting participants to be reflective, respectful, and at times vulnerable. Events open to all students, faculty, and staff with the mission of sharing stories that make up our identities and our personal histories.  
• Reflection Dinner Conversations, inviting Union community members to share their stories of intention and purpose, including the ups and downs of life and learning. A key question explored during Stories of U reflection dinner conversations: how can we  find meaning and purpose in our lives and work, even if we don’t always know exactly where we’re headed, and when we experience significant roadblocks along the way?
• Stories of U Podcast series, focusing on a range of topics, including the problem of perfectionism among student athletes, and associated challenges of mental health on campus. Other topics include First-Year Stories of U, focusing on questions of belonging; Sophomore Stories of U, celebrating the “half-way point” of students’ Union journey; Senior Stories of U, looking back at major “take-aways” and “meaningful moments” of the Union College experience; and special collaboration with a range of courses across the curriculum, including an innovative (and interdisciplinary) course on Sex and Power.  
• Live! StorySlam events, during which participants share a 2-3 minute oral narrative in front of a live audience. Events organized around specific themes, all of which invite Union community members to reflect on meaningful moments in their lives and learning, and what’s most important to them through the ups and downs of their journey. How does Union fit into the story of you?  
• Pop-Up Reflection Booths, organized around high profile campus events (Homecoming, Steinmetz Weekend, PrideFest, ReUnion weekend, etc.) and in high traffic spaces (campus residence and dining, Schaffer Library, Wold Starbucks, etc.), inviting students to stop and respond to reflection prompts, and make their voice heard by sharing their story.  
• Stories of U “Write-In” Workshops & Retreats, hosted throughout the academic year, designed to teach Union community members to tell their own story of challenge and growth through writing and digital technologies, and to share their story with others.  
• Digital Narrative Library, a collection of short videos, in which Union community members “come to voice” by telling stories of challenge and growth experienced in different areas across campus. 

Are you interested in our programming, or do you have ideas for reflection-based programming of your own? Get in touch with us now.