About this series

The Dream Lab seeks to bring together community engagement professionals in higher education dedicated to the belief that imagination and dreaming is not a luxury—it's a necessity. In a time when colleges and universities face profound challenges—ranging from political polarization and declining enrollment to social unrest and institutional inertia—The Dream Lab provides space to step back, reflect, and dream forward.

Meeting monthly, the group creates a supportive and generative environment where members can engage in bold, aspirational thinking. Far from being a retreat from reality, our conversations aim to bridge theory and practice - the visionary with the practical: How might we center engagement in new ways? What does re-imagining a thriving campus-community relationship really look like? How can we remain hopeful when the work feels heavy?

By utilizing and weaving together readings, podcasts, strategies, personal stories, and dream-driven dialogue, The Dream Lab is a space for reimagining what’s possible in higher education—not just what’s feasible. We believe in the power of collective visioning and draw strength from one another’s creativity, resilience, and commitment to the public good.

Whether we're exploring practical optimism, radical hospitality, the power of quitting, democratic renewal, or futures pedagogy, The Dream Lab is a container to both hold and pour out possibilities. We don’t just ask what’s wrong with higher ed—we ask, what could be right? And how do we build toward it, together?

Join us in the lab, where dreams are tested, shared, and set in motion.

 

Register

Who should attend?

This Learning Community is a member benefit and is only open for Campus Compact members to participate.

What does this mean? This virtual event will be more interactive in nature, and participation is encouraged!

  • You are invited to have your camera on in order to engage with the speakers and other participants
  • You can openly ask questions by unmuting yourself or typing them in the chat
  • There may be interactive components to this event, such as taking a poll, Q&A, or small group discussion

Meet The Facilitators:

James Roland

Senior Director, Center for Civic and Community Engagement
Emory University

James is a nationally recognized communicator, community builder, and educator with over 20 years of working in higher education and beyond advancing issues related to civic engagement practices, experiential learning pedagogy, debate education, social justice, and community-engaged student development.

Adam Gismondi

Senior Director of Research, Projects and Engagement
Harvard Graduate School of Education Research, Democratic Knowledge Project

Adam Gismondi is the Senior Director of the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Democratic Knowledge Project (DKP Learn), where he leads various initiatives aimed at enhancing civic education. Previously, he served as the Director of the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) at Tufts University, overseeing the nation’s leading analysis of college student civic participation. His research focuses on the intersections of democracy, digital platforms, and education, with extensive experience examining how college student social media use impacts civic learning and engagement. Before transitioning to research, Gismondi spent six years as a student affairs administrator at both the University of Florida and Florida State University. He earned his B.A. in sociology from William & Mary, an M.Ed. in student personnel in higher education from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in higher education from Boston College.
 

Maurice Smith

Associate Director, Tulane Center for Public Service
Tulane University

Maurice Smith is the Associate Director in the Center for Public and Adjunct Faculty at Tulane University. A dedicated higher education professional with over 20 years of demonstrated leadership and success in establishing programs focused on: community engagement, civic engagement, faculty training and support for engaged teaching and scholarship, student leadership engagement in service/philanthropic initiatives, developing diverse and inclusive communities, career/academic advising, workforce development, Student leadership development, non-profit management, and partnership development. 

Agnieszka Nance

Executive Director, Tulane Center for Public Service
Tulane University

Agnieszka Nance is the Executive Director for the Center for Public Service (CPS) at Tulane. She joined Tulane University in 2005 as faculty in the Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies. She became associated with CPS in 2007 to support its efforts in faculty development.

Please note: The Dream Lab was developed through TRUCEN (The Research University Civic Engagement Network), a Campus Compact Affinity Network for R1 institutions. These facilitators and their respective institutions represent that background, but professionals from any type of member institution are encouraged to join.

Meeting Dates:

You can attend one session, multiple, or attend them all! Attendance at every meeting is not required to participate.

More Info Name Date Time
Dream Lab Meeting 1: September 15thMonday, September 15, 20253:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EDT)
Dream Lab Meeting 2: October 20thMonday, October 20, 20253:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EDT)
Dream Lab Meeting 3: November 17thMonday, November 17, 20253:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
Dream Lab Meeting 4: January 19thMonday, January 19, 20263:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
Dream Lab Meeting 5: February 16thMonday, February 16, 20263:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
Dream Lab Meeting 6: March 2ndMonday, March 2, 20263:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
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Questions? Get in touch with us at events@compact.org