Let's Talk: A Critical Conversations Initiative
"Addressing the social concerns of our community when they happen, as they happen"
Welcome to Let's Talk! This is a new university initiative operating under the umbrella of the Critical Conversations Program. We welcome your feedback to help its development.
What is Let's Talk?
When social incidents arise that disrupt or challenge the learning environment at
UM, Let's Talk offers a way for any UM student, faculty, or staff to request university
involvement and support. When you submit a request, the Let's Talk team evaluates
your request and determines a timely, fitting response.
What is a "social incident"?
A social incident is an event that affects the whole university community or a significant
portion of it.
What is a typical event the program is meant to handle?
Examples of typical events the program is meant to address include hate crimes or
speech (especially of a widely publicized nature), political issues including state
and federal legislation, judicial decisions with a broad societal impact, or the aftermath
to local, national, or world tragedies like terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
What does the program NOT typically handle?
This is not a first response program for a campus emergency or the place to report
crimes. Also, Let's Talk typically does not address small-scale personal conflicts,
assist in organizing student activism (e.g. protests), or problem shoot classroom
disruptions and worries. It is also not meant to address systemic or historical questions
of social justice. If you are looking for help in one of these matters please check
the following: Report a Concern
How do I start a request ? Click here Let's Talk Request
How long will it take to get a response?
The team makes every effort to handle all submissions as quickly as possible, and
typically within 48 hours. However, external circumstances and the nature of the submission
may necessitate a longer review time period. When you receive a reply, it will tell
you if your request is being officially reviewed. Requests that enter official review
normally receive a final confirmation within the next 48 hours. This follow up will
outline the preliminary actions and offer suggestions about how you can stay involved
in Let's Talk's efforts.
Why wouldn't my request make it to official review?
In some cases, requests duplicate each other. In other cases, requests are better
handled through different university channels, most likely because they do not affect
the general learning environment, but instead only a small set of individuals. Finally,
it may be that your request is judged not to have the kind of immediacy that this
program is designed to address. As noted above, long-term issues or enduring systemic
problems of justice, for example, while important, are often better addressed through
the main Critical Conversations program. The main program of Critical Conversations
(https://www.memphis.edu/criticalconversations/) plans student forums, invites guest speakers, organizes panel discussions, and so
on, on a wide variety of sustained issues connected to social justice. In the event
your request is transferred to the main Critical Conversations program, you will be
put into contact with a representative of that program.
Are all officially reviewed requests guaranteed a rapid Let's Talk response?
No. Because actionable responses require final administrative approval, it is possible
that the final recommendation will still be to turn the request over to the main Critical
Conversations team.
What will happen if my request is approved?
There is no exact answer to this question. The Let's Talk program is meant to allow
for considerable flexibility given that the kinds of incidents it is meant to address
are typically highly emotionally, morally, and politically charged. Responses will
involve everything from prompt email or other social media acknowledgements by the
President and Provost to more programmatic responses like town hall meetings and vigils.