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Day of Understanding (DOU)

An annual, university-wide event hosted by the Office of Community & Belonging, in collaboration with campus departments and partners, to strengthen our shared sense of connection and purpose.

This day-long experience offers a variety of programs, workshops, and spaces for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and learning. Through these experiences, we explore topics that shape our communities, such as identity, access, opportunity, and shared responsibility, while building relationships that support a more connected, inclusive, and resilient campus community.

Bryant University will host its Seventh Annual Day of Understanding (DOU) on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Day of Understanding brings students, faculty, and staff engage in sessions, conversations, and activities that deepen understanding and strengthen how we relate to one another.

In previous years, Day of Understanding has been guided by a theme. This year, we are moving away from a single theme to allow the day to be shaped by the voices and contributions of our community and external partners.

The Office of Community and Belonging invites students, faculty, staff, and external partners to lead sessions or programs that contribute to this shared learning experience. Formats may include presentations, workshops, panels, storytelling, performances, tabling, drop-ins, or exhibits.

Academic Integration

Please note that Day of Understanding has been designated as an academic day on the University calendar. We encourage faculty to incorporate participation into their syllabi. This may include:

  • Attending sessions as a class
  • Recommending course-related sessions for students
  • Facilitating follow-up discussions or reflection activities 

Submission Timeline

August 7, 2026 – Priority Deadline
Priority consideration for funding and inclusion in the draft program schedule 

September 9, 2026 – Final Deadline
Last day to submit proposals; no submissions accepted after this date.

Get Involved

Submit a proposal 

Recommend a speaker/performer

For questions, contact Farah Joseph Bonne Annee at fannee@bryant.edu.

Call for Proposals

Bryant University will host its Seventh Annual Day of Understanding (DOU) on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Day of Understanding brings students, faculty, and staff engage in sessions, conversations, and activities that deepen understanding and strengthen how we relate to one another.

In previous years, Day of Understanding has been guided by a theme. This year, we are moving away from a single theme to allow the day to be shaped by the voices and contributions of our community and external partners.

The Office of Community and Belonging invites students, faculty, staff, and external partners to lead sessions or programs that contribute to this shared learning experience. Formats may include presentations, workshops, panels, storytelling, performances, tabling, drop-ins, or exhibits.

Academic Integration

Please note that Day of Understanding has been designated as an academic day on the University calendar. We encourage faculty to incorporate participation into their syllabi. This may include:

  • Attending sessions as a class
  • Recommending course-related sessions for students
  • Facilitating follow-up discussions or reflection activities 

Submission Timeline

August 7, 2026 – Priority Deadline
Priority consideration for funding and inclusion in the draft program schedule 

September 9, 2026 – Final Deadline
Last day to submit proposals; no submissions accepted after this date.

Get Involved

Submit a proposal 

Recommend a speaker/performer

For questions, contact Farah Joseph Bonne Annee at fannee@bryant.edu.

Bryant University will host its Seventh Annual Day of Understanding (DOU) on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Day of Understanding brings students, faculty, and staff engage in sessions, conversations, and activities that deepen understanding and strengthen how we relate to one another.

In previous years, Day of Understanding has been guided by a theme. This year, we are moving away from a single theme to allow the day to be shaped by the voices and contributions of our community and external partners.

The Office of Community and Belonging invites students, faculty, staff, and external partners to lead sessions or programs that contribute to this shared learning experience. Formats may include presentations, workshops, panels, storytelling, performances, tabling, drop-ins, or exhibits.

Academic Integration

Please note that Day of Understanding has been designated as an academic day on the University calendar. We encourage faculty to incorporate participation into their syllabi. This may include:

  • Attending sessions as a class
  • Recommending course-related sessions for students
  • Facilitating follow-up discussions or reflection activities 

Submission Timeline

August 7, 2026 – Priority Deadline
Priority consideration for funding and inclusion in the draft program schedule 

September 9, 2026 – Final Deadline
Last day to submit proposals; no submissions accepted after this date.

Get Involved

Submit a proposal 

Recommend a speaker/performer

For questions, contact Farah Joseph Bonne Annee at fannee@bryant.edu.