Day of Understanding (DOU)
Farah Joseph-Bonne Année
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Building Understanding. Strengthening Community.
Day of Understanding (DOU) is Bryant University's annual, university-wide day of learning, connection, and conversation. Hosted by the Office of Community & Belonging, DOU brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners for workshops, conversations, presentations, performances, and interactive experiences.
Throughout the day, we create opportunities to explore different perspectives, learn from one another, reflect on topics that shape our communities, and build meaningful connections across Bryant.
What Does DOU Mean for Students?
Day of Understanding is an academic day on the University calendar.
Rather than following a typical class schedule, students will have opportunities to participate in DOU programming throughout the day. Your professor may ask you to attend a specific DOU session that connects to your course or provide an assignment or reflection related to the event.
Be sure to check with your professors about how DOU will be incorporated into your courses.
Even if you are not attending a session for a class, all Bryant students are encouraged to explore the DOU schedule and participate in programs that interest them.
Come curious. Learn something new. Connect with your community.
What Does DOU Mean for Students?
Day of Understanding is an academic day on the University calendar.
Rather than following a typical class schedule, students will have opportunities to participate in DOU programming throughout the day. Your professor may ask you to attend a specific DOU session that connects to your course or provide an assignment or reflection related to the event.
Be sure to check with your professors about how DOU will be incorporated into your courses.
Even if you are not attending a session for a class, all Bryant students are encouraged to explore the DOU schedule and participate in programs that interest them.
Come curious. Learn something new. Connect with your community.
Day of Understanding is an academic day on the University calendar.
Rather than following a typical class schedule, students will have opportunities to participate in DOU programming throughout the day. Your professor may ask you to attend a specific DOU session that connects to your course or provide an assignment or reflection related to the event.
Be sure to check with your professors about how DOU will be incorporated into your courses.
Even if you are not attending a session for a class, all Bryant students are encouraged to explore the DOU schedule and participate in programs that interest them.
Come curious. Learn something new. Connect with your community.
What Can I Expect?
DOU offers a variety of experiences throughout the day, including:
- Workshops — Learn new ideas and skills through interactive sessions.
- Panels & Discussions — Hear multiple perspectives and engage in conversation.
- Presentations — Explore topics, research, experiences, and ideas.
- Performances & Storytelling — Experience culture, creativity, and personal stories.
- Exhibits & Tabling — Discover resources, organizations, and opportunities. Explore art, displays, stories, resources, organizations, and opportunities that inspire learning and connection.
- Drop-In Activities — Stop by, participate, and connect at your own pace.
- Programming will be led by members of the Bryant community and external partners.
What Can I Expect?
DOU offers a variety of experiences throughout the day, including:
- Workshops — Learn new ideas and skills through interactive sessions.
- Panels & Discussions — Hear multiple perspectives and engage in conversation.
- Presentations — Explore topics, research, experiences, and ideas.
- Performances & Storytelling — Experience culture, creativity, and personal stories.
- Exhibits & Tabling — Discover resources, organizations, and opportunities. Explore art, displays, stories, resources, organizations, and opportunities that inspire learning and connection.
- Drop-In Activities — Stop by, participate, and connect at your own pace.
- Programming will be led by members of the Bryant community and external partners.
DOU offers a variety of experiences throughout the day, including:
- Workshops — Learn new ideas and skills through interactive sessions.
- Panels & Discussions — Hear multiple perspectives and engage in conversation.
- Presentations — Explore topics, research, experiences, and ideas.
- Performances & Storytelling — Experience culture, creativity, and personal stories.
- Exhibits & Tabling — Discover resources, organizations, and opportunities. Explore art, displays, stories, resources, organizations, and opportunities that inspire learning and connection.
- Drop-In Activities — Stop by, participate, and connect at your own pace.
- Programming will be led by members of the Bryant community and external partners.
How Can I Get Involved?
There are several ways to participate in Day of Understanding.
Attend
- Explore the DOU schedule and choose sessions, activities, and programs that interest you.
- Some sessions may require advance registration due to limited capacity. Registration information will be included with individual session details.
View the DOU Schedule - Coming Soon
Volunteer
Want to help make DOU happen?
Volunteers will help create a welcoming and organized experience for attendees and presenters. Responsibilities may include:
- Welcoming and checking in attendees
- Directing participants to sessions
- Supporting presenters and performers
- Assisting with event setup and logistics
- Helping create a welcoming environment throughout the day
Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to volunteer.
Volunteer Sign-Up Deadline: October 2, 2026
How Can I Get Involved?
There are several ways to participate in Day of Understanding.
Attend
- Explore the DOU schedule and choose sessions, activities, and programs that interest you.
- Some sessions may require advance registration due to limited capacity. Registration information will be included with individual session details.
View the DOU Schedule - Coming Soon
Volunteer
Want to help make DOU happen?
Volunteers will help create a welcoming and organized experience for attendees and presenters. Responsibilities may include:
- Welcoming and checking in attendees
- Directing participants to sessions
- Supporting presenters and performers
- Assisting with event setup and logistics
- Helping create a welcoming environment throughout the day
Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to volunteer.
Volunteer Sign-Up Deadline: October 2, 2026
There are several ways to participate in Day of Understanding.
Attend
- Explore the DOU schedule and choose sessions, activities, and programs that interest you.
- Some sessions may require advance registration due to limited capacity. Registration information will be included with individual session details.
View the DOU Schedule - Coming Soon
Volunteer
Want to help make DOU happen?
Volunteers will help create a welcoming and organized experience for attendees and presenters. Responsibilities may include:
- Welcoming and checking in attendees
- Directing participants to sessions
- Supporting presenters and performers
- Assisting with event setup and logistics
- Helping create a welcoming environment throughout the day
Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to volunteer.
Volunteer Sign-Up Deadline: October 2, 2026
Academic Integration
Day of Understanding has been designated as an academic day on the University calendar.
Faculty are encouraged to incorporate DOU into their courses in ways that support their course learning objectives. This may include:
- Attending sessions as a class
- Recommending course-related sessions for students
- Facilitating follow-up discussions
- Incorporating reflection activities
Students should check with their professors regarding any course-specific DOU expectations.
Questions?
For questions about Day of Understanding, proposals, volunteering, or programming, contact:
Farah Joseph Bonne Annee fannee@bryant.edu
Office of Community & Belonging
Academic Integration
Day of Understanding has been designated as an academic day on the University calendar.
Faculty are encouraged to incorporate DOU into their courses in ways that support their course learning objectives. This may include:
- Attending sessions as a class
- Recommending course-related sessions for students
- Facilitating follow-up discussions
- Incorporating reflection activities
Students should check with their professors regarding any course-specific DOU expectations.
Questions?
For questions about Day of Understanding, proposals, volunteering, or programming, contact:
Farah Joseph Bonne Annee fannee@bryant.edu
Office of Community & Belonging
Day of Understanding has been designated as an academic day on the University calendar.
Faculty are encouraged to incorporate DOU into their courses in ways that support their course learning objectives. This may include:
- Attending sessions as a class
- Recommending course-related sessions for students
- Facilitating follow-up discussions
- Incorporating reflection activities
Students should check with their professors regarding any course-specific DOU expectations.
Questions?
For questions about Day of Understanding, proposals, volunteering, or programming, contact:
Farah Joseph Bonne Annee fannee@bryant.edu
Office of Community & Belonging
Call for Proposals
The Call for Proposals for Day of Understanding 2026 is now closed.
The final submission deadline was September 9, 2026. Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal or recommended a speaker or performer. We look forward to bringing the Bryant community together on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 for a day of learning, connection, and community.
Call for Proposals
The Call for Proposals for Day of Understanding 2026 is now closed.
The final submission deadline was September 9, 2026. Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal or recommended a speaker or performer. We look forward to bringing the Bryant community together on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 for a day of learning, connection, and community.
The Call for Proposals for Day of Understanding 2026 is now closed.
The final submission deadline was September 9, 2026. Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal or recommended a speaker or performer. We look forward to bringing the Bryant community together on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 for a day of learning, connection, and community.