Lucy Katz Dialogue & Resolution Program

Lucy Katz, JD, former professor of business law and holder of The Robert C. Wright Professorship in Business Law, Ethics, and Dispute Resolution, has left an enduring legacy at �Ӱ�ԭ�� University.

Her collaboration with Dr. Thomas Pellegrino established the foundation for a robust program aimed at building and strengthening relationships through peer mediation and social justice education.

Fellowship Overview

The Lucy Katz Fellowship, managed by the Office of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, is designed to cultivate healthy and authentic connections on campus through dialogue and programming that focus on CARE (Community, Advocacy, Relationships, Empowerment) and restorative practices. The Fellowship emphasizes community-building activities that address social justice concerns in ways that are both supportive and educational.

Our Approach

Restorative Practice

Restorative practice is a collaborative approach to conflict resolution that prioritizes repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than assigning blame or punishment. By creating spaces for open dialogue and mutual understanding, restorative practice helps individuals share experiences, listen actively, and work together to build trust. This approach is foundational to the Lucy Katz Fellowship’s commitment to healing and social cohesion.

Peer Education

As peer educators, Lucy Katz Fellows play a unique role in supporting and educating their fellow students on topics such as social justice, identity, and conflict resolution. Peer education allows for relatable, impactful learning, as students connect with one another through shared experiences and mutual respect.

Get Involved

Are you passionate about creating positive change on campus?

As a Fellow, you’ll gain invaluable experience in mediation, facilitation, and social justice work while building a more inclusive community at �Ӱ�ԭ�� University.

Commitment and Responsibilities

Lucy Katz Fellows commit to weekly training sessions, team meetings, and actively participate in campus-wide programs. Fellows are trained in restorative practices, social justice education, and conflict mediation, developing key skills in:

Active listening and group facilitation
Cultural awareness and sensitivity
Conflict resolution and restorative dialogue

Learn More

Lucy Katz Fellows facilitate workshops and dialogues on a variety of social justice and relationship-building topics, including:

Understanding Privilege and Intersectionality
Fellows lead discussions on how different aspects of a person’s identity (such as race, gender, and class) interact to shape unique experiences of privilege and marginalization. Through this exploration, students gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of identity.
Building Allyship
In these workshops, Fellows guide participants in understanding what it means to be an ally to marginalized communities. Discussions focus on the importance of advocacy, empathy, and continuous learning in supporting others.
Exploring and Embracing Diverse Identities
This topic allows students to reflect on their own identities and those of others, fostering a supportive environment where diversity is celebrated.

The Lucy Katz Dialogue & Resolution Program offers a range of workshops for student groups, clubs, organizations, and departments. These workshops aim to strengthen teamwork, empathy, and understanding across campus. To request a workshop, contact the Program Director, Karl Uzcategui at kuzcategui@fairfield.edu.

Topics Include:

Team Dynamics
Strengthens team engagement, helps build relational growth, and develops action plans for positive group dynamics.
Dealing with Tension
Teaches strategies for managing tension through active listening and storytelling, equipping participants with tools for constructive dialogue and tension prevention.
Social Justice Foundations
Introduces participants to key concepts in social justice, including power dynamics and structural discrimination, fostering a consciousness of inclusion and equity.
Examining and Managing Privilege
Explores how social identities impact individual experiences, helping participants understand their own privileges and encouraging them to support marginalized communities.

Beyond our standard workshops, Lucy Katz Fellows also facilitate specialized sessions such as:

Civic Reflections
Guided group discussions that use artifacts to explore challenging topics, improve understanding, and build common ground within the campus community.
Story Circles
Inspired by indigenous traditions, Story Circles invite participants to share personal narratives in a safe, inclusive setting. This practice promotes empathy, mutual respect, and understanding among participants.

To help navigate the core principles of the Lucy Katz Fellowship, here are some key terms:

Restorative Practice: A framework focused on relationship-building and repairing harm through open dialogue and mutual understanding.
Peer Education: A model where students educate and support each other on social justice and conflict resolution topics.
Mediation: A voluntary, confidential process where a neutral mediator assists parties in conflict to reach mutually agreeable solutions.
Privilege: Unearned advantages in society based on one's characteristics.
Allyship: Actively supporting marginalized communities through advocacy and empathy.
Power Dynamics: The ways in which power is distributed and exercised in relationships and communities.
Dialogue Facilitation: Guiding conversations to foster understanding and mutual respect on complex topics.
Civic Reflection: Structured discussions that encourage critical thinking about community values and responsibilities.
Story Circles: Narrative-based group discussions that promote empathy and shared understanding through personal storytelling.

Karl Uzcategui

Associate Director, Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs

kuzcategui@fairfield.edu

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