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Civic Cornerstone Fellowship

This program takes place at the Contemplative Commons, Room 1B. 

In today’s polarized climate, engaging across differences can be challenging. The Karsh Institute of Democracy’s Civic Cornerstone Fellowship addresses this by bringing nearly 400 UVA undergraduates and graduates together for monthly conversations across diverse perspectives.

The fellowship integrates three key facets:

  • Dialogue skills through structured peer conversations.
  • Mindfulness practices to support self-regulation and authentic connection and communication.
  • Knowledge of the American political landscape.

    Fellows are placed in cohorts of 50–70 students, with smaller groups of 8–10 for deeper discussion over shared meals. Sessions are guided by trained facilitators. The Karsh Institute leads this initiative in partnership with UVA School of Education and Human Development Associate Professor Rachel Wahl and other schools and the following areas across Grounds:
     
  • College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
  • Contemplative Sciences Center
  • Darden School of Business
  • Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
  • Public Service Pathways
  • School of Data Science
  • School of Education and Human Development
  • Student Affairs


As a partner, the Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) is honored to lead the integration of mindfulness into the program curriculum and host the Civic Cornerstone Fellowship in 2025 at the Contemplative Commons.

To learn more, please visit the Karsh Institute's program page.

Questions? Reach out to Luke Forbes at qzb6na@virginia.edu

Contemplative Sciences Contact: Polina Mischenko - polina@virginia.edu