Cooking in Conversation brings faculty and students together to cook, connect, and share a meal. More than just a dining experience, this program fosters meaningful relationships, sparks intellectual discussions, and deepens academic and personal growth—all in a welcoming, hands-on setting. By preparing and enjoying food together, faculty and students build community and strengthen campus connections beyond the classroom.
Program Overview
The Cooking in Conversation initiative invites faculty and students to step beyond the classroom and engage in learning through a shared culinary experience. Cooking and dining together provide a unique opportunity for students to experience the curriculum in a new, dynamic way—one that fosters deeper intellectual discussions, personal reflection, and stronger community connections.
Just as gathering around a table brings people together, this initiative creates a space where students and faculty can share ideas, challenge perspectives, and learn from one another in an informal yet meaningful setting. It’s about more than just casual conversation; it’s about transforming the learning experience, fostering growth, and reinforcing the University’s academic and formative missions in an environment that encourages connection, dialogue, and discovery.
We aim to create an environment where meaningful conversations can happen alongside the shared meals that also aligns with the University acadamic and formative missions.
The Cooking in Conversation Kitchen is located in the Vanderslice Cabaret Room.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
“Putting the students outside of the classroom allows them to experience the curriculum in another way”
Four Core Principles
Fostering Community
Enhancing the opportunities for faculty and students to build community & meaningful connections.
Growth & Development
To facilitate the development and academic growth of students through the cultivation of shared experiences with faculty and peers.
Remove Barriers
Remove barriers (logistical and transportation obstacles) that impede faculty participation in meal-based community development initiatives.
Ready to bring your students into the kitchen for a meaningful conversation? Faculty interested in hosting a Cooking in Conversation dinner can submit a request by completing the Cooking in Conversation Form.
Due to growing interest in the program, we ask that you submit your request at least 5 business days in advance of your desired date. Space is limited, but our team is happy to work with you to find an alternate date if needed.
Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your students' learning experience - sign up today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking in Conversation is a unique program that allows faculty and students to connect outside the classroom through shared cooking experiences. Faculty members bring their students to a guided cooking session, fostering community, conversation, and experiential learning.
This program is open to faculty who want to engage their students in an interactive, hands-on learning experience.
Faculty interested in participating must fill out the registration form. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with next steps.
At this time, Cooking in Conversation sessions are offered Monday through Friday in the evening, with start times available between 4pm - 5:30pm. If additional times become available, they will be listed on the registration form.
Group sizes are limited based on kitchen capacity. If you plan to bring more than 21 students, we will reach out to discuss options.
Each session features a pre-selected menu chosen from a set list of options in the registration form, designed to provide a balanced meal while accommodating the available kitchen space. Faculty can indicate any dietary restrictions on the registration form. If desired, faculty may also bring their own ingredients to prepare a dish outside of the pre-selected menu options.
Faculty are responsible for gathering allergy and dietary information from their students before the session. We will make every effort to accommodate dietary needs, but we ask faculty to help ensure these needs are met during the program.
Faculty should actively participate in the session by engaging with students, fostering conversation, and facilitating the experience. Faculty are expected to ensure students follow safety and clean-up guidelines.
All necessary cooking supplies and ingredients will be provided unless you choose to bring your own food. Aprons are available, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Yes, there is a cost for faculty or students to participate.
For additional questions, please contact Amy Pildner.