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Empathy is the New Black: How the DMC is Making Compassion Cool This Year

By Koboul E. Mansour

October 22, 2024

This year, the DMC is all about empathy—yes, that magical superpower that lets us step into someone else’s shoes without actually borrowing them. Whether you’re sporting boots, heels, or those suspiciously worn-out sneakers, we’re asking everyone to embrace empathy as the theme for our programming. We’re tackling empathy with humor, heart, and a solid dose of real-world relevance.

Why empathy, you ask? Well, here’s the deal: higher education isn’t just about stuffing our brains with knowledge like it’s a never-ending buffet (though, let’s be honest, we do love a good academic feast). It’s about creating spaces where all students, staff and faculty feel valued, supported, and heard—whether they’re navigating the complexities of identity, mental health, or the latest plot twist in their favorite show. But without empathy, higher education spaces can sometimes feel a bit chilly! Think of empathy as the cozy blanket we’re all craving in a world that is a little too cold right now.

Empathy also matters for higher education policy. The rules that govern our academic and social spaces aren’t just words on paper—they impact people’s lived experiences. Imagine if policies around accessibility, diversity, and inclusion were written with empathy in mind. They’d go beyond ticking boxes and actually create environments where students from all walks of life (and yes, all shoe sizes) can thrive. That’s what we’re working toward with our empathy-themed programming: Connecting policy, space, and the very human experience of being a life-long learner!

Let’s make this campus a place where everyone—indeed, everyone —can feel seen, supported, and empowered.This year, whether you’re joining us for a workshop, panel, or just stopping by for some snacks, the DMC invites you to engage with empathy. 

Because empathy? It’s not just a theme—it’s the new black.