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.Â
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 . Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your students' learning experience - sign up today!Â
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.
Any faculty member interested in spending time cooking with students is welcome to participate—no need for them to be in your class! The key to Cooking in Conversation is sharing the experience of preparing all or part of a meal together. Subject to space availability, we invite faculty to bring students into the kitchen for a hands-on, interactive way to connect, learn, and build community.
Absolutely! You don’t need to be a master chef to enjoy Cooking in Conversation—just willingness to get in the kitchen and cook alongside your students. You’re welcome to prepare part of a meal, whether it’s a main dish, a side, or a key component, and pair with some pre-made items. The goal is to have some hands-on cooking involved to create the full experience. We’re happy to help you find the right balance to make it delicious, and stress-free!
Faculty interested in participating must fill out the . Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with next steps.
At this time, Cooking in Conversation sessions are offered Tuesday through Thursday in the evening, with start times available between 4pm - 5:30pm, is the Cabaret Room is available. If additional times become available, they will be listed on the registration form.
This program is ideal for groups of 21 students or fewer to ensure a great experience in our kitchen space. We want to make Cooking in Conversation accessible to as many faculty and students as possible, so if you’re hoping to bring a larger group, let us know—we’d love to work with you to explore options!
That’s up to you! If you have a favorite dish you’d love to cook with your students, feel free to bring your own ingredients and make it happen. Prefer to keep things simple? We’ve got you covered with pre-selected menu options designed for a balanced meal and a smooth cooking experience in our kitchen. Just let us know any dietary restrictions on your registration form, and we’ll help make it work. Either way, it’s all about good food, great conversation, and a memorable experience!
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.
As part of the program pilot, Student Affairs is covering the cost of food for all events. Beginning in the fall semester, faculty will be responsible for food costs, though many schools offer reimbursement programs to support these types of experiences. Additional information will be available on the website this summer. There are no other costs to faculty associated with the program.
For additional questions, please contact Amy Pildner.