Students make signs for the Martin Luther King Day march.
An Ignatian Approach to

Dialogue and Engagement

"Together, we can seek the truth in dialogue, in relaxed conversation or in passionate debate. To do so calls for perseverance; it entails moments of silence, yet it can patiently embrace the broader experience of individuals and the cultural diversity of peoples."
– Pope Francis

What Inspires You?
A statue of St. Ignatius stands in front of Gonzaga's College Hall.

An Ignatian Approach

Respecting differences. Exchanging ideas. Seeking understanding. Bridging divides. Working towards the common good. For hundreds of years, these principals have guided the Jesuits in their pursuit of truth and a better world.

Today – as we face deepening political divisions amplified by news silos and social media algorithms – we believe our Ignatian roots offer a path forward. That's why we're working across campus and the greater Spokane community to provide opportunities for real dialogue and engagement on today's pressing issues.


Civil Discourse in the Jesuit Tradition
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"Is not dialogue the vocation of a university in a polarized world?"
– Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J. (’68), Gonzaga Alum and Vatican Prefect

Dialogue in Action

Person pulls a cart with food and essentials.

Zags Help Zags in Response to Spokane Fires

When devastating wildfires forced local evacuations, Gonzaga University’s Emergency Operations Center mobilized swiftly to provide housing, supplies, and compassionate support for affected community members.

Statue of St. Ignatius with St. Al's in the background

GU Grad Student Pens Piece on Jesuit Civil Discourse

Gonzaga doctoral student Russ Fiorella explores how Jesuit educators can foster critical thinking and democratic engagement in the classroom during the Trump presidency.

Danielle Cendejas smiles at the camera

Zag Alum Danielle Cendejas Guides Political Discourse

Political consultant and Zag alumna Danielle Cendejas shares how curiosity, listening, and shared values can help navigate today’s increasingly divided political landscape.

"If we want to get things done with people who disagree with us, we have to have some idea of where they’re coming from, what they value.”
– Rebecca Donaway, Gonzaga Communication Studies Professor

Student volunteers spent Martin Luther King Jr. Day serving the greater Spokane community at The Salvation Army.

Civic Engagement

The Jesuits believe in faith that does justice. At Gonzaga, this means taking learning beyond the classroom to make a real-world impact. Each year our students put in over 87,000 hours of community engagement and service hours. Some of the many way students can get involved include:

"We must care about the other person at least as much as we care about the idea or viewpoint we want to express.”
– Kent Porterfield, Gonzaga Vice Provost for Student Affairs

international day of justice

Expressive Activity

Expressive activity is a broad term for public activities that communicate ideas. Examples include campaigning, marches, rallies, speeches, circling petitions, protests and demonstrations. Rooted in the Ignatian principles of dialogue and engagement, Gonzaga encourages students to express themselves, while also respecting those with differing views. A healthy exchange of ideas ensures the well-being and safety of the greater campus community. Before planning any type of expressive activity on campus, students should consult the guide below:

Here are specific University policies are relevant to expressive activity:

Additional information, guidelines, and policies can be found found in our Student Code of Conduct, Faculty Handbook, and Employee Policies and Procedures manual (myGU login required).


Zags Guide to Expressive Activity
View the Guide

Students, Faculty and Staff: Do you have an event, project or or activity you would like to feature here?

Let us know about guest speakers, class and club projects, “Get Out the Vote” drives – anything related to helping Gonzaga embrace community engagement and participate in thoughtful dialogue exemplifying GU’s mission to pursue truth and the common good. The information you provide will help determine how we might best incorporate and/or support your work.

Share Your Event or Idea