Dinner Dialogues

The Dinner Dialogues program started in fall 2006 with the goal of enhancing the interaction between faculty members and their undergraduate students. With this program, the Office of Parents Programs reimburses faculty members who invite their students into their homes for dinner. This experience provides an opportunity for discussion beyond the classroom in an informal, comfortable, fun and unique setting. Students and professors can discuss academic and current issues, potentially establishing mentoring relationships that could assist in the students’ personal, career and professional growth. Funding for the Dinner Dialogues program is available from a grant provided by the Parents Annual Fund.

Details

• The applicant must currently be the instructor of record for an undergraduate class on the Columbia campus.
• The dinner must be held between the dates of the first and last day of classes each semester. No dinner may be held during exam week.
• The instructor will be reimbursed up to a total of $10 per undergraduate student enrolled in the class.
• The event must be held in the instructor’s home and not in a restaurant or on campus.
• No alcoholic beverages may be served during the dinner, regardless of the students’ ages.
• The instructor should submit the Dinner Dialogues application at least two weeks prior to the event.
• Instructors and students may be contacted by the Office of Parents Programs to assess the program.
• Applications will be accepted for each academic year as long as funding is available.

Process

• Complete the application for Dinner Dialogues and submit it to the Office of Parents Programs at least two weeks prior to your event date. Applications can be faxed to 777-4874 or e-mailed to mfgentry@sc.edu.
• Your application will be reviewed by the Office of Parents Programs. If approved, you will receive an e-mail within seven days stating the total amount of funds that you are eligible for and the process for reimbursement.
• When purchasing grocery items for the event, please do not include personal purchases on the same receipt.
• Within five days after the event, a student sign-in sheet from the event and itemized, original receipts must be submitted to the Office of Parents Programs. Please indicate the address to which your reimbursement check should be mailed. Keep in mind that you are only eligible for a total of $10 per undergraduate student.
• Instructors are encouraged to submit photos and a quote about their experience to the Office of Parents Programs.

Application.

PLEASE REVIEW THE INSTRUCTIONS AND APPLICATION THOROUGHLY BEFORE SCHEDULING THE DINNER FOR YOUR CLASS!

For more information about Dinner Dialogues, please contact Melissa Gentry, director of parents programs, at 777-5937 or mfgentry@sc.edu.