About OPAL

We envision a a Dartmouth where all students can thrive, value difference, and contribute to the creation of a socially just world.

Pluralism is a worldview and a social state that promotes respectful engagement with diverse people and ideas, allowing different groups to maintain their unique identities and values while coexisting within a larger society.

It fosters constructive dialogue, allows for compromise and the development of new ideas, and encourages mutual understanding across various beliefs and practices.

OPAL recognizes each person as a uniquely capable leader with the ability to reflect on, practice, and adapt their strengths and advocate for themselves and their communities. OPAL staff challenge and support Dartmouth's community members to utilize tools, access resources, and engage in foundational leadership experiences that cultivate their own sense of justice and cultural humility, build a sense of community and belonging, and develop skills in communication, strategic decision making, and intercultural collaboration.

We commit to social justice through cultivating educational experiences with students, providing context-based and action-oriented dialogue centering historical and ongoing injustices and inequities of systematically marginalized communities.

OPAL achieves its mission by centering the values, needs, strengths, and practices of marginalized communities and by approaching leadership, community development, and personal growth through the lens of social justice.

Respect 

We believe that our lived experiences deserve to be heard and understood. Though we all have different identities, values, and experiences we must take steps to hear, understand and navigate interactions with respect and the intention to do no harm.

Vulnerability

We believe that safe spaces with the goal to support and affirm us to be our most authentic selves are important and provide reassurance as we navigate our day to day lives.  Safe spaces should be a source for healing, building trust, developing understanding, and practicing bravery. 

Community 

It is in our charter to build community, and community is built through connection and collaboration. We remain adaptable to cultivate belonging across campus and within our advising areas.

Growth

We support individuals and communities in finding their power. We encourage individuals to grow in the realms of professional and personal development.

Responsibility 

We believe that we are the change we want to see. We are responsible for being in the rooms that will foster dialogue, partnerships, and systematic changes that can contribute to an institution that focuses on thriving, not just surviving.