Virtual Learning Community
Sustained Engagement and Applied Practice
Don't let fear keep you from engaging
"What If I Say The Wrong Thing?" is a highly rated, short, easily digestible handbook of thought-provoking tips on how to be, and how to help others become, more culturally effective. Author Vernā Myers explores the pitfalls of engaging across difference and offers solutions in powerful but accessible ways.
Participants in the virtual learning community will use the book to recognize challenges, develop tools for more thoughtful interactions across difference, and understand how our attempts at finding connections can be improved with greater awareness and skill development. Most importantly, participants will learn and challenge their fears together!
Fall 2025 Dates
Session 1: Wednesday, October 8
Session 2: Wednesday, October 15
Session 3: Tuesday, October 21
Session 4: Wednesday, November 5
Session 5: Tuesday, November 11 at 2pm*
Session 6: Wednesday, November 19
*Please note that only session #5 will take place at 2pm on Tuesday 11/11. All other sessions are from 12pm-1pm.
Interested in hosting a book club for your unit? Contact us at diversity@rutgers.edu.
I Never Thought of It That Way
Fall 2025 Dates
(Pre-requisite: What if I Say The Wrong Thing VLC)
Time: 12–1 pm
Session 1: Monday, October 20
Session 2: Monday, October 27
Session 3: Monday, November 3
Session 4: Monday, November 10
Book Discussion Group
This fall, the Virtual Learning Community (VLC) for What if I Say The Wrong Thing? 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People by Vernā A. Myers will meet virtually 6 times.
For an overview of the discussion and to know what to expect. Explore the discussion guides below.
Discussion Guides
The virtual learning community aims to help students, faculty, and staff improve communication across differences and create positive relationships with others in the Rutgers community. In each meeting, we will discuss a theme related to dignity and respect, loosely guided by the chapters that are most relevant.
Meet The Lead
The VLC Book Group lead convenes each session prior to small group discussion and close each session with a larger group reflection.
Kaylin Padovano
Universitywide/Central Administration
What are the benefits of joining a virtual learning community?
92%
of participants surveyed report that they have a greater respect for people who are different from them as well as reporting a greater sense of community with Rutgers colleagues
80%
of participants stated that they are more confident in leading conversations with a diverse group of peers
72%
report feeling less stress when interacting with people different from themselves as a result of participating in the VLC
