Programs & Initiatives
Explore programs and initiatives that foster community and belonging at Pratt. Rooted in connection, care and growth, these efforts unite students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners to build relationships, address challenges and co-create solutions. We believe engineering innovation is inseparable from human connection, and our programs support both.
A One-Day Virtual Experience for Future Engineers
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 | 1-4PM
Format: Virtual (Online)
Cost: Free
Applications Open: August 1, 2025
Since 2016, the Bootcamp has brought together students from across the country to:
- Explore graduate opportunities in engineering and computer science
- Learn about Duke’s cutting-edge master’s and PhD programs
- Gain insider strategies to position yourself for graduate school success
This year’s event is sponsored by the Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr), the Athena AI Institute for Edge Computing, Duke Engineering Admissions and the Pratt School of Engineering.
Whether you’re early in your journey or actively preparing for graduate school, this Bootcamp will give you the tools and insights to plan your next steps with confidence.
Engineering Across Cultures in Academic & Research Environments
Engineering Across Cultures is a six-part, cohort-based learning experience launching in September 2025 for Pratt faculty, postdocs and staff. The program is designed to build the skills needed to engage successfully across difference in academic and research settings. Through monthly workshops and optional cultural lunches, participants will deepen their awareness, expand their strategies for cross-cultural collaboration and strengthen their ability to thrive in diverse environments. Applications close on August 29, 2025.
Why Participate in the Engineering Across Cultures Program?
In today’s globally connected research and academic environments, cultural fluency is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether mentoring international students, leading diverse lab teams or collaborating across borders, engineers must navigate cultural differences with insight and skill.
Who Should Participate?
Faculty, postdocs and staff in the Pratt School of Engineering who:
- Mentor or advise international students
- Lead or participate in multicultural research teams
- Are committed to inclusive teaching and lab environments
- Want to enhance communication, trust and collaboration across cultures
What You’ll Gain
- Greater awareness of your own cultural lens
- Practical strategies for inclusive mentorship and supervision
- Tools for navigating cross-cultural conflict, feedback and collaboration
- A supportive community of colleagues engaged in shared learning
- A plan for real-world implementation in your department or role
2025–2026 Session Calendar
(All sessions are mandatory, apart from the Cultural Lunches)
| Dates | Sessions |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, September 9, 2025 9:30-11:30AM | Session 1 – Intro to Building Awareness of Difference in Engineering |
| Tuesday, October 14, 2025 9:30-11:30AM | Session 2 – Navigating Cultural Norms & Communication Styles |
| Tuesday, November 11, 2025 9:30-11:30AM | Session 3 – Inclusive Mentorship Across Cultures |
| Tuesday, December 9, 2025 12:00-1:30PM | South Asia Cultural Lunch (Optional) |
| Tuesday, January 13, 2026 12:00-1:30PM | East Asia Cultural Lunch (Optional) |
| Tuesday, February 10, 2026 9:30-11:30AM | Session 4 – Team-Based Research & Teaching |
| Tuesday, March 17, 2026 9:30-11:30AM | Session 5 – Conflict, Feedback & Trust Across Cultures |
| Tuesday, April 14, 2026 9:30-11:30AM | Session 6 – Capstone & Celebration |
Contacts for Engineering Across Cultures
Building Skills for Meaningful Academic Relationships
The Mentoring for Impact Program is designed to build a strong, inclusive culture of mentoring across the school by equipping both faculty and PhD students with the skills, tools and shared language needed for effective mentoring relationships. This initiative is co-sponsored by the Pratt Office of Faculty Affairs, Pratt Office of Doctorate Education and Pratt Office of Culture & Belonging.
Mentoring for Impact
A faculty–PhD student series focused on communication, feedback, and inclusive mentorship
Faculty and PhD students will participate in parallel tracks of thematically aligned sessions that emphasize communication, feedback, mutual expectations and navigating challenging conversations.
Registration & Format
- 4 in-person sessions total (2 per semester); You can sign up for individual sessions or as a series
- You must attend all four sessions to receive a certificate of completion
Session Pairings & Thematic Alignment
| Session | Faculty Mentors | PhD Mentees | Shared Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 Oct 2025 | Effective Communication in Mentoring Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 11:45AM-1:15PM | Communicating with Your Mentor Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 11:45AM-1:15PM | Expectations, Positional Dynamics, Communication styles |
| Session 2 Nov 2025 | Inter-generational & Culturally Responsive Mentoring Monday, November 10, 2025 | 11:45AM-1:15PM | Navigating Mentoring Across Differences Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 1:30-3:00PM | Generational, Cultural Awareness |
| Session 3 Feb 2026 | Having Difficult Conversations Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | 11:45AM-1:15PM | Bringing Up Concerns & Setting Boundaries Friday, February 6, 2026 | 11:45AM-1:15PM | Conflict, Self-advocacy, Trust-building |
| Session 4 Apr 2026 | Giving Effective Feedback Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 11:45AM-1:15PM | Receiving and Using Feedback for Growth Friday, April 10, 2026 | 11:45AM-1:15PM | Feedback loops, reflection, actionable advice |
The Dialogue for Understanding Institute equips Pratt staff, postdocs and faculty with the tools and competencies to deepen foster psychological safety, engage conflict productively and strengthen team dynamics through dialogic experiences. These skills empower participants to lead more effective and inclusive work in labs, studios and classrooms across campus, building a stronger and more connected Duke Engineering community.
How to Apply
- Applications open: Monday, October 20, 2025
- Institute Days: December 15-19, 2025 | 9:00AM-3:00PM
- Logistics: In-Person
- Participants: Pratt staff, postdocs and faculty
Maclin Community Connection Grant Program
Thanks to the generosity of Valecia Maclin, a member of the Class of 1992 and our Board of Visitors, the Maclin Community Connection Grant Program funds proposals from members of the Pratt community that advance our vision. During the submission period, you are invited to review the following information and to submit a proposal for funding of up to $1,000.
Maclin Community Connections Grant Guidelines
Our Vision
At the Pratt School of Engineering, we believe that a commitment to community impact and a deep sense of belonging are essential to advancing education, research, and innovation. We work to create an environment where every student, faculty, and staff member feels respected, connected, and empowered to thrive. Through partnerships across Pratt and Duke, we cultivate meaningful relationships, support purposeful engagement, and foster a culture grounded in collaboration and shared purpose.
Priority Areas
Each proposal must explicitly state how it aligns with at least one of our four priority areas:
- Building Community Through Behaviors
- Workplace and Professional Development
- Mentoring
- Recruitment and Retention
Eligibility
All members of the Duke Engineering community are encouraged to apply.
Application, Guidelines and Requirements
Visit the Pratt intranet (Duke NetID required) for additional information on applying to Maclin Community Connections grant link here.
2025-2026 Culture & Belonging Student Advisory Council
The Culture & Belonging Student Advisory Council (CBSAC) is a diverse, representative body of students that partners with our office to uplift student voices, support inclusive programming and cultivate a culture of belonging across the Pratt School of Engineering.
Pratt Culture & Belonging Student Advisory Council
The Culture & Belonging Student Advisory Council (CBSAC) is a diverse, representative body of students (undergraduate, master’s and PhD) that partners with our office to uplift student voices, support inclusive programming and cultivate a culture of belonging across the Pratt School of Engineering.
SAC members help shape initiatives that promote trust, respect, connection and shared purpose—key to advancing education, research and innovation.
The 2025–2026 academic year will be a landmark year for SAC: not only will it serve as the Council’s inaugural year, but it will also coincide with a robust Strategic Planning process led by our office. This process will define the long-term vision, values and goals of the office. Only candidates who are genuinely interested in contributing to this planning process should consider applying.
Commitment, Expectations & Timeline
CBSAC appointments are for one full academic year (2025–2026). Members are expected to:
- Attend a mandatory kick-off retreat in late August/early September *Date To Be Announced
- Participate in monthly Council meetings (Third Thursdays of each month at 6:00 PM ET, subject to change)
- Engage meaningfully in strategic planning sessions led by our office
- Support community-building initiatives across Pratt
Key Dates
- Application Opens: Monday, August 4, 2025
- Application Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025
- Monthly Meetings Begin: Thursday, September 18, 2025 6-7PM
Contacts for Pratt Culture & Belonging Student Advisory Council
