October Common Hour: Reimagining Communication as an Inclusive Space

On October 28, Wilson College held the second Common Hour of the 2024-25 academic year in the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics, and Technology. The event featured presentations by faculty scholars Dillon Beede, M.M., Ed.M., director of choral activities and chair in music, and Melanie E. Gregg, Ph.D., professor of humanities. 

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Beede discussed his research regarding “The (Trans)formational Choir: Insights into Identity, Pedagogy, and Policy from a Trans and Gender Expansive Choir.” Beede’s study focused on the work of a trans and gender expansive choir with the aims of sharing their perspectives, their pedagogical approaches, as well as the social environments they co-create and the ways in which that environment facilitates and supports identity development. He said, “It is the written, spoken, and unspoken agreements in the organization that create a space in which identity exploration is able to unfold.” 

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Gregg’s presentation “Advancing Communication Equity: The Case for Neuroqueer Crip Techno Heteroglossia in AI Development and Beyond” focused on centering the leadership perspectives and experiences of neurocognitive minorities and people with speech-related disabilities in the development of AI-powered assistive communication. Her research, devoted to communication equity, is based on the fair and just access to communication opportunities, tools, and resources suited to unique circumstances and needs. She said, “Communication has always served as the lifeline for societal thriving, but in this era when technology is making communication easier and faster than ever, it is time for us to reimagine our understanding of communication and assert unequivocally who has the right to communicate and how.”  

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This fall, the Common Hour sessions coincided with plenary sessions of Wilson’s first-year seminar course (FYS), providing an added opportunity for FYS faculty to present their research to the FYS seminar students while also sharing with the broader community. The faculty presentations helped model both the end-product of FYS and the passion and dedication to research and learning that is so integral to Wilson. In Spring 2025, Common Hour will return to its roots, focusing on faculty research presentations in more intimate settings, allowing for plenty of time for questions, conversation, and consideration.  The College’s annual ArtsFest celebration will incorporate an arts-related Common Hour presentation in April. 

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