Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions about the Lawrence B. Dumas Domain Dinner series. Any additional questions may be directed to Kristi Hubbard, Associate Vice President, in the Office of Administration and Planning.
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What is the primary purpose of the Domain Dinner and Dialogues events?
The Lawrence B. Dumas Domain Dinner series was founded in 1998 as a mechanism for stimulating interdisciplinary faculty connection and collaboration. Beyond its utility in connecting scholars at Northwestern, the series seeks to advance priority areas of research by highlighting and catalyzing cross-disciplinary research initiatives at Northwestern.
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What is the difference between a Domain Dinner and a Domain Dialogue?
Domain Dinner: the traditional format which begins with a cocktail reception at 5:15 pm; followed by the presentation, including a question-and-answer segment from 6:00 to 7:30 pm; and concluding with dinner from 7:30 to 9:00 pm (total of 3 hours and 45 minutes).
Domain Dialogues: a pilot format which begins with the presentation, including a question-and-answer segment from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, followed by a cocktail and heavy hors d’oeuvres reception from 5:30 to 6:30 pm (total of two and a half hours).
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Who is invited to Domain Dinners and Dialogues?
Due to space limitations, attendance at Domain Dinners and Dialogues is by invitation only and is aimed primarily toward tenure-line and other research-active faculty at Northwestern.
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I received an invitation to a Domain event. Can I bring a guest?
Attendance at Domain Dinners and Dialogues is limited to the faculty to whom the invitation was originally extended. However, exceptions can be made in certain cases, especially if the additional invitation would help advance research efforts at the University. Please contact Kristi Hubbard in the Office of Administration and Planning to discuss.
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How can I recommend a Domain Dinner or Dialogues topic?
Topics may be suggested by individuals in the Northwestern community by emailing Kristi Hubbard, Assistant Director of Planning, in the Office of Administration and Planning, or by completing the Domain Dinner Topic Proposal Form.
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How are Domain Dinner and Dialogues topics chosen?
Proposed topics are recorded for future consideration, and the Office of Administration and Planning works with potential faculty presenters to understand how a Domain event might catalyze Northwestern's research in the proposed area. On a periodic basis, the Office of the Provost, Office of Administration and Planning, and Office for Research provide input on the proposed topics and identify those that are of highest potential impact.
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Who can present at a Domain event?
In order to achieve the series' mission of enhancing interdisciplinary connection and research, Domain Dinner and Dialogues faculty presenters must be tenured or tenure-line faculty of Northwestern University, represent multiple departments and schools across the University, demonstrate the value of Northwestern’s interdisciplinary approach to research and education, and have the ability to deliver a compelling and engaging presentation.
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How are Domain Dinner and Dialogues presenters chosen?
Presenters are selected in coordination with the Office of the Provost, Office of Administration and Planning, Office for Research, and faculty leaders in the proposed topic area.
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What topics have been hosted in the past?
A complete list of past Lawrence B. Dumas Domain event topics can be found here.