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Table Talk

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Table Talk

Have you ever wanted to connect with a faculty member but couldn't find the right opportunity? The Table Talk program creates the perfect setting to have meaningful conversations with Duke faculty and staff over a delicious meal!

The Table Talk program at Duke University was established to foster informal interactions between graduate and professional students and faculty or staff members. Recognizing that such engagements can enhance students' sense of belonging and contribute to their success, the initiative provides selected students with funds to host on-campus meals with faculty or staff. This opportunity encourages discussions on a wide range of topics, from personal and professional goals to shared interests, thereby strengthening the campus community. Notably, the Table Talk pilot was among the inaugural recipients of the Heaton-Blackshear Innovation Grant, a fund created to empower Duke staff to develop innovative programs that serve the campus community.

The program runs two cohorts each academic year—fall and spring semesters.

Application deadlines: September for fall and January for spring.

  • enrolled in a Duke Durham campus-based graduate or professional program for the full academic year
  • physically located in Durham, NC and available to attend a meal on-campus during the following cohort semester
  • expected to graduate in the following year or later
  • have not used funds in the current academic year
  • Submit your application for the Table Talk pilot
  • The Table Talk program coordinators will review your application and notify you of their decision by email. If not approved, you can apply again in the next semester.
  • Upon approval, you'll receive instructions for scheduling your meal and accessing funds to dine with a Duke faculty member or administrator.
  • Marketplace – JB Duke Hotel (Reservations Required)
  • Fairview Dining Room – Washington Duke Hotel (Reservations Required)
  • The Commons – Brodhead (Reservations encouraged)
  • Legal Grounds (Duke Law)
  • Zweli’s (Duke Divinity)
  • Twinnie’s (Fitzpatrick)
  • Saladelia Café (Sanford)
  • Nasher Café (Nasher Museum of Art)
  • Terrace Café (Duke Gardens)
  • Freeman Center Café (Freeman Center for Jewish Life)
  • Café 300 (Swift Ave)
  • JB’s Roasts and Chops (Brodhead)
  • The Skillet (Brodhead)
  • Gothic Grill (Bryan Center)
  • Devil’s Krafthouse (Brodhead)

Dining facilities hours of operations can be found here: https://campushours.oit.duke.edu/places/dining

Students experience:

Occupational Therapy Doctorate student Fatima Al-Sarakbi Hernandez (right) used her Table Talk funds to get a meal with Dr. Abigail Carroll, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, at the Duke Fairview Dining Room. “The conversation was academically stimulating and inspiring,” she said. “Dinner was overall super delicious, and we had a great time!”

The experiences have been incredible. One Duke student connected with their senior associate dean: "Meeting him over a meal/coffee was something I had been looking forward to, and I'm grateful that this program made it possible," they told Graduate & Professional Student Services. "During our conversation, we discussed my journey at Fuqua so far… and he even provided me with valuable advice for my future. This lunch was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my graduate student life."

The conversations often lead to unexpected discoveries and opportunities. As one student shared: "We ended up having a 3-hour conversation about psychiatry, forensics, mushroom foraging, and our mutual love of true crime documentaries. This was such an awesome way to open the door to reaching out to a faculty member that I didn't know but worked in a field I was really interested in."

These connections can even open doors to hands-on learning experiences. One student's conversation led to an invitation to observe forensic evaluations, helping them choose their residency specialty. Another student found a mentor with similar interests but in a different field, broadening their professional perspective.

Not sure where to start? Try these 10 conversation starters:

1️⃣ What sparked your interest in this field? Learn what inspired their journey.

2️⃣ Why Duke? Discover what brought them here and how it shaped their career.

3️⃣ What’s exciting you right now? Get insights into current research and trends.

4️⃣ How has our field evolved? Understand key shifts and challenges.

5️⃣ Where is our field heading? Plan for the skills and opportunities of the future.

6️⃣ What do you wish you knew earlier? Gain wisdom from their experience.

7️⃣ What’s a hidden gem at Duke? From secret study spots to unique opportunities.

8️⃣ How do I meet others in this field? Get networking and mentorship tips.

9️⃣ How do you balance work and life? Practical advice for avoiding burnout.

🔟 What’s a book you love? Or a movie, podcast, or music recommendation!

Table Talk is your gateway to meaningful conversations about your career, research interests, and academic journey. Students across Duke have already discovered the value of these connections. Ready to create your own Table Talk story? Apply now!

Application Link

If you have questions, please contact Graduate and Professional Student Services at gpss@duke.edu. We hope to hear from you soon!