This episode examines the Hiwaraat conference series, launched by the GU-Q administration in Fall 2023. The official GU-Q website describes the series: "Launched in Fall 2023, the Hiwaraat Conference Series offers timely and topical conferences that draw together experts, practitioners, scholars, policymakers, and youth to discuss some of the most pressing topics of our time."

Since its founding, Hiwaraat conferences have faced student criticism. Topics, programs, and speakers were all points of concern. By Fall 2025, in reaction to "Seeing Sudan: Politics Through Art," students raised significant criticisms about the series, voicing concerns about speakers, topics, and the administration's approach to dialogue. What happens when students choose to engage instead of boycott? To not walk out, but sit down? We explore what unfolded during these events and discuss pathways for meaningful student engagement in shaping campus conversations.

Special thanks to the contributors to this episode: Zahra Babar, executive director of CIRS; Noon ElSharif (class of 2027); Prof. Magdalena Rostron; Prof. Lynda Iroulo; Ameer Sadi (class of 2028); Farkhunda Fazeylar (class of 2026); Ftaim Al-Qahtani (class of 2026); John Burog (class of 2025); Malak Elmoh (class of 2021); Neilla Uwera and Yasmin Abdul Nasser (class of 2027).

This episode was narrated by Remas Alhawari and edited by Ibrahim Absar.