Open a Session · Meet & Connect · Celebrate
You’d Never Guess
Share one safe, surprising fact or tradition about your campus or department.
Time3–4 minutes
Group size4+ people
FormatTable groups
MaterialsNone
What this accomplishes
Participants offer a detail an outsider would not guess: a beloved tradition, unusual layout, unofficial routine, or harmless piece of workplace folklore.
- Share campus identity
- Create cross-site conversation
Before you begin
Materials
- None
Preparation
- Display a visible timer
- Plan to hear no more than two table reports
What to say
“Here is the ask. You will work only with your table, the timer will stay visible, and passing is always fine.”
How to run it
- 1
Name safe examples such as a tradition, layout quirk, mascot story, or unofficial routine.
- 2
Give each person 30 seconds to share one detail.
- 3
Let the table choose one detail they would like to hear more about later.
- 4
Take two quick examples from the room.
Prompts to use
A tradition outsiders would not know
A harmless building quirk
A routine that makes your site feel like itself
A small source of local pride
Adapt it to the room
Small group
Use one table and let everyone contribute; skip the room report.
Large group
Run the activity simultaneously at tables of four to six, then hear only two brief reports.
Virtual
Use breakout rooms of four to six, broadcast the prompt and timer, and collect one response in chat when rooms close.
Accessibility & inclusion
- Keep participation seated by default.
- Display and read the prompt aloud.
- Allow anyone to pass, write, or contribute through a tablemate.
Debrief, if useful
What makes a place feel distinct?
Why it works—and what can go wrong
Why it works
Place-based details are memorable, low stakes, and naturally invite curiosity across campuses.
Watch out for
- Do not share security vulnerabilities, confidential events, or identifying student stories.
- Keep folklore affectionate rather than disparaging.