Welcome to SFCM’s experiential learning program designed specifically for our conservatory community. Over the course of this first semester, you’ll walk in the shoes of four fellow students through real moments from their lives here at SFCM.
This isn’t traditional training—it’s an immersive experience that helps you develop empathy and communication skills while strengthening our community. Yes, it’s mandatory, but we designed this with love to be as enriching and engaging as possible! ❤️
Remember, these are real stories from actual SFCM students navigating moments of cultural difference, identity, and belonging 🤝
1. Access the app: Start Your First Walk
2. Sign in with your SFCM email address
3. Complete walks and attend discussions on schedule
Each Walk takes approximately 10-15 minutes. You can do them on your phone or laptop, wherever is most comfortable for you. The experience includes the immersive story plus time for personal reflection.
Simple! Follow these steps:
Note: Don’t select the path called “Get Started” — make sure you’re in the SFCM-specific path!
Simple! Follow these steps
The program runs over 2 months with 4 Walks total:
⚠️ Important: You must complete the Walks before attending each discussion. That’s the whole point!
Note: Don’t select the path called “Get Started” — make sure you’re in the SFCM-specific path!
Group discussions are mandatory 1-hour Zoom sessions where we process what we experienced in the Walks together as a community. You’ll have options for each discussion:
Discussion #1 (for Walks 1 & 2):
Discussion #2 (for Walks 3 & 4):
Check your email for calendar invites! If you don’t see them, reach out to Student Affairs.
Missed a discussion? Makeup sessions will be scheduled. Check your email for details.
That’s exactly why we created this page! All the essential information is here. You can also:
Each Walk is based on a real moment from a real SFCM student’s life. You’ll experience situations involving:
The goal is to help you fine-tune how you show up for other students—learning to be curious about their practices and beliefs, and helping them feel acknowledged in the same way you want to be.
Yes, this program is mandatory for all new SFCM students.
But here’s why: Your participation helps create a community where everyone belongs. These aren’t just abstract lessons—they’re real stories from your peers that help us all learn to show up better for each other.
We designed this program to be as enriching and engaging as possible. Think of it as an investment in yourself and in our community.
When you sign in to the Empathable app with your SFCM email address, the system automatically tracks which Walks you’ve completed. This helps us ensure everyone participates and helps us know who’s ready for each discussion.
Privacy note: We only track completion status (whether you’ve done each Walk), not your personal responses or reflections within the experience.
Both! The Empathable app works on phones, tablets, and computers. Choose whatever device is most comfortable for you. Many students prefer doing the Walks on their phone because they can find a quiet, comfortable spot and really immerse themselves in the experience.
Since discussions are mandatory, 1-2 makeup sessions will be scheduled for students who miss the original sessions. You’ll receive a calendar invite for the makeup session. We will not be able to make specific accommodation for each individual’s schedule. Offering you 3-4 opportunities per session should allow you to adjust your schedule accordingly to make one of them.
Important: Make sure you’ve completed the required Walks before attending any discussion (original or makeup).
Can’t find the SFCM path in the app?
Other technical issues?
Each Walk is an immersive, first-person experience where you’ll:
There are no “perfect” answers—the goal is to build empathy and awareness, not to test you.
For any questions about the program, technical issues, or scheduling concerns, contact:
SFCM Student Affairs
Email: comdev@sfcm.edu
We’re here to help make this experience as smooth and meaningful as possible!
Your participation helps create a community where everyone belongs. Let’s build something beautiful together.
Questions? Contact SFCM Student Affairs at comdev@sfcm.edu