We are back!
The DEC is packed with new and returning students EXCITED about their new classes and faculty. I have heard several of you mentioned by name as "the best instructor ever" or "so cool" and in one case, "the George Clooney of SPSCC" (I'll leave to your imagination who the possible candidates are!
We obviously hit the ground running as I am a few days late with the "tips for an inclusive start." However--as we all know, creating an inclusive environment is an ongoing, daily process, and it's never to late to start. With that--Happy 2016, and happy Winter Quarter!
1. DAY 1: DON'T CALL ROLL verbally. This creates a lack of safety for trans* and gender-non-conforming students. See this video for more ideas.
2. Day 1: Avoid using gender pronouns.
Since many of our community are unfamiliar with the practice of sharing gender pronouns publicly, please consider avoiding pronouns until you are confident you know a person's gender and focus instead on creating opportunities to allow students that they can communicate their pronouns to you publicly or privately. This might look like a "get to know me" assignment in the first days of class where you ask students basic information like their name and degree plans, and ask what they'd like to be called in class, and "Is there anything else you'd like me to know about you?"
Some of our faculty talk about their strategies here: http://decspscc.weebly.com/lgbtq-students.html
It will obviously take some practice to avoid using gender pronouns, but it's well worth it to help students feel comfortable in your classroom.
While it is our greatest intention to validate each student's experience, visibility is not always safe for trans* students. We seek to increase safety but sadly, we cannot guarantee it. With this in mind we can work to provide safer spaces on campus and in our courses that allow students to engage with their identities at their own pace and according to their own practiced assessment of their peers.
Many thanks to SPSCC's own Talcott Broadhead for these tips.
3. Week 1: Learn your students' names and how to pronounce them correctly.
4. Week 1: Facilitate small group formation for at least several weeks. Studies show that students from underrepresented groups often find themselves left out or excluded from small group work. You can help by structuring small groups--and monitoring large group discussions so certain students don't dominate.
5.. Week 1 and anytime: Stop by the DEC to say hi! It is so powerful for students who use the DEC to see your faces and get to know you outside of class and office hours. Take the time to attend campus events, especially those that raise awareness about diverse identity groups. Students notice and appreciate your support.
6. Every day: Find a way to increase your own cultural competence and model it for your students. Our students had a panel at the beginning of the year to discuss their experiences in class and on campus. How do you think they answered these questions? (If you'd like to hear more about it, contact us!)
7. All quarter: Share campus events and encourage student engagement outside the classroom. Decades of student retention research shows that students engaged in the full campus experience are more successful and more likely to achieve their college goals. SEE BELOW FOR IMPORTANT DEC EVENTS THIS QUARTER!
These tips were created over time with the help of students and colleagues. They are hopefully ways to get us thinking about some of the everyday things we do to create more inclusivity on campus. They don't, of course, substitute for in-depth knowledge or professional development on increasing our knowledge about about gender diversity, racism in the classroom, or any other topic that improves our competence with students from underrepresented communities.
If you have any suggestions for the "Tip list" or if something doesn't feel right to you please don't hesitate to send us your feedback! We are always looking for ways to increase our own learning.
DON'T MISS THESE EVENTS!
Campus Open House: Thursday, 1/7 11-1 SUB
DEC Open House: Wednesday, 1/13, 11-1 DEC
MLK Legacy Conference: This is a STUDENT-PLANNED conference! Students from SPSCC and The Evergreen State College worked together to create a day in which they honor and recommit to Dr. King's work. Please encourage students to sign up!
FIRE Summit: on Feb. 5, we welcome Native American high school students to campus to explore their college dreams and connect as a community of indigenous scholars! We will need volunteers to make this day successful--it is SO rewarding and so much fun. Please send interested students our way and feel free to volunteer by contacting me or Karama Blackhorn at [email protected].
Queer I Am: SPSCC's homegrown summit for LGBTQ+ Leadership, Community and Pride is in it's second year! We would love your support:
Get your students to register for the conference
Propose a workshop on LGBTQ+ history or culture
Volunteer to help!
Again--it's an amazing event that has gained statewide recognition and enthusiasm. Come be a part of it!