I believe teaching and learning are similar to players engaged in a tennis match: One depends on the interaction and engagement of the other. As students learn content knowledge from me, I learn from them. As I teach students, they teach me. As I learn how to engage my students more effectively, I expect them to be open to sharing ideas with, and learning from, me. As I learn more about my students' interests and experiences, I learn how to meet and serve their academic needs better.
Teaching and learning are also complex, interconnected processes that can foster engagement between teachers and students. Sometimes, we will commit errors and fouls on the court (the classroom). Sometimes, the wrong calls will be made (that is, we may misunderstand each other). Sometimes, we may get frustrated or upset when the ball hits the net (that is, when we think our efforts do not produce the desired results). While in a real tennis match, there can only be one winner, in the classroom (virtual or in-person), teachers and students can be winners and can score an ace when teachers draw upon students' knowledge, experiences, and interests and when students engage meaningfully and diligently in the interactive learning process.
I recognize that learning online can be stressful for students. COVID-19 has added significant stress and trauma to all of our lives, some more than others. These stressors may affect your ability to process information and manage your learning. Give yourself grace as you try your best.
Allow yourself to make mistakes and errors. I will be as flexible as possible throughout this course to support you in your pursuit of your academic success. I will reply to your communications as quickly as possible. I will encourage you to succeed even when you may have doubts about yourself. I believe in you and believe your effort!
Students represent a rich diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. City College of San Francisco is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects diversity. While working together to build this community, I request that all students
share their unique experiences, values, and beliefs;
value each other's opinions and communicate in a respectful manner;
be open to the views of others ;
honor the uniqueness of peers;
appreciate the opportunity that we have to learn from each other in this community.
I embrace a notion of intellectual community that is enriched and enhanced by diversity along a number of dimensions, including race, ethnicity and national origins, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class and religion. I am especially committed to increasing the representation of those populations that have been historically excluded from participation in U.S. higher education.
You will treat me and your peers with respect and dignity. You will also work and act with integrity and respect.
You will strive to be an active participant in this course and aim to meet due dates.
You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date.
You will strive to contribute regularly to course assignments and activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.
You will do your best to have patience with technology.
You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and mistakes are part of learning and growing.
I will respond to your email or message within 24-48 hours during the week unless I inform you otherwise.
I will treat you and your ideas with respect and dignity and be flexible in supporting your individual needs.
I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.
I will grade most of your course assignments within a week. (If you have posted late work, I may take longer than a week to grade it.) You will see your grades in the Canvas Gradebook.
I will work hard to make this class great and will be actively present in your learning.
I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met. I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.
I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.
Associated Students Book Loan Programs (book and course material loans)
Associated Students' Programs & Services (student support services)
CCSF Laptop Loan Program (laptop loans)
Rams Food Market & Food Shelves (free food and nutrition)
CCSL Learning Communities (academic counseling for Asian, Black, Indian, Latinx, and Filipino students)
CCSF Student Counseling (general academic counseling)
CCSF Student Health Services (mental health counseling)
CCSF Tutoring Programs (academic tutoring support services)
Library Needs
For library contact location and information and for assistance from a librarian, please visit the following links:
Online Research Appointments/Virtual Librarian (for virtual help from a non-CCSF library, 24-7 operations)
Campus Safety
If you are being harassed in any CCSF course or at any CCSF location (virtual or physical), please contact any of the following locations:
CCSF Campus Police (emergencies only)
Office of Student Conduct (to report a case of harassment)
Title IX Office (to file a sexual harassment complaint)
Please feel free to contact me as well if you need assistance.
If you have a disability of any kind, please contact Disabled Students Programs and Services so that the staff can support you with any accommodations you may need to help you succeed in the course.
If you need help or support navigating through your academic pathway, please do not hesitate to connect with any of the following resources and services offered by CCSF.