Balance Campus Policies & Care
We are focused on eliminating achievement gaps--through policies and plans developed to address the issues that contribute to these gaps. However, the language used by our institutions carry within it the very harm the policies are designed to address. For example, our campus might have DE policies that authenticate student participation in the first week of the course. Although our DE policies may use deficient, intimidating, unwelcoming messages, we can still encourage success vs scaring or intimidating students
Instead of "Mandatory," begin with, "Plan to succeed"
Instead of "Dropped from the course"..., begin with "I will check in on you if you forget to participate."
Instead of "Rigorous exceptions", begin with, “You really want to look out for X, and here’s a strategy so that it doesn’t happen.”
Instead of "Requirements," begin with, "Tips for success"
Instead of "No Excuses," begin with, "Search for solutions and communicate with me"
Instead of "Your Responsibility," begin with "Confusion is normal. Contact me."