Student Success Resources
Respect for Diversity
It is my intent that students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, physiology, ability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, immigration status, and culture. If the impact of anything I say, share or do does not align with my intent please let me know. Your feedback and suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. I will embrace them as a gift. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course and my teaching for you personally and for other students.
Campus Resources
At any point in the semester, if you face any challenges, please don’t hesitate to check in with me. If a specific course activity is acting as a hurdle or barrier for any reason (technical, accessibility, scheduling, psychological, physiological) we can discuss an alternate way for you to demonstrate your learning.
If I can't help you, I may know who can. Butte College has a wide range of financial, academic and personal support resources for current students. I have listed some of the support services available below. More information about each resource can be found following the live links below or by using the search function on the Butte College website. You can also ask an academic counselor or the Center for Academic Success for more information on any of the support services at Butte College.
Inspiring Scholars (former foster youth)
Rising Scholars (system-impacted students)
Roadrunner Hub (help with food and housing)
DASH Cares
Butte College wants to remind you that in addition to mental health and medical support services, we have a variety of programs in existence to assist with your everyday needs. Whatever your case may be, we have resources to help you. Our goal is to ensure a financial emergency doesn’t take your attention away from pursuing your educational goals.
Homeless and Housing Insecurity Pilot Program: provides wrap-around services and rental subsidies for homeless and housing insecure students
Roadrunner Hub Basic Needs Program: provides food to students and information about community-based resources
For more information and to apply, go to https://www.butte.edu/dashcares/ or call us at 530-895-2311.
You can fill out this Basic Needs Assessment form. After submitting this form you will be contacted by a Butte College case manager that will help connect you to assistance specific to your needs.
First Generation Students
I can help you meet your unique needs as a first generation student as you navigate your learning and life experiences here at Butte College. As a first generation student myself, I can help you connect with resources on campus to address challenges you may face that interfere with your academic and social success on campus and beyond. Ask me questions about navigating college! Some advice I have for you is to visit your professors during office hours early in the semester to introduce yourself and ask any questions you have about the course, and make connections with other students on campus by participating in student clubs.
Academic Accommodations
I strive to make sure everyone can freely access our course materials and participate in class activities! To that end, please let me know if you require any academic accommodation. Please email me if you would like a text or audio version of any interactive used in our lab activities. I am more than happy to work with you and Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) to make sure this class is accessible and fair for you and everyone.
Students have the right to request reasonable modifications to college requirements, services, facilities or programs if their documented disability imposes an educational limitation or impedes access to such requirements, services, facilities or programs. A student with a disability who will be requesting a modification, accommodation, or access to an auxiliary aid is required and responsible for identifying themselves to the instructor, and, if desired, to the Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) office. Students can consult or request assistance from the DSPS office regarding specific modifications, accommodations or use of auxiliary aids and will be required to meet timelines and procedural requirements established by the DSPS office. If you believe you may need an accommodation for a disability, please make an appointment to see me during my office hours or initiate contact with DSPS.
If you think that an accommodation would help you succeed in your classes I highly encourage you to visit the DSPS website or contact DSPS at dsps@butte.edu or 530-895-2455 for assistance. The wonderful folks at DSPS can help us ensure that you are able to demonstrate the full range of your skills in our course.
Undocumented Students
As an educator, I want my course materials and activities to be available to all students regardless of immigration status. If your status presents obstacles to engaging in specific activities or fulfilling specific criteria, I would like to know so I can update our course so it is accessible to all students. Please advise me if and when you feel comfortable during the semester so that I may make appropriate alterations, as needed, to support your success in our course. Letting me know how I can support your success in our course will not jeopardize your student status, your financial aid, or any other part of your residence. You may also consult with our UndocuCenter for guidance.
Be Kind to Yourself! You Got This!
This is Introduction to Biology. You are not expected to have a background in Biology, you are just expected to bring your lived experiences and set a schedule that allows you to dedicate 8-12 hours a week to our course. You are in the right place! In the STEM spotlight video below, Dr. Knatokie Ford explains her experiences with imposter syndrome and her journey to a STEM career.