Human connection is at the heart of a modern liberal arts education. You matter. Your presence in this class is a strength and benefit. I am wholly committed to fostering a classroom environment where you feel valued, supported, and challenged in your intellectual growth. I look forward to ongoing conversation about the way that our course materials and activities can best reflect the diversity of the human experience, including spectrums of gender, sexuality, dis/ability, age, socio-economic status, ethnicity, race, and culture.

✅ Accessibility & Accommodation

We all learn in different ways and I welcome discussions with you about the specific ways I can help make this course more accessible. If you have a documented disability, please make sure to connect with the Disability Services Office and loop me in early in the semester so we can make a plan for your success together.

🌍 English Language Learner (ESL) Students

Boston College welcomes students from around the world and recognizes the unique perspectives international students bring enrich the campus community. To empower students whose first language is not English, Boston College makes ESL specific resources available on campus, including ESL writing supports and conversation appointments through the Connors Family Learning Center.

🏳️‍🌈 Gender &/Sexual Identity

Language is gender-inclusive and non-sexist when we use words that affirm and respect how people describe, express, and experience their gender. Just as sexist language excludes women’s experiences, non-gender-inclusive language excludes the experiences of individuals whose identities may not fit the gender binary, and/or who may not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. Identities including trans, intersex, and genderqueer reflect personal descriptions, expressions, and experiences. Gender-inclusive/non-sexist language acknowledges people of any gender (for example, first year student versus freshman, chair versus chairman, humankind versus mankind, etc.). It also affirms non-binary gender identifications, and recognizes the difference between biological sex and gender expression. Students, faculty, and staff may share their pronouns and names, and these gender identities and gender expressions should be honored. 

If your pronouns ever change, please let me know.

As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment on our campus. I also have a mandatory reporting responsibility related to my role as a faculty member. It is my goal that you feel able to share information related to your life experiences in this class. I will seek to keep information you share private to the greatest extent possible. However, I am required to share information regarding sexual misconduct with the University. Students may speak to someone confidentially by contacting the Sexual Assault Network (SANet) at 617-552-2211 or by going to the Women’s Center (Maloney 441) Care Team Drop-In Hours which can be found at https://tinyurl.com/bc-sanet-support.

⚕️Health Policy

COVID-19 has clarified how important it is to care for ourselves, for each other, and for our community. I ask you to care for yourself by monitoring your health and washing your hands thoroughly before class. Please demonstrate your care for others by not attending class if feeling unwell. Please keep in mind: you never owe me personal information about your health (physical or mental) or anything else.

🧠 Mental Health

Diminished mental health can interfere with academic performance. The source of symptoms might be related to your course work; if so, please speak with me. However, problems with other parts of your life can also contribute to decreased academic performance. University Counseling Services (UCS) is staffed by experienced, professional psychologists and counselors, who are attuned to the needs of college students. Remember, getting help is a smart and courageous thing to do— for yourself and those who care about you.

🐥 Childcare