Principles of an Inclusive Learning Community

This is our 4th annual bootcamp, but the first time we have opened the opportunity to other schools in Virginia. The response rate has been incredible! As of Jan 6, we have students registered from UVA, Virginia Tech, Christopher Newport University, Norfolk State, and William and Mary.

We want to do our part to make everyone feel welcome, so we invite you to read our principles of an inclusive learning community. Each of these principles should answer the question: How can we foster a productive learning environment for all participants?

Acceptance: We accept and respect all participants and their viewpoints. This diversity builds our understanding of different and potentially competing perspectives. Knowing these varying viewpoints can equip us to work more effectively on complicated science policy topics such as climate change, vaccine distribution and equity in STEM education.

Engagement: Public policy is a contact sport. What does that mean? Well, it means that in order to influence a policy outcome, you must be mentally present and intellectually engaged. If this doesn't come naturally to you, let this week be your chance to try. If you normally listen to the discussion without commenting, promise yourself you will speak up this week.

Policy-focused: Public policy and politics are inextricably linked. With that acknowledgement, we want to be clear that this week is about science policy and not about political dynamics that may be at play. If you find yourself in a discussion or conversation that seems to be edging towards a political debate, leverage your diplomacy skills and remind the group about the policy issue at hand.