The higher education classroom is not a place separate from the world around it, but rather a space in which we can help students learn to navigate and change that world. That is probably never more true than during an election season. With that in mind, we've pulled together some resources from Otterbein and from other universities and sources to help guide us through that process.
A good starting point are three questions posed by a resource from the University of Michigan:
1. What role does my discipline play in the issues raised by this election?
2. How might my courses allow students to practice some of the fundamental, particular skills required by democracy?
3. Which students and instructors are disproportionately affected by the negative rhetoric this election?
(Source: http://www.crlt.umich.edu/node/92763)
From the Academic Affairs syllabus guide
Statement on Diversity and Inclusion
Otterbein has a commitment to diversity and inclusion. I have attempted to avoid scheduling exams or major projects on the most common religious holidays. If I have inadvertently scheduled in a way that creates conflict with your religious observances, please let me know so that we make arrangements together. Note that it is your responsibility to inform me about a conflict at least 3 weeks prior to the conflict.
Nondiscrimination at Otterbein
Otterbein University is committed to providing a welcoming environment free from unlawful discrimination. To this end, the University prohibits any form of discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, pregnancy, religion, creed, marital status, partnership status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, military status, or any other legally protected status in its programs and activities. All Otterbein faculty and staff share in the responsibility to create a safe learning environment for all students and for the campus as a whole. Please know that as members of the campus community, all faculty and staff (other than those designated as confidential reporters) are designated as responsible employees and therefore have the duty to report any instances of sexual harassment, sexual violence and/or other forms of prohibited discrimination. Students who want to report cases involving sexual misconduct should contact either Julie Saker, Deputy Title IX Coordinator at 614.823.1154/jsaker@otterbein.edu or Scott Fitzgerald, Title IX Coordinator, 614.823.1130/sfitzgerald@otterbein.edu. Students who believe they have been discriminated against should contact Scott Fitzgerald, Director of Human Resources, 614.823.1130/sfitzgerald@otterbein.edu. Information about these policies can be found at http://www.otterbein.edu/public/TitleIX.aspx and http://www.otterbein.edu/docs/default-source/default-document-library/104-0-discrimination-and-harassment.pdf?sfvrsn=0. If a student would prefer to share information about sexual harassment, sexual violence or discrimination to a confidential employee who does not have this reporting responsibility, a list of those individuals is here:
Source: University of Michigan - Center for Research on Teaching and Learning.
You can click on each of the links below to download materials from your colleagues. And please, if you have similar materials that you are willing to share, send them to us at the CTL.
