Classroom Inclusivity Series
The Classroom Inclusivity Series is a collaboration between various units across Rutgers University, organized and facilitated by The Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research and the University Equity and Inclusion Office. The purpose of the program is to promote Inclusive Scholarship and Teaching (as identified by the Rutgers University Diversity Priorities) and in particular to support a more well-rounded understanding of Classroom Inclusivity.
Throughout the 2023-2024 academic semester, Rutgers University faculty, instructors, teaching assistants, post-docs and staff are invited to attend workshops provided by different units across the university. Workshops or training sessions included within the series will address the following competencies:
- Competency 1: Understand and begin to address your and your students’ identities, biases, prejudices, and fears and the impact they have on learning and the classroom environment.
- Competency 2: Infuse inclusive teaching practices into your educational practices by course re-design or adopting new teaching activities.
- Competency 3: Ensure course content, web pages, activities, and assessments are accessible to all students.
A listing of the workshops included in this series for Fall 2023 is provided below. Additional sessions are still being added. Some workshops limit participation to a specific subset of the university, as identified in the description. Workshops are open to faculty and staff, although some may be more beneficial than others for an individual. We suggest reviewing our recommendations below. If your unit or department is offering a session that you believe would fit into the series, please reach out at otear@rutgers.edu for more information about how it can be included.
Engaging in the Series
Rutgers community members are welcome to participate in individual workshops. We are excited to offer three levels of digital badge credentials in the third year for those interested.
Participants who attend three sessions (one from each of the program competencies), attend a Competency 1 discussion session, and submit reflection statements will have the opportunity to earn a Level 1 Badge for Lifelong Learning in Inclusive & Equitable Teaching. Those who have already completed the level 1 badge may earn a Level 2 Badge for Implementation of Inclusive Teaching by making instructional changes and developing a website sharing the process and results. This year for those who achieved the Level 1 & 2 badges or have expertise in the field of inclusive pedagogy, there is a Level 3 Badge for Ambassadors of Inclusive & Equitable Teaching Practices. More information about all badges can be found on our Canvas site (you need to be logged into Canvas to access).
Workshops
Offerings are listed in chronological order and can be filtered by competency by toggling between buttons. If you are in need of accommodations for a workshop or have any questions about individual sessions, please contact the presenting unit.
RU Inclusive? LGBTQIA+
RU Inclusive LGBTQIA+ is a professional development and continuing education program designed to advance LGBTQIA+ inclusion and equity within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS), but is applicable to all instructors. All Rutgers faculty and educators are invited to participate although only RBHS faculty are able to receive CEUs and complete the surveys. Through this free, online, fully asynchronous program, faculty and educators will gain knowledge, skills, tools, and evidence-based resources to advance LGBTQIA+ inclusion and health equity. This program consists of a series of short video presentations along with exemplars, resources, and a helpful checklist highlighting key actions to support inclusive teaching. Go to go.rutgers.edu/RUInclusiveLGBTQIA to join the program and start making your course, program, or curriculum more inclusive. Addresses Competency 2.
Available now through Spring 2023
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty
Mode: Online Asynchronous
Presenter(s): RBHS
Contact: ruinclusive.LGBTQIA@rutgers.edu
Applying a Cultural Responsive System
The significance of integrating cultural responsiveness into course design has often been overlooked. This oversight may stem from various factors, including the complexity of implementing cultural responsiveness, the absence of evidence-based framework, limited expertise and support, or apprehension about potential missteps. Traditional course design predominantly prioritizes elements like social, cognitive, and teaching presence to construct a meaningful learning experience, as outlined in the CoI model. While these aspects are vital, the cultural presence dimension is frequently omitted.
In this course, we explore 5 areas of culture in the learning environment where a prescribed level of cultural responsiveness would be effective. We delve into the “what”, “why”, and “how” of integrating essential factors of cultural responsiveness into course design. Participants will be guided through effectively applying the Cultural Responsive Teaching System (CRTS) based on the work of Plotts (2020). Addresses Competency 2.
Available now
Audience: SMLR Faculty and Instructors
Recommended for: SMLR Faculty and Instructors
Mode: Online Asynchronous
Presenter(s): SMLR
Contact: Marta Pulley, marta.pulley@rutgers.edu
Strategies for Inclusive Course Design
What does inclusive teaching mean to you? Let’s explore, share, and discuss strategies to structure your course to facilitate students’ success including course goals and objectives, incorporating students’ expectations and insights to create a sense of belonging, presenting course materials and content effectively, distinguishing between lesson objectives and activities, engaging students in class discussions and reflections, feedback and assessment. Addresses Competency 2.
November 27, 2023, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty
Mode: Virtual; Recording sent through email after session
Presenter(s): Assistant Teaching Professor Dr. Heba Elkhateeb (English Department Writing Program, SAS) and the Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research (OTEAR)
Contact: Heba Elkhateeb, he57@english.rutgers.edu
CLARA: A Tool for Navigating Contentious Conversations
The CLARA method is a communications framework designed to help one model empathetic listening and communication to de-escalate tense conversations, which has been used in conflict zones globally to protect citizens. Participants will have the opportunity to practice each step and practice the full method. Addresses Competency 2.
November 29, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual; Session will not be recorded, but participants will receive a resource folder upon completion
Presenter(s): Rutgers Office of Equity & Inclusion and Tyler Clementi Center for Diversity Education and Bias Prevention
Contact: Kaylin Padovano, kaylin@rutgers.edu
Competency 1 Discussion
After attending a Competency 1 Workshop, participants may attend a Competency 1 Discussion for an opportunity to talk with other instructors about the impact of our identities, biases, and prejudices on learning. Participation in one discussion session is a requirement for the Level 1 Badge.
November 29, 2023, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Facilitator(s): Mary Labrada, Teching and Learning with Technology (TLT)
Contact: Mary Labrada. mary.labrada@rutgers.edu
Campus Connect: A Suicide Prevention Training for Gatekeepers
Our intersecting identities have a major impact our mental health, learning, and the classroom environment. Suicide touches us all regardless of ability, age, gender identity race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, and much more. By acknowledging the impact that our identities have on our mental health, we are able to open lines of communication and decrease the fear and stigma of asking for help. This training focuses on enhancing our knowledge, awareness, and skills concerning college student suicide. It will enable participants to demonstrate kindness and empathy towards others, helping them to respond caringly and effectively to those experiencing a wide range of emotional crises. Open to all Rutgers Members. Addresses Competency 1.
December 1, 2023, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual or In-person at the HOPE Office, 8 Lafayette Street New Brunswick
Presenter(s): Rutgers Student Health- Health Outreach, Promotion & Education (HOPE)
Contact: Nikita Cuvilje, nikita.cuvilje@rutgers.edu
How to Use Ally to Improve Canvas Course Accessibility
In this workshop, you'll learn how to use Ally in Canvas to help you make your courses more inclusive. We'll explore key features of Ally, including the Instructor Feedback Tool, the Course Accessibility Report, and the Alternative Formats tool, as well as practical strategies and resources for improving your accessibility scores. Addresses Competency 3.
December 4, 2023, 9:00 am - 10:00 am EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inclusion Matters! A Sensitivity Training Workshop
This training will provide you with what you need to know when teaching a d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing student. You will leave with a better understanding of:
- Deaf Culture
- Appropriate Language use
- Common Accommodations and how to facilitate them
- Resources for providing captioning and ways it can help all students
- Top things students wished professors knew prior to starting their course
- Top things to do, to dramatically improve the accessibility, and experience of d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in your course
- How to infuse inclusive teaching practice and language to better promote a Deaf friendly environment
December 5, 2023, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual; Recording sent through email after session
Presenter(s): Rutgers Access and Disability Resources / Teaching and Learning with Technologies
Contact: radr.aslcart@echo.rutgers.edu
Implementing a Universal Design Approach to Formative Assessment
This session will focus on actionable recommendations that incorporate universal design in the development and delivery of formative assessments. We will explore instructor- and learner-driven goals for formative assessment, and then offer examples of universal design principles that support those goals. With universal design informing our approach, we will brainstorm ideas for enhancing or even transforming typical assessment practices. Addresses Competency 2.
December 5, 2023, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
Equity-Minded Syllabus Revision Workshop
How equity-minded is your syllabus? Find out by joining Eliza Blau and Pauline Carpenter from the SAS Teaching & Learning Team, for an interactive Equity-Minded Syllabus Revision Workshop on Wednesday, December 6th from 2PM-3:20PM at the Alexander Library Pane Room. This in-person workshop will allow for collaboration, idea sharing, and discussion with your colleagues as you review your own draft syllabus for equity.
This workshop will discuss the purpose of a syllabus and how it can be a tool for equity-minded practice. Instructors will be introduced to different elements of equity-minded approaches and then, in the hands-on portion of the workshop, examine their own draft syllabus for equity. Instructors will walk away from the workshop with practical revisions made to their syllabus for the start of the next semester. This event is open to all instructors, please register and share with your colleagues. Coffee, refreshments, and light snacks will be available. This workshop addresses Competency 2 of the Classroom Inclusivity Series.
December 6, 2023, 2:00 pm - 3:20 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty
Mode: In-person at the Alexander Library Pane Room
Presenter(s): SAS Teaching and Learning Team
Contact: teachinglearning@sas.rutgers.edu
Responding to Interpersonal Violence at Rutgers University
This interactive, trauma-informed workshop provides faculty and staff an overview of how to address interpersonal violence (sexual violence, dating violence, sexual misconduct and stalking) and understand their role in creating a campus-wide culture of accountability, safety and respect. Bystander intervention strategies are utilized to provide faculty and staff with the skills to: effectively identify and respond to interpersonal violence experienced by colleagues and students, understand Rutgers’ anti-violence policies and procedures, including incident reporting and supportive resources, and utilize trauma-informed action steps to assist impacted colleagues and students. Developed through an intersectional lens, the workshop will also explore how racism, systemic oppression and resource disparities impact survivor experiences. Addresses Competency 1.
December 7, 2023, 10:00 am - 11:30 am EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual
Presenter(s): Center for Research on Ending Violence, RUSSW
Contact: Simone Snyder, sms694@ssw.rutgers.edu
Microinequities: Impact and Interventions
What are microinequities and how do they impact staff, faculty, and student experiences at Rutgers? How do they impact efforts to build an inclusive climate? This training provides an opportunity to reflect on how these daily indignities perpetuate negative stereotypes and cause harm. Participants will gain skills to identify and interrupt microinequities, explore ways to ‘call-in’ students and colleagues and discuss proactive steps to foster a safer and more inclusive community. This workshop was developed using an intersectional lens and seeks to amplify and prioritize voices of BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and other marginalized staff and faculty, who are disproportionately impacted by microinequities. Addresses Competency 1.
December 7, 2023, 12:00 am - 2:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual; Session will not be recorded, but participants will receive a resource folder upon completion
Presenter(s): Rutgers Office of Equity and Inclusion and The Tyler Clementi Center for Diversity Education & Bias Prevention
Contact: Kaylin Padovano, kaylin@rutgers.edu
Equity Fundamentals
This foundational workshop helps attendees understand key concepts and strategies for purposeful reflection and growth. Participants will explore the following concepts through active-learning exercises: Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Intersectionality, and Social Justice. For each foundational concept there is an active learning exercise that incorporates diverse learning styles. Participants will leave the session with tools to apply these concepts in their professional and personal lives, and to being to apply an equity mindset to their work at Rutgers. Addresses Competency 1.
December 13, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual; Session will not be recorded, but participants will receive a resource folder upon completion
Presenter(s): Rutgers Office of Equity & Inclusion and The Tyler Clementi Center for Diversity Education and Bias Prevention
Contact: Kaylin Padovano, kaylin@rutgers.edu
d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inclusion Matters! A Sensitivity Training Workshop
This training will provide you with what you need to know when teaching a d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing student. You will leave with a better understanding of:
- Deaf Culture
- Appropriate Language use
- Common Accommodations and how to facilitate them
- Resources for providing captioning and ways it can help all students
- Top things students wished professors knew prior to starting their course
- Top things to do, to dramatically improve the accessibility, and experience of d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in your course
- How to infuse inclusive teaching practice and language to better promote a Deaf friendly environment
January 30, 2024, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual; Recording sent through email after session
Presenter(s): Rutgers Access and Disability Resources / Teaching and Learning with Technologies
Contact: radr.aslcart@echo.rutgers.edu
Incorporating Beliefs, Mindsets & Belonging in Creating Inclusive Courses
There is increasing evidence that what some call “non-cognitive” factors such as students’ sense of belonging, beliefs, and mindsets, have a significant impact on student success. This workshop will summarize some of the literature on these topics and then provide actionable pedagogical strategies and tools to incorporate some of these principles into your courses. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and engage with colleagues as you consider what strategies are most appropriate for your course. Addresses Competency 2.
February 16, 2024, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual, Video recording will be available after session here.
Presenter(s): Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research (OTEAR)
Contact: otear@rutgers.edu
d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inclusion Matters! A Sensitivity Training Workshop
This training will provide you with what you need to know when teaching a d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing student. You will leave with a better understanding of:
- Deaf Culture
- Appropriate Language use
- Common Accommodations and how to facilitate them
- Resources for providing captioning and ways it can help all students
- Top things students wished professors knew prior to starting their course
- Top things to do, to dramatically improve the accessibility, and experience of d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in your course
- How to infuse inclusive teaching practice and language to better promote a Deaf friendly environment
February 20, 2024, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual; Recording sent through email after session
Presenter(s): Rutgers Access and Disability Resources / Teaching and Learning with Technologies
Contact: radr.aslcart@echo.rutgers.edu
d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inclusion Matters! A Sensitivity Training Workshop
This training will provide you with what you need to know when teaching a d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing student. You will leave with a better understanding of:
- Deaf Culture
- Appropriate Language use
- Common Accommodations and how to facilitate them
- Resources for providing captioning and ways it can help all students
- Top things students wished professors knew prior to starting their course
- Top things to do, to dramatically improve the accessibility, and experience of d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in your course
- How to infuse inclusive teaching practice and language to better promote a Deaf friendly environment
March 26, 2024, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual; Recording sent through email after session
Presenter(s): Rutgers Access and Disability Resources / Teaching and Learning with Technologies
Contact: radr.aslcart@echo.rutgers.edu
Military Cultural Competency Education Session
In studies conducted at colleges and universities nationwide, military-affiliated students reported feeling that other members of their campus community did not appreciate, understand, or respect their service. With only seven percent of Americans having served in the military and only half of one percent having served since September 11, 2001, a wide gap exists between those who have served and civilians. By understanding military culture and considering their own attitudes and assumptions, higher education professionals and students gain valuable insight into the experience and transition of military-affiliated students. The Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services provides Green Zone Military Cultural Competency education sessions across the University for faculty, staff and students as well as custom education sessions for outside organizations. These education sessions provide the Rutgers community and our partners with a general overview of military culture, structure and norms that govern those who serve and impact their transition from the military to college and the workplace. Professionals and students will walk away with the knowledge to more easily communicate with our military-affiliated students. Addresses Competency 1.
April 10, 2024, 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual; in-person location coming soon
Presenter(s): Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services
Contact: Ann Treadaway, ann.treadaway@rutgers.edu
d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inclusion Matters! A Sensitivity Training Workshop
This training will provide you with what you need to know when teaching a d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing student. You will leave with a better understanding of:
- Deaf Culture
- Appropriate Language use
- Common Accommodations and how to facilitate them
- Resources for providing captioning and ways it can help all students
- Top things students wished professors knew prior to starting their course
- Top things to do, to dramatically improve the accessibility, and experience of d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in your course
- How to infuse inclusive teaching practice and language to better promote a Deaf friendly environment
April 16, 2024, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual; Recording sent through email after session
Presenter(s): Rutgers Access and Disability Resources / Teaching and Learning with Technologies
Contact: radr.aslcart@echo.rutgers.edu
d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inclusion Matters! A Sensitivity Training Workshop
This training will provide you with what you need to know when teaching a d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing student. You will leave with a better understanding of:
- Deaf Culture
- Appropriate Language use
- Common Accommodations and how to facilitate them
- Resources for providing captioning and ways it can help all students
- Top things students wished professors knew prior to starting their course
- Top things to do, to dramatically improve the accessibility, and experience of d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in your course
- How to infuse inclusive teaching practice and language to better promote a Deaf friendly environment
May 21, 2024, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Recommended for: Instructors/Faculty, Staff
Mode: Virtual; Recording sent through email after session
Presenter(s): Rutgers Access and Disability Resources / Teaching and Learning with Technologies
Contact: radr.aslcart@echo.rutgers.edu