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 2022-2023 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 2022 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. 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.
Badge for Lifelong Learning in Inclusive & Equitable Teaching
For those who did not earn the certificate/badge last year, participants have the opportunity to earn this badge issued by The Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research and the University Equity and Inclusion Office. Requirements for the certificate include:
- Attend at least one workshop listed under each of the competencies (for a minimum of 3 sessions).
- Attend one live Competency 1 discussion group after completion of the Competency 1 workshop.
- Complete a reflection detailing what you learned from each session and how you plan to use this information to change your course and/or other educational offerings.
Use the toggle buttons under the workshops listing to ensure you have the required session in each competency. We suggest keeping a log that includes the sessions you attended, notes, and initial ideas. This will help you develop the required reflections for the certificate, which should be formatted using this template. Submission for the badge will be completed on this Canvas site (you do need to log into Canvas with your netID). You can submit your reflections individually as you complete them and with a final survey to be completed after all reflections have been submitted.
Badge for Implementation of Inclusive & Equitable Teaching Practices
Participants who have already earned the Certificate/Badge for Lifelong Learning in Inclusive & Equitable Teaching can continue on their journey and earn this level 2 certificate. This is a semester-long process during which participants will engage in the work of implementing changes to a course they teach to make it more inclusive and equitable. The badge will be awarded for one competency. Participants need to:
- Choose one competency from the 3 competencies listed above to focus on and submit your intention to participate on the Canvas Site. We will schedule a consultation with you in August - September (for Fall participants) or January - February (for Spring participants)
- Engage in the process of implementing changes to address one of the competencies throughout the semester
- Submit a website or Canvas page describing the changes you have adopted, the process of implementing those changes, and how they were received. Please note that we will make this website or Canvas page available to other Rutgers instructors.
More information and submission details for each of the steps above is available on the Canvas site.
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.
If you were unable to attend a Level 1 Discussion Session but still wish to complete the Level 1 Badge this year, an asynchronous discussion option will be available later this May. If you are interested in joining the asynchronous discussion, please email otear@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.
January 9, 2023, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.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.
January 9, 2023, 1:30 - 3:00pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Facilitator(s): Mary Labrada, TLT
Contact: otear@rutgers.edu
Creating Accessible Online Content: Text, Documents, Images, and Video
This workshop is designed to explore how to design courses and materials that are accessible to all students. We will cover the basics of online accessibility, focusing on best practices for creating accessible course materials such as text documents (Word/PDF), images, and videos with captions. We’ll also go over key accessibility features in the Canvas LMS. Addresses Competency 3.
January 12, 2023, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
Culturally Responsive Course Design and Teaching Strategies
What does it mean to teach in a culturally responsive way? In this workshop we will discuss the origins and implications of culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogies, as well as, how to implement their principles in various subject matter areas. We will also look at course design teaching strategies for incorporating student cultures as assets to their learning. Finally, we will discuss the strategies for critical self-reflection and understanding how your positionality intersects with your presence as the instructor in your course. Addresses Competency 1.
January 13, 2023, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.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.
January 17, 2023, 12:00 - 1:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Presenter(s): University Equity and Inclusion
Contact: Kaylin Padovano, kaylin@rutgers.edu
Creating Accessible Online Content: Text, Documents, Images, and Video
This workshop is designed to explore how to design courses and materials that are accessible to all students. We will cover the basics of online accessibility, focusing on best practices for creating accessible course materials such as text documents (Word/PDF), images, and videos with captions. We’ll also go over key accessibility features in the Canvas LMS. Addresses Competency 3.
January 23, 2023, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.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.
January 25, 2023, 9:00 - 10:00 am EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
Culturally Responsive Course Design and Teaching Strategies
What does it mean to teach in a culturally responsive way? In this workshop we will discuss the origins and implications of culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogies, as well as, how to implement their principles in various subject matter areas. We will also look at course design teaching strategies for incorporating student cultures as assets to their learning. Finally, we will discuss the strategies for critical self-reflection and understanding how your positionality intersects with your presence as the instructor in your course. Addresses Competency 1.
January 31, 2023, 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
Impact of Identities, Biases and Fears on the Learning of International Students
Building awareness around our own identities, biases and fears as educators and those of our international students is a critical component in creating more equitable and accessible classroom interaction. This workshop will offer pedagogical strategies and tools that respond to multi-lingual learners of diverse backgrounds and experiences while incorporating testimonials of current undergraduate students on this topic. By learning about and remaining cognizant of the differences among our community members, we can be better and more inclusive educators. Collaboration between OTEAR and Rutgers Global-International Academic Success Office. Addresses Competency 1.
February 15, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 am EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Rutgers Global - Office of International Academic Success
Contact: Office of International Academic Success, ias-global@global.rutgers.edu
Creating Accessible Online Content: Text, Documents, Images, and Video
This workshop is designed to explore how to design courses and materials that are accessible to all students. We will cover the basics of online accessibility, focusing on best practices for creating accessible course materials such as text documents (Word/PDF), images, and videos with captions. We’ll also go over key accessibility features in the Canvas LMS. Addresses Competency 3.
February 22, 2023, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.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.
February 23, 2023, 9:00 - 10:00 am EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.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.
February 27, 2023, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Facilitator(s): David Goldman, SAS Office of Undergraduate Education
Contact: otear@rutgers.edu
Culturally Responsive Course Design and Teaching Strategies
What does it mean to teach in a culturally responsive way? In this workshop we will discuss the origins and implications of culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogies, as well as, how to implement their principles in various subject matter areas. We will also look at course design teaching strategies for incorporating student cultures as assets to their learning. Finally, we will discuss the strategies for critical self-reflection and understanding how your positionality intersects with your presence as the instructor in your course. Addresses Competency 1.
March 2, 2023, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
Voices of Diversity: Transfer Student Stories
"Voices of Diversity: Rutgers Student Stories" is a student panel series designed by students from the School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers - New Brunswick, for an audience of faculty and staff. Panels are offered twice a semester with different topics and are designed to give students the space to share their experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Participants will hear directly from students and have the opportunity to pose questions to the panelists. This panel is focused on the experience of students with disabilities at Rutgers. Please join us to learn about ways to make your classroom more inclusive from the perspective of students themselves. Addresses Competency 1.
March 3, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 am EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Presenter(s): SAS Office of Undergraduate Education
Contact: Nicole Gangino, ndallara@sas.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.
March 8, 2023, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Presenter(s): University Equity and Inclusion
Contact: Kaylin Padovano, kaylin@rutgers.edu
Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Classroom
This workshop will provide actionable strategies to develop and support an inclusive learning environment for your students. Topics include getting to know your students, diversifying the course content, developing classroom norms, incorporating flexibility in course design, and making accessible courses. The session will provide opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in the creation of various tools and individually reflect about what to incorporate into your classroom. This workshop was previously offered in Fall 2022. Addresses Competency 2.
March 21, 2023, 1:00 - 2:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research (formally CTAAR)
Contact: otear@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.
March 22, 2023, 10:30 - 11:00 am EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Facilitator(s): Mary Labrada, TLT
Contact: otear@rutgers.edu
"Not Your Inspiration": Dehumanizing Disabled People Through Misguided Praise
You've likely seen headlines of "inspiring" stories about a disabled person or child scoring the winning basket or becoming Homecoming Queen. Disabled students are often subjected to infantilizing praise in their personal lives or in the media. In this presentation, faculty will learn about how excessive admiration often reinforces the stereotypes society has assigned to disabled students, and how we can normalize disability through representation. Addresses Competency 1.
March 23, 2023, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): RBHS Office of Disability Services
Contact: Cindy Poore-Pariseau, cp803@rbhs.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.
March 24, 2023, 9:00 - 10:00 am EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
Interracial Dynamics of Providing Student Feedback: Challenges and Solutions
This one-hour workshop will explore Dr. Kent Harber and Dr. Jamie Gorman's experimental research on interracial dynamics as they pertain to providing feedback on student work. In their various articles on interracial student-teacher communication - see, for example, “The Conflicted Language of Interracial Feedback” (2019) -- Harber and Gorman have expanded on previous evidence of positive feedback bias when white instructors score and provide written commentary on the work of students of color. Their research describes how the volume and tone of instructional feedback relates to instructor's emotional and psychological needs and they propose ways that educators can re-focus their feedback practices to center student learning. The workshop will also include a discussion of “wise feedback” and other instructional strategies that may serve as correctives to the biases Harber and Gorman explore. Session includes time for participant Q&A; bring your questions and observations to share. Addresses Competency 2.
March 27, 2023, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual and In-person in Newark
Presenter(s): Dr. Kent Harber and Dr. Jamie Gorman (SASN, Psychology)
Contact: Catherine Clepper, cc1819@rutgers.edu
Faith Zones and Religious Observations in the Classroom
This workshop will provide instructors with the tools and knowledge to ensure that students of all religious backgrounds are respected, and their beliefs are taken into account when assigning work, scheduling class meetings, and setting deadlines. Presenters will focus on understanding religious diversity and will make connections to inclusive and respectful teaching practices. We hope this workshop will help provide faculty with the knowledge and skills to create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all students. Addresses Competency 1.
March 27, 2023, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this link
Presenter(s): NB Offices of the Dean of Students, sponsored by the University Senate
Contact: otear@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.
March 28, 2023, 12:00 - 1:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Presenter(s): University Equity and Inclusion
Contact: Kaylin Padovano, kaylin@rutgers.edu
Creating Accessible Online Content: Text, Documents, Images, and Video
This workshop is designed to explore how to design courses and materials that are accessible to all students. We will cover the basics of online accessibility, focusing on best practices for creating accessible course materials such as text documents (Word/PDF), images, and videos with captions. We’ll also go over key accessibility features in the Canvas LMS. Addresses Competency 3.
March 29, 2023, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
Microinequities in the Classroom: 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.
April 5, 2023, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Presenter(s): University Equity and Inclusion
Contact: Kaylin Padovano, kaylin@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.
April 14, 2023, 9:00 - 10:00 am EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
Voices of Diversity: International Student Stories
Voices of Diversity is a SAS Office of Undergraduate Education program designed by our Student Advisory Board to provide students with a platform to share their perspectives with an audience of instructors. Our panels offer instructors and staff a first-hand glimpse into the experiences of our students, and have been extremely valuable in inspiring actionable changes that better support our students. International students represent a sizeable segment of the student population at the School of Arts and Sciences and come here from across the globe with a wide variety of unique experiences. This panel offers us an opportunity to hear from a few of our international students and learn more about their distinct perspectives on both the challenges they face and their personal successes inside and outside of the classroom. Addresses Competency 1.
April 14, 2023, 10:00 - 11:30 am EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Presenter(s): SAS Office of Undergraduate Education
Contact: Nicole Gangino, ndallara@sas.rutgers.edu
Creating Accessible Online Content: Text, Documents, Images, and Video
This workshop is designed to explore how to design courses and materials that are accessible to all students. We will cover the basics of online accessibility, focusing on best practices for creating accessible course materials such as text documents (Word/PDF), images, and videos with captions. We’ll also go over key accessibility features in the Canvas LMS. Addresses Competency 3.
April 18, 2023, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
Culturally Responsive Course Design and Teaching Strategies
What does it mean to teach in a culturally responsive way? In this workshop we will discuss the origins and implications of culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogies, as well as, how to implement their principles in various subject matter areas. We will also look at course design teaching strategies for incorporating student cultures as assets to their learning. Finally, we will discuss the strategies for critical self-reflection and understanding how your positionality intersects with your presence as the instructor in your course. Addresses Competency 1.
April 19, 2023, 12:00 - 1:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.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.
May 4, 2023, 12:30 - 2:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Facilitator(s): Mary Labrada, TLT
Contact: otear@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.
May 10, 2023, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; This session will not be recorded
Facilitator(s): Catherine Clepper, P3 Collaboratory
Contact: otear@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.
May 19, 2023, 1:00 - 2:00 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
Creating Accessible Online Content: Text, Documents, Images, and Video
This workshop is designed to explore how to design courses and materials that are accessible to all students. We will cover the basics of online accessibility, focusing on best practices for creating accessible course materials such as text documents (Word/PDF), images, and videos with captions. We’ll also go over key accessibility features in the Canvas LMS. Addresses Competency 3.
May 24, 2023, 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST
Audience: University-wide
Mode: Virtual; Recording available after session through this
link
Presenter(s): Teaching and Learning with Technology
Contact: oid@docs.rutgers.edu
If you were unable to attend a Level 1 Discussion Session but still wish to complete the Level 1 Badge this year, an asynchronous discussion option will be available later this May. If you are interested in joining the asynchronous discussion, please email otear@rutgers.edu.