The Center for Training Excellence is excited to promote inclusive language for faculty to utilize in their syllabi starting in fall 2023!
The syllabus statement was developed by the President’s Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
As we all know, faculty are the key interface between students and university policy and play a vital role in supporting and encouraging DEI work in the classroom. The DEI Commission crafted the statement in response to direct student and faculty requests that the university develop a singular syllabus statement that provides all students with a clear, consistent understanding of what is appropriate behavior and what is not. Positive learning environments rely upon creating an atmosphere where diverse perspectives can be expressed. The syllabus statement works with the Campus Signage and the Civility Statement to help create a positive and inclusive campus community. It was also written with an eye for those individuals who supervise students outside of traditional classrooms. Faculty and instructors may adapt the statement as they see fit to meet the needs of their educational spaces.
Many faculty want to make their classrooms a supportive space but might not know how. CTE is here to help. In addition to promoting the syllabus statement, CTE will also continue to run inclusive teaching trainings, and faculty can book consultations in instructional design to review their syllabi and course structures.
DEI Syllabus Language
IUP practices inclusive teaching to make the classroom welcoming to all students, increase the opportunity for success, and reduce systemic inequities by providing support to both undergraduate and graduate students. We recognize the value of students’ diverse experiences, perspectives, identities, languages, and abilities. Individual students may not agree with classmates, coworkers, instructors, or the public, but everyone is expected to demonstrate civility in all class-related activities, practicums, and field placements, regardless of location. Students who fail to demonstrate civility may be asked to leave the classroom, conversation, clinical or practicum site, or workplace and meet with the instructor privately at a time of the instructor’s choosing, and/or face formal disciplinary action before the student is allowed to resume course participation. (For details see IUP’s Class Disruption Policy in the undergraduate and graduate course catalog.) Together we can promote the growth of all IUP students, faculty, and staff and create an environment where all are welcome.
Learn more about IUP’s commitment to creating an inclusive community at the Office of Student Support and Community Standards.