Campus & Community

New Faculty Professional Development Opportunities Focus on Inclusive Excellence

Sunday, February 14, 2021, By Ellen de Graffenreid

All Syracuse University faculty and instructors are invited to participate in two upcoming professional development opportunities focused on inclusive excellence.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence invites faculty to participate in a Partnership for Inclusive Education. The purpose of the partnership is:

  • To create culturally responsive learning environments for all students at Syracuse University
  • by opening a systematic exchange of perspectives on teaching and learning
  • between a Syracuse University student and faculty partner
  • in the context of a specific course.

Faculty volunteers are partnered with student consultants outside their discipline to meet regularly throughout the semester, attend course sessions and have access in a student role to course content as observers and thought partners. There is no grading or evaluation by either partner. The focus is on sharing perspectives and learning from each other in a sustained relationship throughout the course. Students are advised through the Shaw Center. For more information or to participate, email Laurel Willingham-McLain at lwilling@syr.edu.

A virtual workshop Teaching and Bridging Divides on Campus and in our Polarized Society will be offered by nationally known peacebuilder, educator and dialogue facilitator Paula Green on Feb. 25, 2021 from 2 to 3:30 p.m ET.

Learn and practice proven techniques for facilitating difficult conversations in your courses and community with this world-renowned, award-winning consultant and mentor.

At the end of the workshop, faculty members will:

  • Have additional tools in your toolbox for preparing and leading difficult class discussions.
  • Feel more confident in managing encounters between students and between you and students.
  • Be prepared to facilitate a conversation on a potentially volatile topic.
  • Increase your capacity to support students in communication that increases understanding and reduces enmity.

For more information or to register, visit the University Events Calendar.