Steps to Take Right Now

Creating an inclusive online environment isn't all-or-nothing, it's an ongoing process that you can start right away. Here are some specific steps that you could take right now, including some sample language that you can use or modify if needed.

Communication Policy Example

If you have any questions, comments, or need any help for any reason during this class, please email me at frodo.baggins@ccs.spokane.edu. I'll do my best to respond to all emails within 24 hours, unless otherwise announced. Since I teach multiple sections of the same course, please make sure to mention which course and section you're in.

I will also be hosting open office hours via Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm to 2pm (PST). Feel free to drop in for any reason during that time, no appointment needed.

Add a Communication Policy

When there's a mismatch in expectations between student and instructor when it comes to communication, frustration is inevitable. By setting clear communication expectations for students -- and communication commitments for yourself -- students will be more likely to reach out for help at appropriate times, and will feel more connected to you as a teacher. Your communication policy is going to be very specific to your own schedule, workflow, and preferences, but some elements to consider when making your policy are:

  • What is your preferred communication method? Canvas Inbox? Campus Email? Office Phone? Text message?
  • What about office hours? Virtual? In-Person? By appointment, or "open door"?
  • How quickly are you usually able to respond to student communications? 24 hours? 48 hours?
  • Can students expect a reply from you over the weekend, or only during business hours? What if it's an emergency situation?
  • Do you have a preference for how students address you? Professor? Doctor? First Name?
  • What information do you need from students when they contact you? The class number and section? 
  • How's your written tone? Does your policy sound welcoming and open, or does it make communication sound like a chore?

Accommodation/Disability Statement Example

If you have a health condition, disability, or accessibility need that may require accommodations in order to fully participate in this class, you have access to a variety of services at [SCC/SFCC] as directed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

You're encouraged to contact Disability Support Services by emailing them at [email], calling them at [phone], or visiting them at [building/office]. DSS can help you identify appropriate accommodations, identify needed documentation of your need for accommodation (IEP/504 from high school, Veteran/DV, clinical documentation or evaluations), and submit accommodation requests for your courses. Information about disability accommodations will be regarded as confidential. Here are some additional links with more information about Disability Support Services:

[DSS webpage links]

Add an Accommodation/Disability Statement

As a federally funded institution, we're legally required to include a accommodation/disability statement in every syllabus. But there's a big difference between a statement that meets a legal requirement and a statement that genuinely welcomes and supports students with accommodation needs. 

In High School, many students with disabilities or accommodation needs had IEPs(Individualized Education Plans), which were applied proactively by the school and followed them throughout their K-12 experience. Once in college students often assume that their IEPs follow them into higher education, and don't realize that they need to provide documentation and request accommodations for each class and each quarter. Using your Accommodation/Disability statement to shed a little bit of light on the process can help students request the accommodations that they need to be successful.

Contact information and webpages are different depending on your campus:

SFCC Disability Support Services

Email: SFCC.DSS@sfcc.spokane.edu
Phone: 509-533-4166
Office: SFCC Building 17, Room 201
SFCC Disability Support Services Webpage Links to an external site.
SFCC Accessibility Policy Links to an external site.
Canvas Accessibility Help Guide Links to an external site.

SCC Disability Support Services

Email: DSS@scc.spokane.edu 
Phone: 509-533-7169
Office: SCC Building 15
SCC Disability Support Services Webpage Links to an external site.
SCC Accessibility Policy Links to an external site.
Canvas Accessibility Help Guide Links to an external site.

Add a Diversity Statement 

A diversity statement is a paragraph or section in your course language that welcomes the range of human diversity including race, gender, religion, accessibility, and socioeconomic status. You can use a diversity statement to set expectations for civil discourse, encourage sharing opinions and viewpoints, and setting standards of behavior. Yale's Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning has an excellent page on crafting an effective diversity statement Links to an external site., including multiple example statements and sample language. 

Update your Personal Pronouns and Display Name in Canvas

Using Canvas' pronouns and display name tools can increase the feeling of inclusion in your course for non-binary students, transgender students, and other students who may want to be addressed by something other than their legal name. Canvas has some handy guides for using and changing these settings. You may want to share these links with your students as well, since they may not know that they have access to these features.

Update your personal pronouns in Canvas Links to an external site.

Update your displayed name in Canvas Links to an external site.