Inclusive Teaching Practices

“I strive to incorporate a discussion of the importance of social change and recognition of our ability to be agents of change.”

Lead by example

“I lead by example. I believe that students' seeing me as their teacher shows them that not every successful person in the world is a white American. In my experience, this seems to be one of the strongest and most effective ways to empower underrepresented students…”

Teach cultural relativism

“I teach the defining concept of cultural relativism. This is the idea that one should not judge cultures (or societies, or people) or try to rank them, but to try to understand. I teach students to work to separate their understanding of a people/place from their feelings about it.”

Meet students where they are

“I meet students where they are and engage with their experiences and perspectives. I design papers and projects so that students can express what the content means to them, they have space to talk about how they are coming to it, and it is optional to share this with others.”

Educate about environmental justice

“I incorporate education about historical and contemporary experiences of racism through the environmental management and environmental activities of people of color who experience and fight racism.”

Inclusive Teaching

Events

JEDI Series

Scholarship, information, and trainings related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Honors Mixer

Fostering community and communication across difference at informal events

Our Commitment to Inclusive Teaching

We value all members of the CU community and recognize the historical and continuing inequities in preparation for, access to, and success in higher education, including at CU Boulder. As a program housed across all Arts & Sciences departments, we strive to take an intersectional approach to the lived experiences, backgrounds, identities, positions, and perspectives of students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to anti-racism, the dismantling of inequities, and the end of disenfranchisement.

Diversity & Inclusion in Action in the Honors Program

In the Arts & Sciences Honors Program, faculty work closely with students in small classes that emphasize critical thinking and active, collaborative learning. Faculty draw on principles and practices of diversity and inclusion in our teaching (please see a few examples here). Faculty and staff mentor and support students from diverse backgrounds with interests across the Arts & Sciences. The program empowers and trains students in leadership positions on the Honors Journal Editorial Board and the Honors Program Student Advisory Board. Faculty facilitate the Center for Teaching and Learning’s Anti-Racism Canvas Course in our Honors Program Anti-Racism Reading Groups each year.

Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program

We work closely with the Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program. The Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program (MASP) is an inclusive academic community in the College of Arts & Sciences comprised of motivated students dedicated to pursuing academic excellence at CU Boulder. MASP supports traditionally underrepresented and/or first-generation college students who want to be part of a diverse, multicultural academic enrichment community. MASP is a cooperative and collaborative program that offers a participation scholarship and dedicated space for activities, advising, studying, and seminars. Check out MASP at www.colorado.edu/masp.