Syllabus Statements: Inclusion and Classroom Climate
Syllabus statements are an important way for faculty to accomplish a number of useful goals at the outset of each course: Reduce the number of predictable questions from students, help establish students' expectations about the course at the outset, reduce students’ uncertainty (and increase their comfort level) about you and the course, generate more positive perceptions about who you are and how you will conduct the class, and convey your commitment to supporting them as individuals. These pages offer information about several categories of recommended syllabus statements, each offering examples and downloads of language that can be copied or revised for individual faculty use in course syllabi.
Inclusion and Classroom Climate Syllabus Statements
Developing a statement for your syllabus is an effective way to clarify, concretize, and share your values regarding inclusion in your discipline and in your classroom. A syllabus statement should communicate the commitments you will make related to equity and inclusion, for example: the commitments you expect your students to make, how you will collect feedback on inclusion and belonging (if you will), and the ways you will respond to difficult moments in your classroom.
Syllabus statements on inclusion can signal to students how the instructor commits to support a culture of inclusion and belonging, and to conduct the course in inclusive ways. Instructors can highlight their commitments not only at the outset of a course (e.g., the Day 1 syllabus review) but at one or more instances throughout the academic term.
Syllabus Statements Language Models
I strive to make this classroom a place where you will be treated with respect, and I welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, races, ethnicities, social classes, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, national origins, documentation statuses, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, abilities – and other visible and nonvisible differences. All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive environment for every other member of the class. This does not mean we cannot disagree or have different ideas. It does mean we try to consider perspectives other than our own, though they may differ from our own beliefs/experiences. If you experience disrespect or discrimination in this class, please report your experiences to me. (Sample language adapted from Cal Poly CLA)
