17 Context and Usage

All learners are welcome, supported, and valued for their perspectives. Image adapted from RosZie [new tab] by Pixabay.

In our post-secondary institution’s context, to close historical educational attainment gaps, we must create opportunities for historically marginalized and currently systemically excluded students, staff, instructors, and faculty, ensuring they have equal access to programming. To actualize this, we must acknowledge that not all of our learners have the same experiences, and we must remove barriers to their success. Revisit your course syllabus or outline. Are there opportunities for addressing equity issues?

• Do you outline your extension policy? For example, is it possible for students experiencing issues completing the assignment on time to arrange a new deadline to accommodate their struggles?
• In your syllabus, have you listed your institution’s support for learning supports and well-being?
• Have you invited your institution’s support systems into your course lecture to allow students to meet the supports in-person or online?