April 16, 2021

Owned by Joel Johnson
Last updated: Apr 17, 2021
3 min read

Engaging in Dialogue

At this morning's P6-2 meeting, our faculty and staff team discussed how we might approach the recent difficult topics when they are raised in a classroom or other settings. We were reminded of the Institutional Expectations for how to engage in difficult and sensitive conversations. A number of additional ideas emerged during that conversation:

  • Acknowledge that these are challenging times, and we do not need to have everything figured out
  • Model for students how to "listen to understand"
  • Try not to single out anyone as this may cause students to feel embarrassed or defensive
  • Be careful with assumptions and words used, remaining calm in response
  • Remain alert and sensitive to all students' sense of belonging and engagement
  • Follow up with students individually after class if needed following difficult conversations

In the Handbook for Facilitating Difficult Conversations in the Classroom, the following questions are offered for constructing a conversation (from Conversation Cafe www.conversationcafe.org):

  • "Tell me more about . . ."
  • "This is what I heard you say . . . is it what you meant?"
  • "What led you to this point of view?"
  • "I'd like to offer another point of view . . ."

Provost Coffee Hours - You're Invited

Next week I'll be hosting two virtual coffee hour sessions with faculty and Academic Affairs staff as part of our planning process for the fall 2021 semester (and beyond). These sessions will be focused on considering how lecture capture technology and new teaching modalities (specifically hybrid and virtual) might play a role at Northwestern in the future. These coffee hour sessions will cover the following three questions:

  1. Does the working draft of Assumptions and Principles, developed by the Academic Continuity Team (ACT), accurately reflect what we believe to be true for informing decision-making moving forward? What needs to be added or changed? 
  2. In relation to the Assumptions and Principles, what are they Key Questions that need to be asked to help us in our decision-making process?
  3. Are there other areas, beyond the use of lecture capture and teaching modalities, that need to be considered and addressed as we move into the fall?

The P6 Team will be hosting a similar meeting next week with their teams from across the organization to discuss these three areas as well. In preparation for these meetings, we are encouraging a review of the following two documents: 

Please see the email sent earlier this week for more details on how to attend next week's coffee hour as your schedule allows. If you are unable to attend, you are invited to share your thoughts on any of the above points by using this anonymous Qualtrics link. I welcome your feedback as we discuss options and opportunities. I am eager to hear from you! 

Vaccine Clinic

Today was the first of two vaccine clinic days. I am thankful that Northwestern was able to offer a vaccine clinic to our employees and students which, as I understand, is a unique opportunity for schools our size. We had over 380 community members register to receive the vaccine. A big thanks goes to Hy-Vee Pharmacy for hosting the event, along with Facilities, Event Services, Anna Mukaria, Alison Putz, and Deb Bender for facilitating the event. 

Spring Advising - Thank You

Advisors, I want to thank you for your ongoing engagement with our students, especially during Advising Day this past week. The work you do to personally support our students throughout their program is critical to their academic progress and their ability to ultimately achieve their academic goals. I remain grateful for the care and attention you provide.