Engaging in Conversations About Race

This past week has been difficult for the community on multiple levels. We have continued to watch the trial of Derek Chauvin unfold and we experienced the tragic shooting of Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo. We have also had reports of racist behavior on our own campus which results in subsequent petitions written to our campus calling for change. There are no easy answers for these events. What we need to continue to turn to the Lord for wisdom and for his grace to help us love others (Matthew 22:35-40).  

I was joined by several colleagues in discussion this morning about how to approach these topics when they are raised in a classroom. We were reminded of the Institutions Expectations for how to engage in difficult and sensitive conversations. Several principles emerged during that conversation that I wanted to share with you as a guide:

• Acknowledge that these are challenging times and don't feel like you need to have everything figured out
• Remember that we are all fallen and will make mistakes, have grace with each other
• Try not to single anyone out as this may cause students to feel defensive or even attacked
• Be careful with words and try to remain calm in a response
• Listen for understanding and be careful to guard against assumptions you may have
• If needed, have follow-up conversations after the class with individuals who 
• While it's important to acknowledge what is happening, you should not feel pressured to lead discussion on these issues

If you are approached by anyone from outside of the organization you are welcome to refer them to the Office of Marketing and Communication. If you are being approached by parents of students or by alumni you can refer them to the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations. If it is helpful, you may also share Dr. Cureton's communication sent yesterday morning. 

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 areas:

1. Do the list of Assumptions and Principles developed by the Academic Continuity Team, accurately reflect what we believe to be true and provide the foundation for decisions going forward?
2. What are they Key Questions, related to the Assumptions and Principles, 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?

Just as I am hosting these meetings with faculty and Academic Affairs staff, the P6 Team will be hosting meetings with teams from across the organization to discuss those three areas as well. 

Please see your email for more details sent earlier this week on how to attend. If you are not able to attend next week's coffee hour, you are invited to share your thoughts on any of the above points by using this anonymous Qualtrics link. I am eager for these discussions and to hear from you!

Vaccine Clinic

Today was the first of two vaccine clinic days. I am so 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 of our size. We had over 380 community members register to receive the vaccine. A big thanks goes to Anna Mukaria, Director of COVID Operations, for facilitating this event. 

Spring Advising - Thank You

Advisors, I want to thank you for your ongoing engagement with our students, especially with Advising Day this past week. The work you do to personally support our students during their advising times is critical to their success and in helping them ultimately achieve their academic goals.