Syllabus Language
The following is recommended:
Notifying Students of Responsible Campus Partner Reporting Obligation
The OEC recognizes that faculty may sometimes feel stuck between establishing trust and rapport with students and fulfilling their Responsible Campus Partner reporting obligations. The best way for faculty to navigate this tension is to be clear and transparent with students about one's role as a Responsible Campus Partner.
The following language is recommended for inclusion in course syllabi, especially (though not exclusively) in courses dealing explicitly with topics such as gender-based violence, harassment, discrimination, or gender/sexual orientation, or other academic content that may elicit disclosures of past experiences with sexual violence and associated trauma.
Notice of Reporting Obligations for Responsible Campus Partners
As an instructor, I am a Responsible Campus Partner (“RCP”) under Loyola’s Comprehensive Policy and Procedures for Addressing Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation (available at www.luc.edu/equity). While my goal is for you to be able to engage fully and authentically with our course material through class discussions and written work, I also want to be transparent that as a RCP, I am must notify the Office for Equity & Compliance ("OEC")/Title IX Coordinator when I have any information about conduct that reasonably may constitute Title IX Sex-Based Discrimination. Title IX Sex-Based Discrimination includes any of the following conduct, when the conduct was within the University's education program or activity:
- Discrimination or discriminatory harassment on the basis of sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, gender identity, sexual orientation, and Pregnancy or Related Conditions),
- Sexual harassment (including quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment),
- Sexual assault,
- Dating and/or domestic violence, and/or
- Stalking
As the University’s Title IX office, the OEC coordinates the University's response to reports and complaints of sexual misconduct (as well as discrimination of any kind) to ensure students' rights are protected.
As an instructor, I also have an obligation under Illinois law to report disclosures of or suspected instances of child abuse or neglect (https://www.luc.edu/hr/legal-notices/mandatedreportingofchildabuseandneglect/).
The University maintains such reporting requirements to ensure that any student who experiences sexual/gender-based violence receives accurate information about available resources and support. Such reports will not generate a report to law enforcement (no student will ever be forced to file a report with the police). Additionally, the University’s resources and supports are available to all students even if a student chooses that they do not want any other action taken. If you have any questions about this policy, you are encouraged to contact the OEC at equity@luc.edu or 773-508-7766.
If you ever wish to speak with a confidential resource regarding gender-based violence, I encourage you to call The Line at 773-494-3810. The Line is staffed by confidential advocates from 8:30am-5pm M-F and 24 hours on the weekend when school is in session. Advocates can provide support, talk through your options (medical, legal, LUC reporting, safety planning, etc.), and connect you with resources as needed -- without generating a report or record with the OEC. More information about The Line can be found at luc.edu/wellness.
Language About Pronouns
Faculty at Loyola strive to foster inclusive classroom environments, both in-person and online. Respecting pronouns and using gender-inclusive language not only helps students feel like they belong in your classroom, but also better ensures that they are fully present in their academic experience and do not experience impediments to their learning. Developed by colleagues in the School of Law, the language below can set a tone of inclusivity from the start of any course.
Use of Appropriate Names and Pronouns
Addressing one another at all times by using one's chosen modes of address (including preferred names and gender pronouns) honors and affirms individuals of all gender identities and gender expressions. Misgendering and heteronormative language excludes the experiences of individuals whose identities may not fit within a gender binary, and/or who may not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth.
If you wish, please share your gender pronouns with me and the class when you introduce yourself, on your name placard, and/or on your Zoom profile. If you do not wish to be called by the name that appears on the class roster or attendance sheet, please let me know privately and I will work diligently to honor your wishes. My goal is to create an affirming environment for all students so that everyone can learn and engage as our full and true selves.
Language about Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who have been approved to receive academic accommodations through the Student Accessibility Center (SAC) may be uncertain how to discuss their accommodation needs with faculty -- especially if they sense resistance or hesitancy from a faculty member who has authority over their academic experience. Providing guidance proactively in course syllabi for students with disabilities can alleviate some students' concerns and encourage students to communicate with faculty about their needs.
Please see the "Faculty Role" page on the SAC website for recommended syllabus language about accommodations. For questions about syllabus language or implementing students' approved accommodations, please contact the SAC at 773-508-3700 or sac@luc.edu.
The following is recommended:
Notifying Students of Responsible Campus Partner Reporting Obligation
The OEC recognizes that faculty may sometimes feel stuck between establishing trust and rapport with students and fulfilling their Responsible Campus Partner reporting obligations. The best way for faculty to navigate this tension is to be clear and transparent with students about one's role as a Responsible Campus Partner.
The following language is recommended for inclusion in course syllabi, especially (though not exclusively) in courses dealing explicitly with topics such as gender-based violence, harassment, discrimination, or gender/sexual orientation, or other academic content that may elicit disclosures of past experiences with sexual violence and associated trauma.
Notice of Reporting Obligations for Responsible Campus Partners
As an instructor, I am a Responsible Campus Partner (“RCP”) under Loyola’s Comprehensive Policy and Procedures for Addressing Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation (available at www.luc.edu/equity). While my goal is for you to be able to engage fully and authentically with our course material through class discussions and written work, I also want to be transparent that as a RCP, I am must notify the Office for Equity & Compliance ("OEC")/Title IX Coordinator when I have any information about conduct that reasonably may constitute Title IX Sex-Based Discrimination. Title IX Sex-Based Discrimination includes any of the following conduct, when the conduct was within the University's education program or activity:
- Discrimination or discriminatory harassment on the basis of sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, gender identity, sexual orientation, and Pregnancy or Related Conditions),
- Sexual harassment (including quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment),
- Sexual assault,
- Dating and/or domestic violence, and/or
- Stalking
As the University’s Title IX office, the OEC coordinates the University's response to reports and complaints of sexual misconduct (as well as discrimination of any kind) to ensure students' rights are protected.
As an instructor, I also have an obligation under Illinois law to report disclosures of or suspected instances of child abuse or neglect (https://www.luc.edu/hr/legal-notices/mandatedreportingofchildabuseandneglect/).
The University maintains such reporting requirements to ensure that any student who experiences sexual/gender-based violence receives accurate information about available resources and support. Such reports will not generate a report to law enforcement (no student will ever be forced to file a report with the police). Additionally, the University’s resources and supports are available to all students even if a student chooses that they do not want any other action taken. If you have any questions about this policy, you are encouraged to contact the OEC at equity@luc.edu or 773-508-7766.
If you ever wish to speak with a confidential resource regarding gender-based violence, I encourage you to call The Line at 773-494-3810. The Line is staffed by confidential advocates from 8:30am-5pm M-F and 24 hours on the weekend when school is in session. Advocates can provide support, talk through your options (medical, legal, LUC reporting, safety planning, etc.), and connect you with resources as needed -- without generating a report or record with the OEC. More information about The Line can be found at luc.edu/wellness.
Language About Pronouns
Faculty at Loyola strive to foster inclusive classroom environments, both in-person and online. Respecting pronouns and using gender-inclusive language not only helps students feel like they belong in your classroom, but also better ensures that they are fully present in their academic experience and do not experience impediments to their learning. Developed by colleagues in the School of Law, the language below can set a tone of inclusivity from the start of any course.
Use of Appropriate Names and Pronouns
Addressing one another at all times by using one's chosen modes of address (including preferred names and gender pronouns) honors and affirms individuals of all gender identities and gender expressions. Misgendering and heteronormative language excludes the experiences of individuals whose identities may not fit within a gender binary, and/or who may not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth.
If you wish, please share your gender pronouns with me and the class when you introduce yourself, on your name placard, and/or on your Zoom profile. If you do not wish to be called by the name that appears on the class roster or attendance sheet, please let me know privately and I will work diligently to honor your wishes. My goal is to create an affirming environment for all students so that everyone can learn and engage as our full and true selves.
Language about Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who have been approved to receive academic accommodations through the Student Accessibility Center (SAC) may be uncertain how to discuss their accommodation needs with faculty -- especially if they sense resistance or hesitancy from a faculty member who has authority over their academic experience. Providing guidance proactively in course syllabi for students with disabilities can alleviate some students' concerns and encourage students to communicate with faculty about their needs.
Please see the "Faculty Role" page on the SAC website for recommended syllabus language about accommodations. For questions about syllabus language or implementing students' approved accommodations, please contact the SAC at 773-508-3700 or sac@luc.edu.