"Politics and Inclusive Pedagogy": EPIC Inclusive Gatherings Talk by Vice Chancellor Jerry Kang

Please note: the audio in the linked video is low-quality.

Communication Best Practices

Research shows that groups with higher social diversity (i.e., diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation) share more information, are more creative, and perform better than those with lower social diversity. However, diverse groups may exhibit less cohesion and may encounter greater conflict and communication challenges. How, then, do we maximize the value of diversity and ensure that all group members have an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the conversation? It all starts with communication. Here are some of the strategies we use in the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Communicating Mindset

Beliefs about the nature of intelligence influence students’ experience and performance in the classroom. Professors communicate their theories of intelligence in many implicit and explicit ways; decades of research has focused on understanding the impact of believing and communicating that intelligence is fixed or malleable. This document is a short primer on how professors can signal to their students that effort and persistence–not group-based stereotypes about intelligence–are the important determinants of success in their class.

Creating a Positive Classroom Climate for Diversity

Whether the class is in a large lecture hall, a small seminar, or a laboratory section, UCLA strives to produce an equal learning environment for all students.  Since a negative environment can be an obstacle to learning, it is essential to understand how to create and sustain a positive climate for all students. Faculty can build and maintain such a climate by actively incorporating inclusivity in course development, syllabi, teaching methods, and interactions with students.

Diversity in the Classroom

This booklet summarizes studies on the educational benefits of diversity and examines some of the challenges associated with classroom diversity.  This document also includes additional references and resources.

Values Statement Template

In order to ensure that people refrain from jokes or comments that mock or denigrate people based on a protected classification and establish an inclusive, equal learning and working environment for all. UCLA campus departments have found it beneficial to issue a Values Statement to visiting lecturers and guest speakers.

 The below Values Statements Template offer helpful language for departmental websites and/or speaker invitations.  The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion urges faculty, staff, and administrators to consider the use of such language in their communications. <full text>