GROUND RULES FOR DISCUSSION: A Matter of Group Process

►Discussion about diversity/difference and inequalities can be emotional, volatile, and sensitive. We seek to encourage open and free discussion met with empathy and respect.

►We will respect others.

►We will be supportive of each other and refrain from personal attacks through negative tone, non-verbal language, or hostile or demeaning words, etc.

►We will respect differences (sex, religion, age, race/ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, marital status, and others).

►We will be mindful to not personalize discussion.  If someone doesn't agree with our interpretation of readings or ideas, we won't interpret this as a personal insult.  This is an academic endeavor in which we will have disagreements and differences in interpretations and opinions. 

►We will not jump to conclusions or make assumptions about people based on their behavior, statements, or presumed attitudes.

►We will listen to others, carefully consider their interpretations and ideas, and be open to modifying our attitudes.

►We will be informed when participating in classroom dialogue, partially by doing the reading before we begin to speak about the ideas discussed.

►We will critically examine issues.  We need to be prepared to think and discuss the issues and be willing to answer challenges and questions about the statements we make in class.

►We will monitor our time and responses and how we express ourselves, including body language and utterances.

►We will maintain confidentiality.  If class participants or visitors share personal information and ask that it remain confidential (within the confines of the classroom), we will not share this information with others.  Because of the sensitive nature of classroom topics and the potential cost to individuals who are willing to share their experiences, we will keep what others share in class confidential.  Failure to do so may result in a failing grade.

►NO SIDEBARS: LISTEN

►John is responsible to monitor and adjust as necessary.