These sanctions help students understand and appreciate differences and support students in becoming constructive members of the diverse University community.
- Bias Awareness Workshop
- Recognizing Differences Training
- Restorative Justice Coalition
- Perspective Interview
Bias Awareness Workshop
- Description: Workshop addressing issues of bias and multiculturalism
- Appropriate for: Incidents involving bias
- Not appropriate for: All other cases
- Availability: As scheduled by the Office of the Dean of Students
- Supporting materials (included with sanction letter): None
- Instructions to student: “You must complete the Bias Awareness Workshop. The workshop will include completion of “Living in a Multicultural World: A Tool of Reflection,” which will then lead into a discussion of students’ experiences and feelings about difference as experienced on campus. There will also be a review of the University’s definition of bias acts and bias crimes. The workshop will be 90 minutes long. The goal is to develop students’ understanding of the University’s anti-bias values so that they do not commit bias acts in a campus context.”
Recognizing Differences Training
- Description: A written assignment in which the student answers a series of essay questions about identity and discrimination
- Appropriate for: Incidents involving bias or intolerance
- Not appropriate for: All other cases
- Availability: No restrictions
- Supporting materials (included with sanction letter): Recognizing Differences assignment sheet
- Instructions to student: “You are required to complete Recognizing Differences Training (written assignment enclosed). You must answer all questions on the assignment and submit your written answers by email to me. Your completed work must be no less than 1,750 words in length (typed, double-spaced) and must address all questions on the assignment. Be advised that this paper may not serve to justify your own actions or evaluate the actions of others. The paper should utilize appropriate language, grammar, and spelling. Once you have submitted your written assignment, you must also immediately schedule an appointment to meet with me to review this assignment. This meeting must occur within ten days of submitting your written assignment.”
Restorative Justice Coalition
- Description: Participation in a restorative justice practice recommended by a member of the Residence Life Restorative Justice Coalition. The goal of restorative justice practices is to accept responsibility for one's actions, while addressing the harm caused and engaging those harmed in an attempt to reconcile and reestablish community relationships. Student is required to complete a Perspective Interview (see below).
- Appropriate for: Residence hall incidents involving bias or intolerance; residence hall incidents where the student is willing to participate in restorative justice
- Not appropriate for: All other cases
- Availability: As scheduled among participants and the Residence Life Restorative Justice Coalition
- Supporting materials (included with sanction letter): None
- Note: An unwilling student cannot be sanctioned with Restorative Justice practices.
- Instructions to student: “You must participate in a restorative justice practice provided by a member of the Restorative Justice Coalition. You will be contacted with details of participation. The goals of restorative justice practices are to accept responsibility while addressing the harm, and potentially engaging those harmed in an attempt to reconcile and reestablish community relationships. You must also interview at least one person who reflects the identity of the individual you wronged. Note: This interview must be approved by a member of the Restorative Justice Coalition. Provide a reason to this person as to why you are interviewing them. Ask meaningful questions that will allow you to learn why your actions may have been interpreted as hurtful. Ask the interviewee what they think can be done to restore the harm. After your interview, write an essay (at least 250 words, typed and double-spaced) that includes an overview of the interview and explains what you gained from this person’s perspective. Your essay may not serve to justify your own actions nor evaluate the actions of others. It should utilize appropriate language, grammar, and spelling.”
Perspective Interview
- Description: An interview and writing exercise that will allow the student to learn more about others’ identities and reflect on their own actions
- Appropriate for: Incidents involving bias or intolerance
- Not appropriate for: All other cases
- Availability: No restrictions
- Supporting materials (included with sanction letter): None
- Instructions to student: “Interview at least one person who reflects the identity of the individual you wronged. Provide a reason to this person as to why you are interviewing them. Ask meaningful questions that will allow you to learn why your actions may have been interpreted as hurtful. Ask the interviewee what they think can be done to restore the harm. After your interview, write an essay (at least 250 words, typed, double-spaced) that includes an overview of the interview and explains what you gained from this person’s perspective. This essay may not serve to justify your own actions nor evaluate the actions of others. It should utilize appropriate language, grammar, and spelling.”
