Conversations in the Classroom

Message to USC Faculty

From: Charles F. Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome back! I hope you were able to rest and rejuvenate over the break. As we begin Spring semester, I want to offer some guidance and resources to assist in potential discussions with students related to the events of January 6 and the potential for more violence at government buildings leading up to Inauguration Day.

As faculty of this university, you can play an important role. A university campus, even a virtual one, is an ideal space in which to engage in constructive dialogue. You can encourage critical thinking about complex, consequential, and challenging issues, and guide our students as they continue their growth into civic actors. Nevertheless, these dialogues can be difficult, especially now. While some conflict and discomfort is inevitable and potentially beneficial, we are obligated to maintain the safety of the discussion space and protect our students.

Adding to the challenge of managing these conversations, you yourselves are living through this same tumultuous era. I’ve attached to this letter useful guidance from the Center for Excellence in Teaching which encourages you to reflect on your own teaching strengths and your state of mind. Suggestions are included for ways you can plan, adapt, and structure your classroom environment to promote the best outcomes for our students.

I urge you to continue to guide classroom conversations around truth and facts, evidence-based research and grounded theory. It may be helpful to set ground rules and frequently and explicitly return to them. You have both the right and  responsibility to manage disruptive behavior—for example, if a student repeatedly interrupts others to insist on only one perspective. We are committed to academic freedom and free speech, and everyone has the right to be heard but we shouldn’t accept actions that violate our non-discrimination or anti-harassment policies.

Your students may be anxious, distracted, or even distraught as they continue to grapple with national events, the global pandemic, and personal challenges so please continue to be patient and flexible.

Resources are available for students, colleagues, or staff. For faculty and staff support: the Center for Work and Family Life; for students: Counseling and Mental Health. For anonymous reports if you have concerns about students, staff, or colleagues: Trojans Care 4 Trojans (TC4T).

I wish you a strong and engaging semester.

cc: Office of the President
Academic Deans
President’s Senior Leadership Team
Provost’s Leadership Team
Academic Senate
Staff Assembly
GSG President
USG President