Syllabus Language
The Office of the Provost requires that all Loyola course syllabi include certain information, including information about Title IX. The following is the OEC's recommended language to satisfy this requirement. Such language is especially (though not exclusively) important in courses dealing explicitly with topics like gender-based violence, harassment, discrimination, gender/sexual orientation, and other academic content that may elicit disclosures of past experiences with sexual violence and associated trauma.
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 at all times about one's role as a Responsible Campus Partner.
Notice of Reporting Obligations and Student Title IX Rights
Under Title IX, a federal civil rights law, Loyola is obligated to ensure a safe and inclusive academic environment free from sex-based discrimination. At Loyola, the Office for Equity & Compliance ("OEC") is the University's Title IX office and coordinates the University's response to reports and complaints of sexual misconduct (as well as discrimination of any kind) to ensure all students' rights are protected.
As a faculty instructor, I, too, have a responsibility to support student safety. As a designated Responsible Campus Partner (“RCP”), I must report to the OEC any known, disclosed, alleged, or otherwise reported (formally or informally) incident of sexual misconduct that satisfies any of the following criteria:
-
- Sexual misconduct against any individual who is currently a minor by any individual
- Sexual misconduct against any individual who is or was a student at the time of the incident
- Sexual misconduct by any individual who is or was a student or employee (faculty or staff) at the time of the incident
Similarly, 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 these reporting requirements in the spirit of cura personalis (care for the whole person), to demonstrate care and to ensure that all students who report sexual/gender-based misconduct receive accurate and timely information about available resources and options available to all students. More information can be found in Loyola’s Comprehensive Policy and Procedures for Addressing Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation (available at LUC.edu/equity), or if you have any related questions, you can always contact the OEC at equity@luc.edu or 773-508-7766.
If at any time you would like to speak instead with a confidential resource (i.e., someone who is not a RCP and will not refer you to the OEC) regarding gender-based violence, advocacy services are available through the Wellness Center or by calling 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 elsewhere in the University. 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 the human dignity of all individuals. Misnaming and misgendering people or disregarding the existence of trans and nonbinary individuals may jeopardize students' actual and/or perceived sense of safety on campus.
If you are comfortable doing so, please consider sharing 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 Office of the Provost requires that all Loyola course syllabi include certain information, including information about Title IX. The following is the OEC's recommended language to satisfy this requirement. Such language is especially (though not exclusively) important in courses dealing explicitly with topics like gender-based violence, harassment, discrimination, gender/sexual orientation, and other academic content that may elicit disclosures of past experiences with sexual violence and associated trauma.
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 at all times about one's role as a Responsible Campus Partner.
Notice of Reporting Obligations and Student Title IX Rights
Under Title IX, a federal civil rights law, Loyola is obligated to ensure a safe and inclusive academic environment free from sex-based discrimination. At Loyola, the Office for Equity & Compliance ("OEC") is the University's Title IX office and coordinates the University's response to reports and complaints of sexual misconduct (as well as discrimination of any kind) to ensure all students' rights are protected.
As a faculty instructor, I, too, have a responsibility to support student safety. As a designated Responsible Campus Partner (“RCP”), I must report to the OEC any known, disclosed, alleged, or otherwise reported (formally or informally) incident of sexual misconduct that satisfies any of the following criteria:
-
- Sexual misconduct against any individual who is currently a minor by any individual
- Sexual misconduct against any individual who is or was a student at the time of the incident
- Sexual misconduct by any individual who is or was a student or employee (faculty or staff) at the time of the incident
Similarly, 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 these reporting requirements in the spirit of cura personalis (care for the whole person), to demonstrate care and to ensure that all students who report sexual/gender-based misconduct receive accurate and timely information about available resources and options available to all students. More information can be found in Loyola’s Comprehensive Policy and Procedures for Addressing Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation (available at LUC.edu/equity), or if you have any related questions, you can always contact the OEC at equity@luc.edu or 773-508-7766.
If at any time you would like to speak instead with a confidential resource (i.e., someone who is not a RCP and will not refer you to the OEC) regarding gender-based violence, advocacy services are available through the Wellness Center or by calling 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 elsewhere in the University. 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 the human dignity of all individuals. Misnaming and misgendering people or disregarding the existence of trans and nonbinary individuals may jeopardize students' actual and/or perceived sense of safety on campus.
If you are comfortable doing so, please consider sharing 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.