Building an Inclusive and Accessible Class

Guidance for Accessibility and Inclusion

During the pandemic, faculty learned much about the challenges our students face in learning. Meeting the needs of students with a disability and building a class environment that is welcoming to all students  is critical, no matter what mode of instruction you choose. Faculty can save time and effort by planning ahead to make their course accessible and inclusive to all.

Accessibility

The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be applied in every class.

• Penn State has updated resources on designing courses that are accessible and usable for all students.
• Faculty who are being contacted by students who need accommodations during our period of remote teaching and learning should encourage students to contact Student Disability Resources.
• Consult some of the resources found at sites.psu.edu/disabilityguy.
• Participate in custom workshops available from the Schreyer Institute, including one on UDL  and other tools for faculty.

Inclusion

We want all students to feel a sense of belonging and value in our classes, so designing classes for diversity, equity and inclusion is critical to our mission

• Penn State has created a rich Sharepoint web site of DEI resources for faculty to use.
• The Diversity and Inclusion calendar provides a wealth of opportunities for faculty to encourage students to explore the rich experiences at Penn State; consider engaged activities that students can complete as part of your course.
• Encourage students to seek out a mentor through the BluePrint or FastStart programs; become a mentor for a FastStart student!
• Participate in custom workshops available from the Schreyer Institute, including one on Creating Inclusive Courses 
• Get involved in the Educational Equity units and programs and be aware and share the many resources for diversity, equity and inclusion available to students, faculty and staff

Support Offices

• Health and Human Development Office for Diversity and Inclusion
• Office for Educational Equity
• Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
• Affirmative Action Office 
• Student Disability Resources
• Pasquerilla Spiritual Center 
• Multicultural Resource Center  
• Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Paul Robeson Cultural Center
• Gender Equity Center 
• Adult Learner Programs 
• Office of Veterans Programs

Reporting

• Report Bias is a webform for reporting acts of bias or intolerance that occur at Penn State.
• Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response ensures compliance with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on the sex or gender of employees and students.
• Affirmative Action Office responds to complaints of or concerns about prohibited harassment or discrimination.
• The Office of Ethics & Compliance can respond to any situation that may represent a violation of ethical guideline or Penn State policies.
• Report A Crime - University Police & Public Safety provides information on how to report an on-campus crime.
• The Office Student Conduct can handle any concerns about student violations.