To meet the needs of the broad campus population, educational programming will be developed and implemented through a cross-divisional approach overseen by the Designated University Official. This may include, but is not limited to, programming and activities planned, sponsored by, and implemented through the Division of Student Affairs, Human Resources, FASE (Faculty Affairs, Success, & Equity), Title IX/Equity & Inclusion office, ASI/Student Government, Academic Senate, Staff Council, and Communication & Public Relations.
The purpose of this programming is to provide learning opportunities and forums for discussion about the First Amendment, academic freedom, and the University policies relevant to protecting free speech activities, the educational mission of the University, and the safety of the campus community. Programs and activities will include passive and active engagement. Examples of these opportunities include, but are not limited to education-based workshops, panel discussions or forums, interactive activities, and resource materials. The Designated University Official will ensure that sponsored programs and/or activities are coordinated throughout the academic year, and the programs and/or activities delivered cover the broad campus population needs.
As such, we have set forth the following Learning-Outcomes Based Plan to ensure a coordinated institutional approach to educational programming:
Students:
- Goal: Equip students with knowledge of free speech rights and responsibilities within the academic environment.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the scope and limitations of the First Amendment in a public university setting.
- Develop skills to engage in respectful dialogue on controversial topics.
- Recognize the role of free speech in fostering an inclusive campus environment.
- Programming & Activity Ideas:
- "Free Speech and You: Rights and Responsibilities" workshop
- Conflict resolution and community civility skill building campaign
- "Speech Circles" where students discuss current events with guided facilitation
- Develop and distribute guides and FAQs on free speech policies
- Include links to educational resources (e.g., āUnderstanding Free Speech in Higher Educationā; video recordings of workshops and forums) within the Time Place and Manner Policy webpage located within the Communications & Public Relations website
Faculty:
- Goal: Enhance faculty understanding of academic freedom and its relationship with free speech.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Articulate the principles of academic freedom and its implications for teaching and research.
- Apply strategies to facilitate open discussions in the classroom while maintaining respectful discourse.
- Understand University policies related to free speech and how they affect faculty roles.
- Programming & Activity Ideas:
- "Academic Freedom in Practice" seminar
- Workshop on "Facilitating Controversial Discussions"
- Scenario-based exercises on free speech issues, followed by group reflection
- Develop and distribute guides and FAQs on free speech policies
- Include links to educational resources (e.g., āUnderstanding Free Speech in Higher Educationā; video recordings of workshops and forums) within the Time Place and Manner Policy webpage located within the Communication & Public Relations website
Staff:
- Goal: Provide staff with the tools to support free speech while ensuring a safe and respectful campus.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the key elements of free speech policies and how they relate to staff responsibilities.
- Develop conflict resolution skills to manage situations involving free speech issues.
- Promote a campus culture that respects diverse viewpoints and open communication.
- Programming & Activity Ideas:
- "Free Speech and Campus Safety" training
- Conflict resolution workshop focusing on free speech scenarios
- Scenario-based exercises on free speech issues, followed by group reflection
- Develop and distribute guides and FAQs on free speech policies
- Include links to educational resources (e.g., āUnderstanding Free Speech in Higher Educationā; video recordings of workshops and forums) within the Time Place and Manner Policy webpage located within the Communication & Public Relations website
Administrators:
- Goal: Equip administrators with the knowledge and skills to support free speech, academic freedom, and campus safety.
- Learning Outcomes:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of free speech and academic freedom principles and their application within the University setting.
- Analyze and address challenges related to free speech, balancing the protection of rights with the Universityās educational mission and community safety.
- Implement policies and practices that uphold free speech while fostering an inclusive and respectful campus environment.
- Enhance communication and collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and parents to promote a culture of open dialogue and mutual respect.
- Programming & Activity Ideas:
- Leadership training on "Navigating Free Speech Challenges in Higher Education"
- Workshops on policy development and implementation related to free speech
- Special sessions on emerging trends and legal considerations in free speech and higher education
- Simulation exercises to practice decision-making in complex free speech scenarios
- Provide access to case studies and best practices on free speech management in higher education
- Include links to educational resources (e.g., āUnderstanding Free Speech in Higher Educationā; video recordings of workshops and forums) within the Time Place and Manner Policy webpage located within the Communication & Public Relations website
The Designated University Official will ensure that an effective assessment and evaluation plan is in place for all programming and activities that are delivered. The data gathered via the assessment and evaluation plan will be shared annually with cross-divisional partners and be utilized to ensure programming and activities delivered are meeting the needs of the campus community as it pertains to education related to free speech, educational mission, and student safety.