Preventing Harassment: Behavior Checklist
the uniqueness of others;
and modify (as needed) your biases, beliefs, behaviors;
model the behavior;
to concerns when they arise.
an effort to know those around you.
cultures different from your own.
compliments casual and impersonal, especially in power relationships.
If in doubt, avoid personal compliments and focus
on the person's professional accomplishments.
repeating jokes, words, phrases, and gestures with sexual
or racial connotations.
person has "personal space." Watch for signs
that tell you when you are infringing on that space.
- Avoid making assumptions and comments about an individual's ability, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
sensitive to situations where harassment is most likely to
occur, such as non-traditional working and learning environments.
you are uncertain about how others may be interpreting your
behavior, check with a colleague or your supervisor.
Guidelines: Inside the Classroom
a role model: Set the tone as to what behavior will be tolerated
in the classroom. Confront sexist or racist remarks.
controversial material will be reviewed in class, let the
students know in advance. Include specific information in
the syllabus about the material.
students write about or answer test questions on the material
helps to show that the material is pedagogically valuable.
Guidelines: Outside the Classroom
possible, conduct meetings with students with your door slightly
ajar. If you feel that the meeting calls for more privacy,
ask for permission to completely shut the door.
- Avoid giving your home contact information to students. If it is your normal practice to conduct some business from home, then give the information to all students via the syllabus.
that students perceive an enormous power differential between
faculty and students. Casual comments may be taken more
seriously than intended; suggestions may be taken as directives.