#Undergraduate Education

[medsocionwheels]

Is your accommodation policy sending the right message to disabled students?

It is common knowledge in the disabled community that “accommodations” for disability in higher eduction are often unreasonable, putting immense burden on disabled students to navigate a class environment that does not meet their access needs. When professors fail to provide reasonable accommodations, they are rarely forced to change course–honestly, you’re lucky if your disability student center mentions the access issue to the professor at all. As a disabled student, it always felt highly personal when this happened. Now that I have several years of experience as an instructor, sitting through trainings and teaching discussions with other instructors, I am still furious when students are denied reasonable accommodation, but I have a slightly different understanding of the denial as a personal slight.

This is not to give instructors denying accommodations a pass, but it is to point out that the bigger issue is that ableism is structured into the institutional framework of higher education (all education really, but that’s for another day). Instructors are socialized into a highly ableist system beginning in their undergraduate years, long before many even realize they will pursue a career in higher education. This system effectively limits the number of disabled instructors by centering norms in higher education around, not just the abled students and faculty, but the most superior of these groups–the “mentally fit” (aka “intelligent”). Bonus points if also very physically fit and attractive. This also creates a situation where the success stories become inspiration porn, often because they take on the “supercrip” mentality, but also because the system is literally structured so that disabled people must overcome their disabilities to some extent to survive.

One of the key items used to reproduce this ableist power imbalance? The syllabus. Yes, the accommodation policy, but also the rest of the policies, the course structure, and even the formatting of the syllabus itself down to the font choice and color selection for paper if provided printed copies.

My goal as an instructor has always been to make my courses as flexible as possible, centering the understanding that most students will need some form of adjustment, if not accommodation for disability, instead of assuming that most students will be non-disabled and socialized into an elite learning style (I tought at an R1 flagship university in the United States for 14 semesters ending December 2022). In the beginning I was mocked, laughed at, and bullied by my peers (exception of 3, also graduate students at the time, 2/3 in my own cohort…). The faculty member in charge of our graduate teaching seminar required to become an instructor told me my syllabus “just makes you sound like a nice person, which is great but your students want a smart person, who cares about nice??” Needless to say I’ve gotten in many arguments over the years, but interestingly enough, I’ve had many colleagues start to ask my advice in the COVID-era. Some people have started to realize that the traditional course setting isn’t just something that “doesn’t work” for all students, that it is something set up to purposively exclude certain students while favoring others. If you are one of those people, this post is for you!

There are 2 major barriers to students getting what they need accommodation-wise that have almost nothing to do with the instructor: medicalization of disability, and ignorance of other important circumstances that may warrant accommodation, like having a child, having full-time employment, or caring full-time for a parent. My most recent version of the accommodation section of my syllabus has not changed much in light of COVID-19, but there is one important distinction. While I did not wait until the pandemic to realize students needed (and wanted) to have access to course recordings and virtual attendance, it did take a student’s request for me to consider this as an appropriate course of action, and I will admit, my gut reaction was hesitation. I ignored it, and I can say it’s one of the best decisions I have made in my teaching career. It was also a huge step for my own battle against internalized ableism and supercrip mentality. Here’s the wording to my 2-section accommodation policy encompassing medically documented disability, disability without medical documentation, and non-disability reasons for needing accommodation.

The most important part of the non-disability section? Not putting parameters around who is allowed to ask for accommodations or a certain accommodation, and instead, taking a “no questions asked” approach.

I once had a colleague ask me how I managed to not be worried that students would take advantage of my accommodation policy. My response to that colleague? Some of them probably will take advantage of my policy, and you know what? It is still 100% worth it, every single time. It would be worth it if 44/45 students took advantage, because chances are, the 45th really needed that flexibility. It’s also not for me to judge whether they are taking advantage–if they say they need something, who am I to tell them what they do or do not need?

As a critical sociologist and disabled person, I can also answer my own question–nobody, not me, not you, not any doctor, no disability student center staff member, NOBODY, has a better understanding of their needs than the student expressing the need.

So, here’s the text, pulled from my Research Methods in Sociology syllabus from Fall 2022. I am posting this one on purpose. Not because it is the most recent, but because it is for a major required core class. Methods and theory always seem to come up in the “but what if’s” of the accommodation discussion. It’s possible, the course is over so I can say it went smoothly, and I’ve used it once before with theory, too. Here is your evidence! At min, take the text and share widely. If you’re skeptical? Take the syllabus, too.

And remember, there is nothing weak or pathetic about being kind. All of your colleagues are smart, but the students will remember who was kind to them, and who was horrible. Don’t be the horrible one. Your students have everything to gain, what do you really have to lose?

Find the text of my accommodation policy and an example syllabus at the link below:

[economicsinaction]

To take up work or go for higher levels of education? A few tips

This essay is aimed at those who complete successfully an undergraduate education of four years duration. Such an education is decent enough to get a good job in many parts of the world. Such a degree from reputed universities can help to go up to top positions in the government and private sector in the US. Civil servants in India need only an undergraduate education.  However one can see many…

[sheisanimposter]

yeah, regularly eating and sleeping sounds cool, but have you ever gotten a perfect score on a paper?

[perverteddoctor]

Trying to control a brat as a STEM major, call that motherfucker an extraneous variable.

[blackswaneuroparedux]

The likelihood that an incoming undergraduate can read a book or write an essay diminishes from year to year, and only the entrenched sentimentality of the educational establishment prevents it from acknowledging that the cause of this lies in the culture of self-esteem.

- Sir Roger Scruton

A Cambridge Don heads home past King’s College, Cambridge, after a day of graduations at Senate House.

[ethahearts]

Hello everyone, I am currently looking for scholarships. I would like to make a list of them, even ones that don’t apply to me, so I can make a list for others. Please, comment below.

[ihavenomoralsss]

sometimes i get tired of studying and i consider that this isnt for me. that i cant do it. and then i think about how my mother spent twelve years in higher education to get her phd, forcing her way through a still very male-dominated field because she believed in the importance of her research. i think about how my grandmother was a nurse before she met my abu, but she gave it up after they started having kids. i think about how she used to talk about working at the hospital, pointing it out to me and my sister as we drove past, the love and longing in her voice enough to make your heart ache. i think about how my great-grandmother, after her husband squandered all of their money and abandoned her with a ten year old girl in a foreign country, somehow managed to make it work as an immigrant on unwelcoming land. i think about my auntie, one of the strongest people i know, fighting to ensure that other women aren't food insecure. making sure they have support. divorcing her husband in an era when that was social suicide. i may not be made for this, but i am going to make it work. i will not be the one to let them down.

[sophitz]

so how are you, lindsay [REDACTED]phobe, feeling about this one

I’ll say it out loud, I don’t care anymore. I am a KEEFEPHOBE. Get me OUT OF HEREEEE

[careermantradotorg]

Lovely Professional University

Lovely Professional University (LPU), located in Phagwara, Punjab, is one of India’s largest and most prestigious private universities. Established in 2005, LPU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines like engineering, management, arts, sciences, and more. Known for its modern infrastructure, innovative teaching methods, and focus on research and entrepreneurship, LPU attracts students from all over India and abroad. The university has a vibrant campus life, experienced faculty, and a strong placement record, making it a popular choice for students seeking a holistic educational experience.

[philosophika]

"Unfortunately, even when emerging adults with ADHD attend college, only a small proportion (5%) reach graduation (Hechtman, 2017; Hechtman et al., 2016). Despite the increasing numbers of students with ADHD who attend college, little is known about this group regarding academic experiences and predictors for academic success in college (Weyandt et al., 2013; Wolf, Simkowitz, & Carlson, 2009)."

[philearning]

Let's celebrate World Environment Day!

And reinforce our commitment this year's theme of World Environment Day - Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience and preserve nature and natural resources! Get to know how to fulfill this commitment through our books. https://shorturl.at/WwcuF

[lloydbba]

BBA is a versatile undergraduate program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in business principles and practices. This degree aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in various business fields. Lloyd Institute offers a comprehensive BBA program with specializations in General Management and Data Analytics.

[theresa-of-liechtenstein]

what are you reading? 👀

this is going to sound so stupid but. my own fanfic 😂😂😂

[miadebbas]

Teta Alit

Teta Alit visually translates phrases from the Arabic/Lebanese language into literal scenarios to bring humour, lighthearted connection, and understanding between diverse backgrounds. This Series will play with language and show how beautiful, poetic, and funny the Arabic language is. 

The title in english means, "My Grandmother Said". "Teta" Is My Grandmother in Lebanese, and the word "Alit" can be translated to the word said.

This series was part of my undergrad thesis at OCAD U. 

Ever wondered what some expressions or proverbs your grandparents, or even parents, say sometimes means? Or while visiting a foreign country you hear a strange saying and you wonder what it means? Sometimes they even translate funny…

Here are 10 Lebanese and Arabic proverbs that could have a different meaning that what they sound.

1- El Ered Bi 3ein Emmo Ghazel - القرد في عين أمه غزال

This translates to “The monkey is a deer in his mother’s eyes”.

It’s an Egyptian expression that means that the mother thinks that their child is beautiful and perfect when in reality they are not.

2- Kalemak 3assal 3ala Albeh -  كلامك عسل على قلبي

This translates to “Your words are honey on my heart"  

The feminine version would be “kalemik 3assal 3a albeh”. You just have to replace the -ak with -ik depending on who you talk to. -ak is masculine and -ik is feminine

This expression is the perfect response for when a special someone says something especially sweet. This can also be a used for flirting 😉.  

3- Baselto Ma7rou2a - بصلة محروقة

This translates to “Your onion is burning”

the feminine version would be “Baselta ma7rou2a”. -o is masculine -a is feminine, changes depending on who you talk to.

you can also use “Baseltak ma7rou2a” or “Baseltik ma7rou2a” if you are talking directly to the person. The previous versions are when you are talking about someone.

*see previous proverb for -ik and -ak explanation.

This proverb means that he/she is very impatient.

4- El Tekrar Fi Ta3lim El Hmar - التّكرار في تعلّم الحمار

This translates to “repetition teaches a donkey”.

it means practice makes perfect.

5- Tanjra w le2it ghataha -  طنجرا و لاقيت غطها

This translates to “A pot found it’s cover”

This is said of two people who click.

Personal anecdote:  It is something I felt when I met my best friend. It felt cosmic, it felt right. It felt like I, to take the words of the proverb, found my cover.

6- 7amil El Sullom Bil 3ared -  حامل السّلم بالعرض

Translates to “He is carrying the ladder horizontally”.

When you say it to a woman you have to say “7amle el sullom bil 3ared”. -il is masculine and -le is feminine.

This means he/she is complicating things.

7- Toqbor Albeh - تقبر قلبي

This translates to “Burry my heart”.

Just to let you know no one wants to burry anyone here...

Funny enough despite the dark tone of the expression, it is actually an expression to express one’s love to another. It means that they would rather die than to lose you. It is something I hear my mother say a lot to my siblings and I, so for me this is an expression mostly used by mothers.

A similar expression of love would be Tuqborni*/تقبرني : which translates to “Burry me” .  

This also means that they would rather die and have you bury them before losing you.

An expression used instead of saying “I love you so much”.

*I actually hear my grandmothers say it a lot to express her love.

A sweet expression, right?

8- Rou7 Ballit El Ba7er - روح بلّط البحر

This translates to “Go tile the sea”.

Oh! how I love this expression!! I am guilty of using it a lot, especially when talking to my brother. 

 This is an expression used a lot instead of saying “Leave me alone” or “Get lost”.

9- Fakhar ykassir ba3do - فخار يكسر بعضه 

This translates to “Let the pottery brake itself”

This means to let people deal with their own mess, in other words let’s not deal with the problems of others.

10- Re7na Salata - رحنا سلطة 

This translates to “We went salad”

Something we say when we’re screwed and there is no going back.

I started this thesis to give you all a look at my culture but in the end, I ended up learning a lot too!

Hope you enjoyed it~

Mia 

PS: This might be my longest post. 

[barnbridges]

im always marion barnbridge disciple im sorry mother

[lildoodlenoodle]

For the people who went to college or higher education, specifically in STEM with ADHD,

How’d you do it?

Cause rn I’m rlly struggling and was just diagnosed, any advice is appreciated! Pls reblog with your stories or advice!