The following morning I faced a room full of students—first-time voters—stunned by the results and with nowhere else to turn but my classroom. They looked to me for answers and understanding that I did not have, certainly in the midst of a music theory block. I improvised, literally, a lesson on Rufus Wainwright’s cover of “Hallelujah,” which lyrically announces its harmonic progression in the first verse: “it goes like this / the fourth, the fifth / the minor fall, the major lift…”

But the lesson struck another type of chord. It offered space for contemplation, for reflection. And it provided an opening for conversation that we all needed. That was eight years and a global pandemic ago.

It is important to acknowledge that this election – regardless of individual political beliefs – will evoke a range of emotions within our campus community. This all sits alongside many other deeply challenging realities around the world.

As educators whose work extends beyond academic instruction, we must foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all our students. The intensive nature of the block provides both opportunities and challenges for building and navigating classroom culture during the present moment.

Hour after hour, day after day, we get to know our students in ways not possible on other calendars and at other institutions. Accordingly, we also gain an ability to read the energy of the room and adjust our plans and our own energy as the day requires. Sometimes we can even anticipate the needs of our students before they do.

We don’t know what is going to happen on election day in less than two weeks. Likely uncertainty will remain the day after and perhaps beyond the end of the current block. Research shows that students benefit from an acknowledgement of challenging moments.

Proactive planning is perhaps the most important work we can do. In addition to establishing a culture of open and inclusive dialogue, consider your core pedagogical values. Think about your own boundaries. Be aware that attentions may be divided and, if possible, avoid scheduling significant assessments (exams, papers, etc.) the days surrounding the election. Revisit your learning outcomes and plan alternate ways you might approach your course given a variety of possible election outcomes. Most of all, take good care of yourselves.

The Dean of the Faculty Office has prepared some Faculty Resources for the 2024 Elections and the Crown Center has linked some additional teaching-related resources and planned gatherings below.

I welcome the opportunity to talk with anyone about their ideas, concerns, and hopes for navigating the block ahead. Please email me directly to find time to do so individually or in a group setting.

Sincerely,