UW News

November 8, 2007

Safety and students is topic of workshop

“Addressing Faculty and TA Questions about Safety and Our Students” is the title of a workshop to be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 in the Walker-Ames Room, Kane. Sponsored by the Center for Instructional Development and Research (CIDR), a unit of the Graduate School; and the UW Advisory Council on Violence Prevention, the workshop is free and open to all — targeting especially anyone in the classroom who teaches in any discipline, at any level.


Workshop panelists include Debra Nelson, Student Life; Kathryn Hamilton, the Counseling Center; Gus Kravas, Student Academic Conduct; and David Girts, UW Police. They will address questions such as:



  • What are the “markers of distress” among students that could lead to action, e.g., suicidal tendencies?
  • How do you identify the potential for a threatening classroom situation?
  • What are the common challenges faculty and TAs face related to safety in the learning environment?
  • How can instructors become more aware of safety issues related to their work with students?
  • What policies and procedures are in place to support instructors?
  • What strategies can help instructors address safety concerns?
  • What are the campus resources that can assist with these challenges?


Brief presentations by panelists will be followed by audience questions/answers and discussion. Representatives from related UW organizations will be available to answer questions and provide additional information during the reception.


CIDR has also developed an in-depth website that has received acclaim, “Threatening Classroom Situations: A Planning Guide for Faculty and TAs”:  http://depts.washington.edu/cidrweb/resources/safety.html.


On Friday, Nov. 16, two workshop opportunities designed to go into more depth on issues for faculty and TAs will be offered. Led by various representatives from the UW Advisory Council on Violence Prevention and other campus organizations, the workshops will focus specifically on communication strategies for dealing with student safety issues, particularly students who are in distress, and students whose behavior creates stress in classrooms, labs, office hours, etc.


Attendance will be limited — attendees may choose 9:30 – 11 a.m. or 1:30 – 3 p.m. Both workshops held in the Chemistry Library Building, room 021. Register for either by indicating which time you prefer and your name/department. Send registration to rsvp@cidr.washington.edu.


For more information, contact Lana Rae Lenz, CIDR; 206- 543-0698, 543-6588; lenz@cidr.washington.edu.