Learning environment

I want this to be a supportive and challenging course for you, one where you feel empowered to stretch yourself, learn in a way that makes sense for you, and build something that you are proud of.

I want ours to be a learning environments that is practical, inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. This page describes a few things I and we can do to help create that environment.

Basic needs

Before you can learn, all your basic human needs must be met. All of these things are more important than whatever is going on in class:

  • Health
  • Shelter
  • Food

If you do not have all of these, or if you are a caretaker for someone who does not have these and you need time to care for them, then please contact your Academic Dean to let them know. Typically, your Dean will then contact me to arrange flexibility for our course, if necessary. If you feel comfortable, you can also contact me directly. You don’t need to disclose any information you are not comfortable disclosing. Just let me know that you are in touch with your Dean about getting some flexibility for the course.

Mental health and wellness resources

A healthy mind is important, and not just because it helps us study! You might experience issues that can interfere with academic success such as academic stress, sleep problems, juggling responsibilities, life events, relationship concerns, or feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or depression. If you or a friend is struggling, I strongly encourage you to seek support. There are resources are available to you on campus, at no charge.

  • If you are struggling with this class, and feel comfortable letting me know, please reach out to me in person or over email.
  • Check in with an academic dean at your home campus, or with the wellness center.
  • Here is a list of contact information for resources available at the 5Cs.
  • MCAPS provides crisis support services 24/7/365. Students can call them at 909.621.8202 and press “1” at the prompt to speak with a crisis counselor. Other prompt options are available for those not in crisis.

Accessibility

This course should be accessible to student enrolled in it, including those who have temporary and permanent disabilities. I have done my best to design this course to be accessible, following accessibility guidelines for all materials. I have also built flexibility into due dates and grading. If you are not able to access materials in a way that supports your learning, please let me know right away, so I can fix it.

If you have a disability (including mental health and chronic or temporary medical conditions) and if you may need some accommodation in order to fully participate in this class, please contact your home college’s accessibility office. They and I can work together to support you.

The Claremont Colleges also has a Student Disability Resources Center (SDRC), which provides many resources for students, including an assistive technology loan program.

If any aspects of the instruction or design of this course result in barriers to inclusion—for an individual or a cohort group—let me know as soon as possible. If an alternative communications channel is more appropriate, you could contact the CS department chair, the HMC Dean of Faculty or another 5C Dean of Students, or another faculty member at HMC, depending on the path you feel most comfortable with.