Rebecca Cipollina, Ph.D.
Diversity and Teaching Materials
I'm committed to promoting the success and well-being of individuals with marginalized social identities (e.g., racial, gender, and sexual minorities, students with disabilities, 1st generation students).
In the classroom, I am passionate about educating about theoretical and experimental works that aid in students' understanding of the social and structural forces that create different lived experiences for individuals with different social identities than themselves. I contribute regularly to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committees and DEI-focused programs with the aim to reduce instances of bias and create more inclusive spaces in academia.
Please see the attachments below for some of my efforts towards this goal.
Diversity Committee Efforts
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As a graduate student, I participated in graduate and faculty DEI committees promoting efforts to reduce undergraduate and graduate students' experiences of bias.
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Click the button below to see an example departmental tip of the month that I co-authored on the dangers of model minority myths and the rise of anti-asian racism during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inclusive Teaching Practices
Course content and syllabi can include beliefs or statements that increase marginalized groups' expectations of identity-based mistreatment. Click the button below to view my co-authored work on ways improve expectations of inclusion via syllabi and course materials.
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Click the button below for recommendations on how to make your classroom more accessble and inclusive for students with disabilities (co-authored department tip).
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Sample Course Assignment
An important part of my teaching involves encouraging perspective-taking and considering how social forces maintain group disparities. As an assignment in my gender course, my students interview someone else with a different gender identity about a concept discussed in class and report on what they learned. Click below for a sample assignment and student response.
Getting Involved
Teaching Evaluations from Past Students
In my most recent course, 100% of students agreed or strongly agreed that I respected the various points of view expressed by my students and that I utilized inclusive course materials and assignments (i.e., materials that that recognized human diversity-- including but not limited to race/ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation).
She “encouraged my intellectual growth and progress by allowing me to look into more issues around me. I think the growth of awareness is now what allows me to see things clearer.”
“I felt that Professor Cipollina created a healthy and comfortable environment, thanks to her … I felt more willing to openly discuss matters learned in class.”
“Rebecca presented material in a way that encouraged discussion, participation, and welcomed all our thoughts and opinions.”