Dear Faculty and Course Instructors,
With the upcoming election occurring during the fall semester, we recognize that you may have important questions regarding topics such as free speech, political activity, advocacy, voting and disruptive behavior. There are several Penn State groups working to respond to your need for information and guidance, with activities coordinated by my office. In the coming weeks and months, you can expect to receive several communications that will include links to new websites, videos and documents, as well as reminders of current policies that address these and related issues.
It is important for us, as educators, to create an environment where every student can learn and participate through respectful dialogue, critical thinking and civic engagement. As noted, we will soon be sharing more information and resources with you. In the meantime, here is some key guidance regarding engaging students in your classrooms: 1) Focus on sharing non-partisan resources; 2) Encourage students without incentivizing to take advantage of their right to vote; 3) Cultivate an environment where students can form their own opinions on candidates and election outcomes; and 4) Be mindful and respectful of differing perspectives and opinions, and how sharing your own could create an unwelcoming environment.
Cognizant that many faculty members are currently planning their fall classes, this email highlights items I think could be most helpful as you consider how the coming election might influence your course planning. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
In spring 2023, the Faculty Senate passed a revision to policy 42-27 (Class Attendance) setting an expectation that instructors provide, within reason, a remote asynchronous instruction day on Election Day (November 5, 2024). The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence has developed guidance for faculty members about how to prepare for this: www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/pdf/ElectionDayGuidance.pdf
This semester, you will likely be approached by groups wanting to present information to your class. While the decision is ultimately yours, I encourage you to scrutinize requests from groups, even those claiming to be non-partisan, to engage with your class. Maintaining educational objectives, balance, perspective and relevance in the classroom are primary goals that should be considered before allowing any external presentations. Faculty can play an important civic role this fall by helping students access voter education resources. Two reliable Penn State sources of information are:
PSU Votes, supported by Student Affairs, is Penn State’s approved voter education initiative that provides non-partisan information on voter registration and voting. I encourage you to direct your students to the PSU Votes website (psuvotes.psu.edu) for more information. PSU Votes also has created a dedicated faculty and staff resources page (studentaffairs.psu.edu/psuvotes/faculty-staff) that includes all of the resources referred to in this note.
The faculty-created Penn State Voting Resources page, supported by Undergraduate Education, provides guidance for faculty in promoting social responsibility through election participation. In addition to web resources this site includes a flyer, which faculty can post in Canvas, that provides non-partisan voter registration information. The site will soon include information and instructions on a Canvas module that faculty may import and embed within their Canvas courses to help inform students about the upcoming election. See sites.psu.edu/teachengagement/voting-resources/.
Recognizing the possibility for increased tensions on our campuses, here are two useful resources with information on managing disruption in the classroom:
From Student Affairs: studentaffairs.psu.edu/sites/default/files/OSACR_StudentBehaviorFlowChart_2024.pdf.
From Educational Equity: equity.psu.edu/offices/faculty-pathway/classroom-disruption-protocols-final-08-27-20-pdf.pdf/view
The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence also has created additional guidance that you may find useful, including a comprehensive guide on ‘Teaching During Presidential Elections’ (schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/pdf/Teaching_During_Presidential_Elections.pdf) and a ‘Teaching During Presidential Elections Dos and Don’ts’ checklist (schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/pdf/Teaching_During_Presidential_Election_Dos_and_Donts.pdf)
As the election approaches, we recognize the vital role our educational institution plays in fostering a well-informed and engaged student body. Thank you for your support and commitment to our students — and to the principles of academic excellence — as they engage in their civic responsibilities.
Tracy Langkilde
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost