May 4, 2024

The following message was emailed to faculty and graduate employee instructors.

Dear University of Oregon colleagues,

I am writing to provide reminders of resources, guidelines, and expectations for members of our university community. This letter follows a similar message that was sent to the Administrative and Academic Leadership group (AAL) yesterday.

The University of Oregon is committed to fostering equity and inclusion in a welcoming, safe, and respectful community for all. This commitment is central to our organization and is specifically called out in our core values, which assert that we “value our diversity and seek to foster equity and inclusion in a welcoming, safe, and respectful community.” 

As a public institution we are also bound by federal law, specifically Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to provide “a school environment free from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.” This requires us to take adequate steps to address discriminatory harassment, and to prevent an unlawful hostile environment on campus that limits the ability of any individual to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by our university. Information on our obligations related to diversity and inclusion under Title VI can be found here. The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights also provides a helpful fact sheet.

The following is intended to provide reminders and guidance for classroom instruction and for personal interactions with the campus community.

Classroom Instruction 
Instructors are reminded of the importance of addressing campus and national issues, when academically appropriate, in an educational context that is informed, thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Please also be aware of the following expectations related to scheduled instruction and advising:

• Class Schedules: Classes should be held at the time and place posted in the Schedule of Classes to ensure consistency, safety, and accessibility for all students.
• Office Hours: Office hours should be conducted in unit-assigned spaces or virtually to maintain an equitable, accessible, and welcoming environment for students.

The Office of the Provost offers teaching-related support to instructors through the Teaching Engagement Program, including our Trauma Informed Pedagogy resource, Student Well-being Toolkit, and Teaching in Turbulent Times Toolkit.

Employee Activities 
The following information and resources reinforce expectations related to expressing a political position or supporting political activity while maintaining a respectful workplace. Staff, faculty, graduate employees, student employees, and supervisors are expected to work together to create a respectful working and learning environment.

• Political Activity: We each are free to hold and to express our political views, but we must remain sensitive to the views of others and must not use work time or the workplace to promote or oppose political views that are not relevant to our assigned work. A reminder of these obligations was sent to campus on April 23 and can be found on the Human Resources website. 
• Institutional Resources: Employees should not provide or utilize institutional resources (printing, fiscal, supplies, etc.) to benefit, advance, or support a particular political position or activity.
• Respectful Workplace: We recognize that concerns about current events can lead to stress. It is never appropriate to vent stress or frustration in demeaning, threatening, or verbally abusive ways. Please visit the Respectful Workplace notice webpage for additional information and resources.

Resources and support  
If you have concerns or need support, please reach out for help using the many resources available across campus.

• Employees may contact Canopy, the university's employee assistance program (EAP) provider, for confidential assistance. Canopy can be reached by phone at 1-800-433-2320, by text message at 503-850-7721, or by email at info@canopywell.com. More information is available on the HR website
• The Free Speech and Safety website offers a comprehensive list of resources, including a Frequently Asked Question page that is frequently updated. Additional statements or alerts will be published to this site or sent to campus as necessary.
• In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To report a criminal concern, contact UO Police Department at 541-346-2919.  

Sincerely,

Karen Ford
Interim Provost and Senior Vice President