In addition to posting a public intro in the discussion board, I require that students also submit a private class introduction by responding to the following questions. Responses are 100% confidential, but your responses gives me more information to help each student succeed.
Post your private intro in the Assignments area (link in blue navbar above).
- What is your full name as it appears on my roster? Do you have a nickname, e.g., if you prefer "Pat" rather than "Patricia" or "Alex" rather than "Alexander"? Do you have a chosen name that you prefer to be called?
Please note that the college has a Chosen Name Policy by which you can formally request that your chosen name be reflected on faculty class rosters, on your college email, in Blackboard course websites, etc. Contact the College Associate Dean for Master Schedule/Registrar by phone (631-451-4008) or email (registrara@sunysuffolk.edu) to submit your request.
- What pronouns should we use when referring to you? she/her— he/him — they/them
- Is there anything you want me to know about you that might help me better understand your performance in this class (e.g., work schedule, family obligations, etc.)?
- Do you need formal accommodations through the college, e.g., from the Office of Disability Services? If you already have an accommodations letter, please email that pdf to me at eatonc@sunysuffolk.edu as soon as you can.
- Optional: If you wish, please feel free to share any identity markers regarding your race, ethnicity, sex, gender, socioeconomic class status, religious beliefs, etc. A few examples from previous semesters' students:
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- "I'm Shinnecock Indian, but everybody just assumes I'm a black guy."
- "I am working class bordering on poor... I work three part-time jobs including two overnight shifts so if I'm always posting at the last minute don't take it personally."
- "I'm an adult learner and very self-conscious about being 20 years older than everybody else."
- "I am transgender male. It matters a lot to me that you use my chosen name and pronouns, not what's on your roster. I'm in the process of a legal name change."