On 22 June, GenDI committee members came together for a once-in-two-years GenDI Retreat to discuss certain topics in-depth. As the retreats allows for more time and creative methods to discuss, we were able to see what needs more reflection in the future and on what we can build through concrete action points.
This year, we focussed on three specific topics throughout the afternoon. We discussed the topic ‘the role of GenDI in creating a diverse inclusive and safe environment’. While this is not an easy task and what is means to ‘create an inclusive and safe environment’ is not in all situations mutually compatible, we discussed what GenDI as a committee should do, should be and for whom.
Moreover, we discussed the topic ‘student course evaluation: bias, usefulness and opportunities for improvement’. During the discussion we focussed on two concerns: 1) grading teacher’s performance, which carries known bias against minority staff and tracks course difficulty more than teaching quality, and 2) how to handle improper comments in open text fields. The discussions gave rise to various ideas to develop further within the faculty.
Finally, we discussed how to ‘support first-generation students and staff in a Dutch academic setting’. Through the discussion, we were able to define three aims: 1) build towards a positive narrative as we believe it is important to be proud of people who are the first in their families to study or work in a Dutch academic setting, 2) create a space to meet and share experiences, challenges and opportunities, and 3) make the notion of first-generation and what it means visible under students and staff members.
If you have topics to suggest or want to join GenDI as a member, please contact: gendi-committee [at] science.ru.nl (gendi-committee[at]science[dot]ru[dot]nl).