Does the first day really matter?

Dr. Timmons and Dr. Erickson teach different sections of the same large-enrollment introductory course. Step into a student’s shoes to observe their course introductions and reflect upon your own teaching practices for the first day of class.

Group work doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

• Kai, Meg, and Cassidy are starting their group project together, but there are problems from the beginning. Learn how transparent assignments and groupwork facilitation can prevent interpersonal issues and provide a more inclusive working environment for all students.

"'I'm starting to wonder if I should even be here."

• Hear stories from Gene, Tori, and Claire about their experiences with belonging and belonging uncertainty in their education. Consider how small changes and psychosocial interventions during lectures can allow students to feel they belong in your classroom, at UVA, and in your field of research--and learn why belonging matters in the first place.

The 3x3 Series is curated with the intent to capture authentic and multifaceted narratives of the UVA experience. This series aims to make visible the experiences of folks who are often forgotten, overlooked, or silenced in larger conversations about systems and culture at UVA. Any UVA employee can access the filmed monologues for personal reflection here, and you can email uvaacts@virginia.edu for additional facilitation support when using these resources for dialogue in a group.

Learn More

Plenty of personalities, plenty of opinions, plenty of bias.

Meet Chris, a recently tenured faculty member who is chairing his first search committee. Chris has plenty to learn about facilitating equitable search processes that adjust to prevent bias--and he has plenty to unlearn, too. Follow along with this quirky search committee as they learn to align, intervene, and plan throughout their recruitment and hiring process.

It’s possible that one of our existing programs may already touch on this issue, and that we may be able to adjust facilitation accordingly to meet your needs. Should that not be possible, UVA Acts is open to coordinating with you to present a program crafted to address a particular topic of concern for your group.

This 15 to 20-minute micro-facilitation allows your group the opportunity to encounter the techniques and unique qualities of UVA Acts within your regularly scheduled meetings. It introduces you to the role of performance in fostering dialogue. This appetizer should help prepare your group for encountering one of UVA Acts’ full-length, 60 to 90-minute programs in an informed and engaged way in the near future.

Watch as Robin and Sam maneuver a workplace conversation. Consider how small changes and intentional practices can allow employees to feel they belong on your team (and learn why belonging matters in the first place). Strategize and practice ways to interrupt bias, affirm impact, and build a more inclusive culture.