Alexis Richardson

I learned that Title IX and VAWA help schools respond to sexual harassment and violence by making sure students are safe and supported. Some staff must report what students tell them, but some services like counseling are private. Schools can offer help like schedule or housing changes even during an investigation.

How I’ll use this:
Listen and take people seriously
Know where to send someone for help
Understand campus support options better

So Title IX is a federal law that protects students from sex based discrimination in education, including sexual harassment and assault. Schools must respond to reports and provide support to students. VAWA helps schools prevent and respond to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It also requires prevention education and clear reporting procedures. Both laws aim to make campuses safer and ensure students know their rights and resources. I will apply this by being aware of reporting options, supporting others if they need help, and helping promote a respectful and safe campus environment.

Making the connection means building understanding between people, not just sharing information. It involves listening carefully, paying attention to body language, and showing that you understand what the other person is saying. I learned that active listening like repeating back what someone said and asking questions helps improve communication and build trust. I plan to use this by paying closer attention in conversations, not interrupting, and checking that I understand correctly. It’s about making people feel heard and understood.
 
 

Advanced listening skills mean really focusing on understanding what someone is saying, not just hearing the words. This includes paying attention to their tone and body language, and using techniques like repeating back what they said or asking clear questions. I learned that empathy is important too—showing you understand how someone feels can improve communication and trust. I plan to use these skills by listening more carefully, not interrupting, and checking my understanding before responding. One question I still have is how to listen well while still keeping conversations quick when things are busy.

One key thing I learned about communication is that how you say something matters as much as what you say. Tone, body language, and word choice all affect how a message is understood. I also learned that being clear and knowing your audience helps avoid confusion. Getting feedback is important too, since people may not always understand a message the way you intended. I plan to apply this by being more clear, mindful of my tone, and checking for understanding, especially in emails. I always say communication is key. 

One key thing I learned about online course delivery is that clear structure really matters. Organizing content into simple, consistent modules helps students stay on track. I also learned that variety is important. Instead of long lectures, shorter videos and interactive activities like discussions or quizzes keep students more engaged. Another takeaway is instructor presence. Staying active through announcements, feedback, and discussions helps students feel more connected. I plan to organize my course into weekly modules, use shorter videos, and stay involved with students regularly. One question I have is how to balance flexibility with keeping students accountable.

Knowing your school well helps you explain programs clearly and accurately. It lets you show students the differences between options and what to expect. I will use this by learning more about each program and connecting that information to what students want. It helps me guide students to the right fit.

I think that next steps and follow-Up means making sure students know what to do after the meeting and staying in touch with them. Next steps should be clear and simple so students aren’t confused. Follow-up helps answer questions and keeps students moving forward. It helps guide and support students through the process.

The Tuition Investment topic teaches that cost should be explained clearly and based on the student’s needs.

It’s best to talk about tuition after learning about the student so the information is relevant and not overwhelming.

I will apply this by asking questions first, then explaining cost simply and connecting it to the student’s goals.

Overall, the goal is to make the cost conversation clear and easy to understand.
 
 

I learned that Gather and Give means first learning about the student, then sharing information that fits their needs.

Instead of giving all details right away, I should ask questions and listen first.

Then I can share only the information that is most helpful to them.

This makes the conversation more focused, simple, and student-centered.