Georgiana Bougher

FERPA not only protects students' privacy it also allows students access to their own educational records.  Institutions have 45 days to provide student's access.  Students also have the right to file a complaint when they become aware of a violation however they have 180 days to do this.  The family compliance office of the department of education handles complaints.  Enforcement of FERPA is provided under the General Education Powers Acgt.

It is important that students be aware of signs a peer may be considering having unwanted sexual encounters with persons incapacitated by alcohol and/or drugs and be empowered to intervene.

It is interesting that there is a difference in the level of evidence required for criminal and Title IX and VAWA.  A criminal case may be dropped and still have Title IX/VAWA greivance hearing and outcomes.

Institutions are still responsible to conduct an investigation of sexual misconduct even if the victim is not willing to come forward and file a complaint if they have information that misconduct has occurred.  The institution must also assure the person who has been affected by sexual misconduct is provided a safe environment to learn and live in.

It is unfortunate that there is a need for such laws but reality dictates the need to provide all students with a safe learning environment.  It is important to set standards in the classroom on appropriate conduct and model this behavior.  It is important to keep aware of class climate that is not in keeping with Title IX.  

Enthusiasm is contagious. If faculty are enthusiastic about a course student are more likely to also.  Faculty also need to be empathetic to personal issues encountered by students ie. death of loved one.

Learners have about a 15 minute attention span. It is important to draw students into class discussions or involve them in critical thinking.  

Students are sensitive to how faculty interact with them.  I have heard students say this instructor just destroyed me when I made a mistake whereas another instructor made them feel confident when they approached the same situation by saying I understand why you did that but try doing it this way you'll have a better result.

Students, especially adult learners, want learning experiences that lead to fulfillment of their goals.  They don't appreciate busy work.  Adult learners also want to relate lived experiences to knew knowledge.  Class activities need to address this.

Student attention is maxed out at about 15 minutes. Using mini-lectures mixed with other activities helps keep students engaged.