Why are student recorded name pronunciations important?

CCC CVC-OEI

According to the 2017 California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office Distance Education Report, "With the increasing number of distance education students and the development and expansion of courses and programs, colleges face new challenges to provide student services and other support in the online learning environment. This challenge is not limited to distance education students. Traditional students on campus also need the option to access student services without having to come to campus." 

Nearly 27% of California Community College students will take a distance education course this year and 51% of our colleges offer certificates and degrees that can be earned without stepping onto campus for classes. It is important to remember that student support goes beyond instruction, it requires creating a space where students feel connected, supported and understood. In an effort to close the equity gap in distance education, the CVC-OEI strives to develop innovative online resources to support existing CCC distance education programs.

The CVC-OEI strives to develop innovative online resources to support existing distance education programs at the California Community Colleges (CCC). With student equity at the forefront of all efforts, the  CVC-OEI Student Experience team promotes a holistic approach for the online learning environment. It is important to remember that student support goes beyond instruction, it requires creating a space where students feel connected, supported and understood.

When people you interact with pronounce your name correctly, you feel more valued and included. Many people, go through life continuously correcting the way others pronounce their name. That's not an experience that makes a person feel valued. To ensure our students feel included and honored, we should pronounce their names the right way -- the way they pronounce their own names.

Why is this important for student service areas?

  • to ensure students are getting the services they require

  • accuracy in our databases

  • demonstrates campus-wide commitment to inclusion

  • can make a difference in how students feel about our service areas and college

  • shows respects, makes students feel seen, increases their sense of belonging

It’s important to create a sense of belonging in student service areas and to create intentional practices to humanize students and staff in the online learning environment. Use equity-minded tools like NameCoach to increase students’ sense of belonging online and on campus.

Key Contacts:

If your college is interested in adopting  NameCoach,  please contact  support@cvc.edu

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