ISSC and DEI

The important concepts of equity and social justice are often daunting for faculty to incorporate into their coursework and, to address that challenge, the Instructional and Student Services Committee (ISSC) is highlighting teaching practices that advance these important principles.

Both through conversations with faculty and personal experience, ISSC has come to recognize that quality course content is the foundation for excellence in teaching and learning. Several faculty members at NOVA are already working toward making course content accessible using Universal Design, inclusive by fostering engagement and belonging, and effective by incorporating Cognitive Load Theory to support student learning.

The following resources about current trends in course content for inclusion, access, and success, are already available for faculty's use:

• Beginner's Guide to Universal Design
• Open Educational Resources at NOVA
• Textbook Affordability and OER at NOVA
• Introduction to Cognitive Load Theory
• Caring for Students Playbook