“In a recent videoconference, we were asked the ‘most fun thing you’ve done with your family during quarantine.’ Participant answers ranged from ‘gardening with my husband’ to ‘dance parties with my family,’” Viveiros said. In fact, even a simple icebreaker - common for videoconferencing settings -can be a pathway for uninentionally reinforcing dominant social norms and identities. “For example, when the virtual background of a Zoom meeting attendee has pictures of his or her wedding, it unintentionally reinforces the idea that marriage is most fitting between opposite sexes.” “Unconscious bias can intersect with language, symbolism and nonverbal cues that reinforce normative social identities with respect to gender, race, sexual preference and socioeconomic status,” Bonomi said.
These can be related to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etcetera. Rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.While employees use videoconferencing now more than ever, there’s an issue happening beneath the surface with platforms like Zoom, Teams and Skype beyond stress and mental health that’s affecting its users.Īmy Bonomi, a social science researcher from Michigan State University, and Nelia Viveiros from University of Colorado, said that these platforms are a ripe setting for unconscious bias - or, attitudes towards people or associated stereotypes with them without our conscious knowledge. Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through The Zoom sessions are designed for current Minot State students, but if community members, families, or prospective students have questions, the ASC can help answer those as well. We know students have questions and wanted a way where we can interact with students, helping them find answers, in a more effective way.” “We wanted to provide this service, even though faculty, staff, and students are working and learning remotely. “During normal operations, the Academic Support Center is often a clearinghouse for questions,” she said. The ASC provides a way to get the help students need quickly and with a live person.”Īccording to Odahlen, the idea came about after receiving multiple emails and phone calls from students, faculty, and staff after all services transitioned online.
We know it can be confusing trying to find information online and how to contact staff and faculty. “This will also provide a way for ASC staff to help provide resources and information. We wanted to provide students with a way to meet with a staff member and ask their questions,” said Beth Odahlen, Academic Support Center director. “The Academic Support Center staff know students have questions about online classes, MSU resources, and registering for classes for the summer and fall.
After selecting the day and time, students start in the Zoom waiting room until an ASC staff member invites them to a meeting space. Students can access the site at: /asc/schedule.shtml and choose the meeting day and time. The services will allow students to join Zoom meetings held during the ASK the ASC hours, Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 1-3 p.m. – The Minot State University Academic Support Center (ASC) has adjusted all of its services to an online platform and is now offering Zoom Chat to help provide an interactive environment.