Microaggression Action Steps for the MFA Community

The MFA strives to create an environment that is respectful and inclusive. However, in the event a student experiences a microaggression, there are multiple pathways for addressing or reporting it. The faculty and administration of the MFA take such violations of the spirit of the community of writers here very seriously.

If a microaggression occurs among students, it may be reported to any MFA Faculty member, the Associate Director, or Director.

If a microaggression occurs between student and faculty or staff member, the UMass Equal Opportunity recommends the following course of action: The first step is to identify the behavior and then decide whether or not the student wants to speak directly to the offender about the incident.

If the student is not comfortable talking with the faculty/staff about the incident, it can be reported to the Program Director, Director of Community Engagement, or English Department Chair who will discuss possible responses* with the student.

• Program Director: Edie Meidav, @email, South College, E353
• Director of Community Engagement: Jennifer Jacobson, @email, South College, E357
• English Chair: Donna LeCourt, @email, South College, E445B

If the student would prefer another resource, the Ombuds Office is the place to “talk confidentially and 'off the record' about any campus concern, issue, or conflict. The Ombuds staff works with visitors in a variety of ways to help them understand their options and resolve their concerns,” according to their website. To learn more about these resources see: How the Ombuds Can Help Graduate Students. The Ombuds Office is located at 823 Campus Center and may be contacted at 413-545-0867 or @email.

The Ombuds Office might also direct students to the Equal Opportunity office. The EO office spells out what is expected of both instructors and students in the classroom: Promoting Respect in the Classroom (PDF). The student may also file a grievance with EO: EO Grievance Policy and Procedures.

*Possible responses include but are not limited to the following:

• Meeting with the students or with the student and faculty member with Director and/or Director of Community Engagement present.
• Director and/or Director of Community Engagement meet with faculty without student. Discussion between student and faculty member mediated by a third party.
• Reaching out to Ombuds office (see links above)
• Filing an Equal Opportunity Grievance (see links above)