The Office of the Provost, in collaboration with the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and Assessment, Survey, and Effectiveness Research (ASER), will host the second Spring 2026 Classroom Equity Action Plan Faculty Forum on Thursday, April 16, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of Old Chapel.

Image

All UMass Amherst faculty members and graduate students interested in or currently engaged in Classroom Equity Action Plan initiatives are invited to attend at any time during the event. The forum will be hosted by Wilmore Webley, senior vice provost for equity and inclusion. 

During the forum, Betsy Cracco, associate vice chancellor of campus life and wellbeing, will discuss the topic of “Belonging” in relation to the Equity Action Plan. Additionally, Krista Gile, professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, will share her experiences with implementing Equity Action Plans. 

The forum will also provide a platform for faculty members to learn from their colleagues about the progress, successful strategies and best practices being utilized by departments across campus. 

Faculty are encouraged to share their unique perspectives and experiences while reflecting on a collective approach to teaching. Representatives from CTL and ASER will be present to share information and resources, provide guidance and answer any questions. The overall goal of the forum is to assist each faculty member, department, and college in improving equity, belonging, connectedness and well-being in the classroom. 

When thoughtfully implemented, these high-impact practices help all students thrive - strengthen engagement, increasing retention, and improving four- and six-year graduation rates.

To emphasize the importance of this work, up to four departmental awards of $3,000 will be granted to departments that demonstrate a strong commitment to equity-minded teaching practices. These awards will support the continuation of these important at-promise classroom initiatives. 

Departments are invited to apply by May 5, 2026, by sharing innovative ways they have implemented Classroom Equity Action Plans to foster student belonging and success.

Additional information and resources will be shared in the Classroom Equity Action Plan Teams Channel. Online registration is now open for the April 16 forum. For more information about the Classroom Equity Action Plan and to RSVP, visit the Classroom Equity Action Plan web page.