Program Overview

Introduction to the Equitizing Gateway Courses (EGC) Program

The Equitizing Gateway Courses (EGC) program is a two-semester, multi-dimensional professional development opportunity designed for faculty to cultivate and deepen equity-centered pedagogical practices. This program aims to better serve today's students, particularly African American and Latinx students, by developing and implementing changes in teaching practices, classrooms, and curriculum.

Program Overview

• The EGC program is part of the SMC Redesign and advances the SMC Student Equity Plan.
• It is institutionally supported, and faculty will receive compensation for their involvement.
• The program includes peer support from trained departmental "Equity Coaches."

Eligibility and Participation

• This opportunity is open to all faculty, with priority given to full-time faculty and adjunct faculty with Associate Status.
• Non-associate status adjunct faculty will be invited to participate as space permits.
• All faculty must have current teaching assignments to register.

Program Objectives

• Cultivate an equity-centered learning experience to better serve today's students, particularly African American and Latinx students.
• Help faculty understand the holistic experiences of African American and Latinx students through qualitative and quantitative data to foster a sense of belonging.
• Assist faculty in developing and implementing culturally-responsive, antiracist, and trauma-informed pedagogies.
• Assist faculty in developing holistic student support and care along with positive messaging for African American and Latinx students.

Faculty Compensation

• Faculty who fully participate in both semesters will receive a stipend of approximately $2665.

Equity Coach Compensation

• Equity Coaches will participate in EGC and receive additional training to facilitate departmental work, for which they will receive a combined total stipend of approximately $4225.

Program Phases

Phase 1 - Faculty Experience (Critical Reflection)

• Focuses on faculty equity mindedness, reflexivity, and race consciousness to design equitable and transformative learning experiences.

Phase 2 - Student Experience (Data-Informed Practices)

• Aims to eliminate equity gaps by using quantitative and qualitative data to identify and understand equity gaps and design evidence-based solutions.

Phase 3 - Teaching & Learning Experience (Pedagogy)

• Establishes culturally responsive teaching and learning in every classroom, grounded in CRT, antiracist, and trauma-informed pedagogies.

Phase 4 - Student Engagement & Belonging Experience (Retention)

• Cultivates and sustains a culture of engagement and belonging in every class, focusing on authentic care, asset-based communication, and openness to engage.