Community Agreements

This process was adapted from University of Washington's Developing community agreements page.

Step 1: Schedule Time to Introduce the Concept  

It is important to schedule time to introduce the idea and develop a community agreement early in the semester as this will set the tone for the class environment. Further, investing time in this activity communicates to students how important it is to you to create an inclusive environment.  

Step 2: Generate Ideas Collaboratively 

It is important to generate and agree to ideas collaboratively. You can start from a draft that you share with students, or you can co-create the list from scratch.  

Start From a Draft 

Please see below for a draft that you can use and modify to your liking. 

Or Co-create From Scratch 

This process requires that you set aside a little more time. To get students started, you can have them reflect on some questions. They might do this individually, in small groups, or in a think-pair-share structure (think individually in writing, pair with a partner to discuss, share with a larger group). Here are some questions you might pose: 

• What do you need from others (peers, instructor) for this to be a positive, inclusive learning environment? 
• What do you need from others to succeed during collaborative or group work? 
• What do you need from others to succeed during discussion? 

The ideas generated can be gathered in a shared document, on a classroom whiteboard, or in a discussion forum. 

Step 3: Discuss 

Once a draft has been generated, provide students the opportunity to review it, identify areas that overlap or can be combined, and offer refinements. After refinements have been made, consider asking for feedback in an anonymous poll or survey. 

Here is a sample anonymous poll. Please modify to your liking.

• Overall Comfort: On a scale of 1 to 5, how comfortable do you feel with our community agreement? 
• Inclusivity and Representation: Do you feel the agreement reflects everyone's needs and values? (Yes/No/Not Sure) 
• Suggestions for Improvement: Is there anything you would change or add to improve the agreement? (Optional) 
• Final Thoughts: Do you feel heard and valued in the creation of this agreement? (Yes/No/Not Sure) 

Step 4: Synthesize and Share  

Review the draft and any feedback from the poll, synthesize a final draft of the community agreement. Make sure to keep the list short, between 4-8 items, so it is manageable and realistic to implement.  

Step 5: Revisit 

Revisit the community agreement at key times during the term: 

• At the beginning of a group assignment 
• Before discussing a sensitive topic 
• When things get difficult in class or when a conflict arises 
• At midterm to check in and see if you’d like to make any adjustments 

Directions for faculty: Please modify this draft to your liking.

Our Community Agreements – A Draft 

Directions for students: Let's take some time to create our community agreements together. Starting from the draft below, we will work together to modify and make it our own. In small groups, discuss each point, sharing your thoughts on what resonates with you and suggesting what might need adjustment to better reflect our classroom values. As you collaborate, consider how these agreements can help create a welcoming and equitable environment for everyone. After our discussions, we'll come together as a class to agree on any changes and finalize our community agreement. 

Respect and Inclusivity

Celebrate everyone's identity and be mindful of how words and actions might affect others. Strive to create a welcoming space for everyone. 

Engagement and Feedback

Participate actively, listen to others, and embrace feedback to grow together. Respectfully address any comments or behaviors that may unintentionally cause harm, and be open to learning from these experiences. 

Collaboration and Problem Solving

Work together constructively, and if issues arise, acknowledge and address any misunderstandings or conflicts respectfully and promptly. 

Responsibility and Flexibility

Be accountable for your actions and support flexible solutions for varying circumstances. Be open to adapting to the needs of your peers to maintain a supportive community. 

Equity and Reflection

Ensure fairness in activities and regularly reflect on our interactions to ensure they align with our commitment to an equitable environment.