On Page 16 it says ‘Quiet spaces for prayer and personal reflection should be on each University site. Make sure this is included in induction information and induction tours.
All teachers should be provided with a compulsory multifaith calendar – a multifaith calendar should include listings of major faith events, marked by students and staff at UAL. Tutors can use the calendar to help inform the development of timetables and to plan events‘.
The above is taken from ‘How can I support my students religious needs section’ part A. Sadly, the opening scenario with Aalimah, is such a sad and painful experience described by the student. I find it difficult to believe scenarios such as these can happen, when we as academic staff have a care of duty and pastoral responsibility in the safeguarding of all our students.
The way I introduce myself to new students at the point of induction at level four, is that I give a holistic and authentic reflection of myself. This includes my intersectionalities as a British Asian, born-again Christian, bilingual Punjabi-English speaking, fashion creative. I do my best to share to my students, that my role is to serve them in the best possible way I know, through learning and teaching. My goal is to formulate a safe environment, where students can communicate, converse, debate, and share ideas, trusting that we are in a space, which is open to analysis and critique, with the highest level of respect and appreciation for one another. When we feedback, we respond and suggest solutions, for which we reflect on in love.
Having the opportunity to share with students, the Little book of big case studies, with a reflection, on faith, would be an ideal tool, demonstrating that belief, and no belief, all have a space and voice within UAL. No one, when I was an undergraduate at LCF, asked me about my faith, whether academic or technician demonstrator staff. It seemed at that time, my faith was excluded from my student experience. Yet the reality was, and is, that as a central driver, it is my faith that has carried me through all that I do.
All questions in italics and image taken from: https://issuu.com/teachingwithinson/docs/shades_of_noir_case_study_-faith?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=www.shadesofnoir.org.uk