How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing from edX

When students struggle academically, schools often try to help them. One of the ways in which they do this is to have an academic standing process, which often includes placing them on academic probation or a similar status. The challenge lies in how to inform students of this status in a way that helps students to feel motivated and supported, rather than crushed and ashamed.

Through years of research with students and administrators across the country and world, we have found that it is possible to write a probation notification letter in a way that is sensitive to the psychological experience of students. These “psychologically attuned” letters intentionally address the worries and concerns students often have when being placed on probation and can shift students’ psychological experience in a way that is less shame-inducing and makes them more likely to engage in productive behaviors, like seeking tutoring or talking with a professor.

We created this course to share this approach to writing psychologically attuned notification letters with college administrators. This course will walk you through the psychology and evidence behind this approach, how to write a psychologically attuned letter, how to get feedback on your letter from students and colleagues, and how to implement and evaluate your letter. Administrators who have used this Toolkit often go on to apply this approach to other communications and policies. If you are not a college administrator, you are still welcome to take this course and apply its insights to other communications.

This course has been created in collaboration with the College Transition Collaborative (CTC), a non-profit research center based at Stanford University. CTC bridges research and practice to help colleges create learning environments that foster equitable student engagement and success. Our work helps schools understand how their students experience moments of transition or difficulty, and how psychologically attuned practices–messages, policies, behaviors, and programs–can convey to all students they are valued, respected, and can excel. www.collegetransitioncollaborative.org

What's inside

Learning objectives

How students feel and what they think when they receive communications about academic standing--and how this differs from what administrators intend
How students’ negative reactions, like shame and stigma, can interfere with their academic progress
How to write “psychologically attuned” communications that lead students to feel less ashamed and more supported

How to collect feedback to better understand students’ experiences and their reactions to academic standing communications at your school
How to work with colleagues to refine, implement, and evaluate revised academic standing communications
How this could apply to other communications

How students feel and what they think when they receive communications about academic standing--and how this differs from what administrators intend
How students’ negative reactions, like shame and stigma, can interfere with their academic progress
How to write “psychologically attuned” communications that lead students to feel less ashamed and more supported
How to collect feedback to better understand students’ experiences and their reactions to academic standing communications at your school
How to work with colleagues to refine, implement, and evaluate revised academic standing communications
How this could apply to other communications

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Shares insights on how to apply understanding of student psychology to communications about academic standing

Provides strategies for building letters of academic standing that are motivating and supportive

Offers step-by-step guidance on writing effective letters of academic standing

Introduces a research-based approach to writing academic standing letters

Guides administrators in understanding how students react to academic standing notifications

Can benefit administrators who want to improve their communication approaches with students

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing with these activities:

Create a Reference Binder

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Organize and compile course materials for easy access and future reference.

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Gather all relevant course materials, including notes, assignments, and handouts.
Organize materials into a binder or digital folder.

Review basic communication techniques

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Refine communication skills to set a strong foundation for working with students

Browse courses on Communication

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Practice active listening
Review communication models
Review verbal communication techniques

Review Principles of Student Development

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Deepen your understanding of the psychological and developmental factors that impact students' experiences and behaviors.

Browse courses on Student Development

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Review key concepts and theories of student development.

Four other activities

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Practice writing clear communication letters

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Reinforce writing skills for effectively informing students of academic standing

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Identify common challenges in student communication
Write sample letters addressing different scenarios
Seek feedback and revise letters for clarity and effectiveness

Read Journal Article on Probationary Communications

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Review a journal article on the psychological impact of probationary communications to better understand the nuances and potential implications.

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Identify a relevant journal article from the course materials or conduct a literature search.
Read the article and take notes on key findings and insights.

Attend a Conference on Student Success

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Connect with other professionals and learn about best practices in student support and communications.

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Identify a relevant conference on student success or higher education.
Register for the conference and review the agenda.
Attend sessions and workshops on topics related to probationary communications and student support.
Network with other attendees and exchange ideas.

Create a guide for writing psychologically attuned letters

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Solidify understanding of writing techniques by creating a resource for others

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Summarize the principles of psychologically attuned writing
Provide examples and case studies
Create templates and checklists for easy implementation

Career center

Learners who complete How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

College Administrator

In a role as a College Administrator, you oversee various aspects of student life, including academic support. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course is a valuable resource to help you understand the心理experience of students receiving communications about academic standing and can guide you in crafting supportive and motivating messages. This course can directly enhance your effectiveness in supporting student success.

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Educational Psychologist

As an Educational Psychologist, you study and apply psychological principles to understand and improve educational processes and outcomes. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course aligns with your field of expertise. It provides insights into the psychology of students facing academic challenges, enabling you to develop evidence-based interventions and strategies to support student learning and well-being.

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Dean of Students

As Dean of Students, you play a crucial role in supporting students' academic and personal growth. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course can be a valuable addition to your toolkit. It provides insights into the psychological impact of academic standing communications on students, enabling you to create more supportive and effective messages. This can greatly contribute to your ability to create a positive and empowering environment for students.

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Higher Education Administrator

In your role as a Higher Education Administrator, you are responsible for managing various aspects of university operations, including academic affairs. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course provides valuable insights into the psychology of students facing academic challenges. By understanding how students experience these communications, you can make informed decisions that create a more supportive and empowering environment for student success.

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Student Affairs Administrator

As a Student Affairs Administrator, you oversee various aspects of student life, including academic support and student conduct. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course can provide valuable insights into the psychology of students facing academic challenges. By understanding how students experience these communications, you can create more supportive and empowering policies and procedures that promote student success.

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University Registrar

As a University Registrar, you oversee the academic records and enrollment of students. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course can provide valuable insights into the psychology of students facing academic challenges. By understanding how students experience these communications, you can develop more supportive and effective processes and policies that promote student success and well-being.

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Postsecondary Education Administrator

In your role as a Postsecondary Education Administrator, you oversee various aspects of university operations, including academic affairs and student services. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course can provide valuable insights into the psychology of students facing academic challenges. By understanding how students experience these communications, you can make informed decisions that create a more supportive and empowering environment for student success.

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Student Success Coach

As a Student Success Coach, you support students in achieving their academic and personal goals. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course can help you better understand the psychological experience of students facing academic challenges. This knowledge can inform your coaching approach, enabling you to provide more effective support and empower students to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

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Teacher

As a Teacher, you play a crucial role in shaping the academic journey of your students. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course can provide valuable insights into the psychology of students facing academic challenges. By understanding how students experience communications about their academic standing, you can create a more supportive and empowering classroom environment that fosters student growth and success.

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Education Consultant

As an Education Consultant, you provide guidance and support to students and families on a variety of educational matters. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course can equip you with valuable insights into the impact of academic standing communications on students. This knowledge can enhance your ability to advise students effectively and support them in navigating academic challenges.

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School Counselor

As a School Counselor, you support students with their academic, personal, and social development. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course can help you better understand the psychological experience of students facing academic challenges. This knowledge can inform your work in providing effective counseling and support to empower students and promote their overall well-being.

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Learning Specialist

As a Learning Specialist, you support students with learning challenges and academic difficulties. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course can help you better understand the psychological experience of students facing academic challenges. This knowledge can inform your work in creating effective interventions and support systems to empower students and promote their academic success.

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Writing Instructor

In your role as a Writing Instructor, you guide students in developing their writing skills and critical thinking abilities. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course can provide valuable insights into the psychology of students facing academic challenges. By understanding how students experience written feedback, you can create more effective and supportive writing assignments and provide constructive criticism that empowers students to improve their writing and overall academic performance.

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Academic Advisor

As an Academic Advisor, you are responsible for guiding students through their academic journey, with a focus on navigating academic standing. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course may be useful in better understanding the psychology of students facing academic challenges and can aid in your communication with students regarding their academic standing.

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Human Resources Manager

As a Human Resources Manager, you play a key role in attracting, developing, and retaining talent. Stanford University's **How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing** course may provide valuable insights into the psychology of individuals facing challenges in their professional or academic life. This understanding can help you create a more supportive and inclusive workplace culture, fostering employee well-being and productivity.

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How You Say It Matters

A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing

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