Page 10 - Programming Guide

Other Groups:
Sometimes members of subgroups within Wheaton College playfully highlight or mimic aspects of their subgroup that they find humorous. This may seem acceptable because the humor originated from one of the subgroups. Students outside the subgroup, however, may not know how to interpret mimicking humor because they are not part of the subgroup’s culture.
At other times members of one campus subgroup mimic or highlight the culture of another campus subgroup. The better part of wisdom is to direct mimicking humor towards one’s own subgroup(s). Mimicking behavior directed to an audience outside one’s subgroup places a burden on the originator to seek feedback outside one’s own subgroup regarding the wisdom and effect of such mimicking behavior.
Questions to Consider:
Our voluntary agreement to the Community Covenant has practical implications for student programming/activities/advertising. All students planning informal and formal (that is, College approved) activities and related advertising should consider the following questions in consultation with residence life staff, departmental supervisor(s), staff adviser(s), or coaches. Activity planners and those responsible for creating marketing materials are encouraged to remain open to feedback throughout the planning and facilitation process.
1. What are the purposes of the activity and are they congruent with the Community Covenant’s call to all its members?
2. Are any historically marginalized people groups or other campus groups being stereotyped?
3. Are the rituals, symbols, behaviors, and/or dress of a historically marginalized people group
portrayed for the primary purpose of humor?
4. What are the anticipated effects upon the individuals watching the program/activity?
5. What steps will be taken to ensure that students will not be pressured to participate in and/or
watch the activity?
6. Who will be responsible for supervising and providing feedback to the planners about the
program/activity in light of the Community Covenant’s call to its members?
Questions or comments about this ethics statement may be directed to the Vice President for Student Development, the Dean for Student Engagement, the Dean of Student Care & Services, the Dean of Residence Life or the Athletics Director.
Training:
In order for this document to be understood and implemented effectively, training will need to occur. Potential contexts for such training may include:
1. Resident Assistant fall semester course
2. Office of Christian Outreach fall semester cabinet training
3. Office of Multicultural Development fall semester cabinet training
4. Student Activities fall semester cabinet training
5. Student led clubs fall semester training through the Student Activities Office
6. Compliance training meeting with student athletes
7. Chaplain’s Office cabinet and student chaplain fall semester training
8. International Student Program office fall semester cabinet training
9. Music ensemble fall semester cabinet training
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