Classroom Climate

Sharing Concerns about Classroom Climate at BU Law School

Excellence in teaching, a high-quality in-classroom experience, and “equal membership” in the law school community regardless of race, ethnicity, genders, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic status, religion, and moral or political perspective are among the core values of Boston University School of Law. Our school is committed to thoughtful dialogue conducted with good faith and energy in an inclusive and respectful classroom environment. The classroom climate should encourage open inquiry and free expression among community members while recognizing and respecting diversity of identities, backgrounds, values and views. All faculty and students are encouraged to share the aspirations to equity, responsibility and integrity and to treat others in a respectful manner grounded in civility and honesty.

In order to achieve the goals, BU Law School makes available resources specifically dedicated to students’ concerns about classroom climate. These resources supplement the other tools and/or offices made available by the University:

The two available tools are:

  1. The online feedback form about classroom climate.

      • During the 2024-2025 academic year, we haven’t received any entries concerning classroom climate to date.
      • This form should be used to report student concerns about classroom climate arising from student or faculty interactions in, or related to, classes.
      • This form does NOT allow for anonymous reports.
      • To report sexual misconduct, violence or discrimination, which are addressed by other University policies, including the Equal Opportunity policy and the Sexual Misconduct/Title IX policy, and are investigated by specific University offices, please go to http://www.bu.edu/safety/sexual-misconduct/reporting/. Any report of this nature will also be transmitted to the appropriate University office.
      • This form should NOT be used to be used to prevent or stifle the free expression of legal arguments in the classroom.
      • This form is meant to facilitate dialogue about the concerns expressed and to promote learning. Its process is not punitive and carries no punishments.
      • This form should NOT be used for matters relating to grading, which are addressed by the Academic Standards Committee, pursuant to the JD Handbook.
      • BU School of Law is committed to the confidential and thorough review of the reports received. To learn about the review process click here.

     

  2. The 1L Classroom Climate Survey

      • To gauge the development of the 1L learning environment, we created a 1L Fall Classroom Climate Survey. The purpose of this anonymous 3-question survey is to “take the pulse” of our 1L class by inviting students to provide general feedback (positive or negative), as well as suggestions. This survey will be made available to all 1L students in the fall semester (October). The purpose of this survey is to “take the pulse” of our 1L class, by inviting students to provide more general feedback (positive or negative) as well as suggestions.
      • Your feedback about inclusion and the learning environment at BU Law will greatly help us pursue this goal. The survey will be read primarily by the Associate Dean for Equity, Justice and Engagement, but will also be shared with the Dean, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Associate Dean for Academic Engagement, the Director of the Academic Enrichment Program and the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. It will help the Associate Dean for Equity, Justice & Engagement and the peer equity fellows respond to student needs, recommend more inclusive practices, and design future programming.