As we approach the end of the semester, it's important to keep in mind that standard policies and practices - like grades and exams - aren't equitable in the wake of a pandemic, if they ever were at all. Why not? Let me tell you about a student mom I interviewed this week. 1/

This student, who I'll call Mariah, is hoping to graduate this semester, pass her certification exams, and get a job in healthcare. That job would give her, her husband, and her toddler the financial security they need. 2/

Before the pandemic, Mariah was on track to meet her goal. Now, things seem much more bleak. Why? Because the pandemic destroyed Mariah's support system, and she hasn't gotten the help she needs 3/

Before the pandemic, Mariah's mother-in-law watched her toddler so she could go to class and study and get her homework done. Now, that's not an option. Meanwhile, Mariah's husband works in a warehouse, so he can't help during the day. And they can't afford to pay for care. 4/

That means Mariah is trying to do her classes online while providing full time care for her toddler. That means lots of TV time - and lots of mom guilt. And it means she's been staying up past midnight every night - waiting until the house is quiet - to get her homework done. 5/

Mariah is worried that the work she's been able to do this semester won't be enough to pass her classes or her certification exams. But instead of blaming the system, she's blaming herself for not being more "focused" or "engaged" 6/

If Mariah doesn't pass her classes, she's at risk of losing her scholarships, and that might mean taking on huge loans or abandoning her degree. And if she doesn't pass her certification exams, her family will continue to struggle to make ends meet. 7/

Mariah's story should be a warning to every college instructor and administrator, and to policymakers, too. When so many of our students are struggling, our normal policies, practices, and support systems for students just aren't equitable - if they ever were at all. 8/8

If you're looking for more equitable alternatives to standard policies, practices, and support systems for students, here's a webinar I gave recently with recommendations and insights from research: https://citl.indiana.edu/teaching-resources/diversity-inclusion/teaching-for-equity/index.html