Premise Student Guidelines & Expectations
The success of every Premise course is rooted in the practices below.
Meet with Purpose: Each Premise class has a clear intention. We choose to gather from a place of inquiry and curiosity to learn more about ourselves, the text, and the world. We achieve this by asking questions and listening to our classmates.
Discuss, Don’t Debate: We value discussion over debate. While we may not agree with our classmates (and that’s okay!), we share a desire to understand their perspectives.
Follow the Instructor’s Lead: Premise instructors lead with “generous authority” in order to make space for all student voices. Our classes are relatively short; at times, instructors may move the conversation along, and your contribution may feel cut short. Please know that it is not personal but instead designed to ensure a rich experience for all.
Center on the Text: The beauty of a Premise class comes from exploring a common text within the context of diverse student perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Premise instructors will guide the group in discussion and encourage students to dig deeply. When the conversation strays too far afield, the text will serve as an anchor to recenter the class.
Cameras On/Microphones Muted: Classes are held by video (Zoom). We request that students keep cameras on and, to alleviate background noise, mute microphones unless speaking. However, we know that things happen, and sometimes it’s not possible to turn your camera on. In this case, just let the instructor know.
Premise Students…
Share the air. Don’t talk too much. Be attentive to classmates who may wish to speak, especially those who’ve not yet entered the discussion.
Engage from a place of inquiry. Ask questions of your classmates when they’ve shared an impression or an opinion. Be open to changing your mind.
Anticipate & embrace difference. Discussing life’s beautiful questions across a wide range of texts may draw out political and philosophical differences among students. Approach conversations from a place of respect.
Listen well. Pay attention with the intention of making meaning.
Refer to the text. The assigned reading is essential. It is the common link shared among the group.
Avoid lectures. Your classmates want to hear what you have to say. Be thoughtful about the content and length of your contributions.
Leave no one behind. We are in this together. The class is a community in the making.
Embrace silence. We all need time to think and ponder. Silence is a normal part of learning together.
Bring a sense of humor and joy to learning. The exploration of beautiful questions can feel weighty, but learning together should be joyful.