Collaboration

• No matter your path after Mac, you’ll work with other people. These people will have different backgrounds, experiences, interests, humor, working styles, etc than you. Working effectively in such group settings is an essential life skill that requires practice and demonstrably improves learning. In fact, when Google studied the characteristics of a perfect team, they found that the composition of the team isn’t important. Rather, the two key characteristics to a successful collaboration were conversational turn-taking & ostentatious listening. Keep these characteristics in mind throughout the semester.

• You belong here. You will be challenged and make mistakes. In the process, fight any feelings of impostor syndrome! Remember all of the hard work that got you here. Everyone belongs in this classroom. Everyone will be challenged. Everyone can succeed.

• Everyone belongs here. Macalester College values diversity and inclusion. We must all be committed to a creating a climate of mutual respect, free of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and other identities and lived experiences, in and out of the classroom. It is essential that we all create a learning environment that is equitable, inclusive, and welcoming.