Developing the Inclusive + Equitable Syllabus Rubric

A paper co-authored by TLL’s Associate Directors Ruthann C Thomas, Raechel Soicher, Amanda R. Baker, and former graduate research fellow Luna BuGhanem was published in the fall 2025 issue of To Improve the Academy.

The paper, “A syllabus analysis tool to advance inclusive and equitable teaching,” describes the process of developing the Inclusive + Equitable Syllabus Rubric to help instructional developers and educational researchers identify equity-minded strategies and practices present in course syllabi. The rubric is available for download on TLL’s website. In addition, the Syllabus Checklist to Support Student Belonging & Achievement, which was adapted from this rubric, is also available to individual instructors or departments who wish to engage in formative (self-)assessment to improve their syllabi. Please reach out to TLL (tll@mit.edu) if you would like more information.

— Melissa Mangino, TLL