Overview

The workshop explores the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in academia, emphasising how they contribute to a positive learning environment and foster trust between academics, students and colleagues. Participants will explore the definition of professional boundaries, discuss why they are essential, and reflect on real-life examples of boundary challenges in academic contexts.

Through group discussions and facilitator-led activities, the participants will engage with practical scenarios to identify effective strategies for managing and mitigating boundary-related concerns. The workshop will address professional boundaries with students and colleagues.

The topics covered in this workshop include:

• Effective communication techniques to maintain professionalism.
• Setting clear expectations with students and colleagues.
• Addressing boundary concerns or violations.
• Strategies to mitigate problematic power dynamics.
• Managing boundaries in online and hybrid learning environments.
• Appropriate use of social media and electronic communication.
• Privacy considerations and professional use of technology.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will

• learn about the significance of professional boundaries to foster a respectful and effective academic environment with students and colleagues.
• be informed about effective communication techniques and set clear expectations to maintain professionalism across diverse professional relationships.
• identify strategies to address and mitigate boundary challenges, including those specific to interactions with colleagues, heads, and in online and hybrid learning environments.