Zoom Fatigue
Scene Summary and Themes
This scene addresses the challenges of communication between supervisors and graduate students. It also explores the wellbeing of women in academia, the challenges of working online and power dynamics between students and faculty members. There are four characters: Erika, a graduate student whose primary supervisor recently left to another institution; Markus, Erika’s colleague and reluctant confidant; Sandra, Erika’s new supervisor; Paul, Sandra’s husband and a staff member in the accessibility and diversity unit.
CW // depictions of sexism, imposter phenomenon/feelings
Characters:
- Erika – graduate student
- Markus – senior graduate student
- Sandra – Erika and Markus’ supervisor
- Paul – Sandra’s husband
Core themes for discussion:
- Gender/race dynamics
- Imposter phenomenon/feelings
- Senior vs junior dynamics (for both faculty and graduate students)
- Possible staff role
- Institutional factors contributing to or alleviating these issues
- Academic vs alt-ac jobs
- Belonging in academia/discipline
- Disciplinary norms
