Badge of Diversity & Inclusion
Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
Showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusion with the Badge of Diversity and Inclusion in Education.
Psychology and Sociology
Showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusion with the Badge of Diversity and Inclusion in Psychology.
College of Business and Technology
Showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusion with the Badge of Diversity and Inclusion in College of Business and Technology.
The Badge of Diversity and Inclusion is a recognition earned through involvement in experiential learning by students who show intentionality in pursuing immersive experiences. Students wishing to pursue the badge must meet with their academic advisor to declare their intent to pursue the honor and establish a plan of action to be fulfilled prior to graduation.
Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
In partnership with the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion, this distinction is offered by Teaching, Learning, and Leadership.
In order to receive the badge, students must meet the following criteria:
| Urban School Experience* | Rural School Experience / Cultural Immersion* | Training / Volunteering* |
| Must complete one | Must complete two | Must complete one |
|
Memphis City School Trip Tampa City School Trip
|
Zimbabwe Trip Oklahoma Trip Alternative Break Trip (requires special assignment) |
Safe Zone Training Poverty Simulation Training Critical Conversations Training LGBTQ Awareness Training Full Life Ahead Camp UServe (advisor approval required) |
*Additional opportunities may become available. Please check with your academic advisor for updates. Substitutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Upon completion of these experiences, students will provide a public presentation that summarizes their learning experiences as they relate to the discipline of education.
To begin the process in achieving this honor in Education, please contact:
| Dr. Whitte–lswhitten@una.edu |
| Dr. Padgett–gpadgett@una.edu |
View the application linked here!
Sanders College of Business and Technology
In order to receive the badge, students must meet the following criteria:
| Cultural Immersion Experience* | COBT Specific Experiences* | Training / Volunteering / Practicum* |
| Must complete one | Must complete at least two | Must complete at least two |
|
Education Abroad (Businessfocus preferred) Study Away (Business-focus preferred) Pre-approved domestic cross-cultural opportunity Alternative Break Trip (Cultural-focus required) Pre-approved international educational/business/health mission opportunity |
Company visit(s) with workshop focus on diversity/equity/inclusion “Women in Business” or "Girls Who Code" student organization – member/or attend sponsored event(s) Attend Sanders College of Business and Technology student events to engage our international student(s) Work SaveFirst Tax Prep Class “Society for Human Resource Management” student organization – attend event(s) with focus on diversity/equity/inclusion Emotional Intelligence Training Community Service Event approved by the COBT |
Choose any one of the workshops and trainings on the UNA Social Inclusion Site. |
*Additional opportunities may become available. Please check with the Experiential Learning/Projects Coordinator (Julie Heinrich - jheinrich1@una.edu) in the COBT Dean’s Office for updates. Substitutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To begin the process in achieving this honor in the Sanders College of Business and Technology, please contact:
| Julie Heinrich - jheinrich1@una.edu |
Psychology and Sociology
In partnership with the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion, this distinction is offered by the Department of Psychology and Sociology.
In order to receive the badge, students must meet the following criteria:
| Cultural Immersion* | Coursework* | Training / Volunteering / Practicum* |
| Must complete one | Must complete at least two | Must complete at least two |
|
Education Abroad (Psychology-focus preferred) Alternative Break Trip (Cultural-focus required) |
PY 302 Abnormal Psychology PY 442 Social Psychology PY 444 Psychology of Religion PY 454 Introduction to Developmental Disabilities PY 470 Health Psychology PY 490 Multicultural Psychology |
Safe Zone Training Poverty Simulation Training Critical Conversations Training ARC of the Shoals Bridges Behavior Therapy Inside-Out Program Shoals Youth Advocates One Place of the Shoals Safeplace UServe (advisor approval required) |
*Additional opportunities may become available. Please check with your academic advisor for updates. Substitutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To begin the process in achieving this honor in Psychology, please contact:
| Dr. Zayac– rzayac@una.edu |
Meet the students who have received the Badge of Diversity and Inclusion
Achieved: Badge of Diversity and Inclusion in Education, Fall 2019
Q: What did I learn?
A: "Teaching in a multicultural environment has taught me that education is truly a privilege. It is HARD to teach in an environment where there is a language barrier and even more lacks technological resources, and some environments lack textbooks and paper and pencil." ..."The most valuable lesson I have learned is to be FLEXIBLE."
Q: How did my experiences shape my teaching approach?
A: "My multicultural experiences have taught me to be welcoming and sensitive to others’ learning needs. Learning English can be difficult and often intimidating, especially as an adolescent or even an adult. I have learned to meet people where they are regarding their education all while maintaining high expectations for my students."
Q: Would I recommend this badge?
A: "I would highly encourage my peers in the education department to pursue earning the Badge of Diversity and Inclusion in Education because diversity in education is becoming more prevalent. The United States had roughly 5 million English language learners enrolled in US public schools in 20161 and it will continue to grow. Earning this award means that educators are taking the necessary steps in learning how to interact with our future students and their parents. It means we are being proactive in learning how to become culturally aware of differences while maintaining respect and rapport all while helping students become academically successful."
Achieved: Badge of Diversity and Inclusion in Education, Fall 2019
Q: What did I learn?
A: "Cultural diversity is very important in the classroom as our schools are made up of various, cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. While interacting and teaching students while on these experiences I have learned first hand how true the statement that all children learn differently is." ... "During these diversity experiences I was challenged get to know the children and their lives in order to relate what I was teaching to their interests and experiences. By having a common understanding of each other, we can work together towards a common goal. We can all learn from one other if we open ourselves up to this possibility."
Q: How did my experiences shape my teaching approach?
A: "I will use these experiences in my own classroom by keeping in mind the fact that not all children have had the same life experiences. I will work hard to relate the content to children’s interests and experiences in order to make the learning meaningful for all students." ... "These experiences have made me more passionate about making sure I am able to reach all of the children in my class regardless of their background or needs."
Q: Would I recommend this badge?
A: "I would greatly encourage others to pursue this Badge. I have had the opportunity to interact with diverse students and people that I would have not otherwise been able to. I truly believe these experiences have made me a better person and a better teacher. My advice is to step out of your comfort zone and participate in anything that is offered. They can be a great learning experience. My immersion experiences were life changing and opened a door to rewarding encounters and opportunities that I never thought were possible."
Achieved: Badge of Diversity and Inclusion in Education, Spring 2020
Q: What did I learn?
A: "This experience has taught me to really do my homework. This experience has taught me to become more cognizant of utilizing students' diverse experiences in the classroom genuinely and correctly. All students can learn and teach each other from diverse experiences, and it is important to utilize that in the classroom."
Q: How did my experiences shape my teaching approach?
A: "My cultural immersion experiences will shape my approach to teaching by always trying to promote the diversity in the classroom and provide students the opportunity to share their diverse experiences. Positive student interactions and relationships are important to build and create a more unified classroom setting."
Q: Would I recommend this badge?
A: "This badge has made all the difference in my future teaching. I am so thankful for the opportunities to learn and grow as a person and an educator. In education classes, we talk about the importance of diversity and utilizing it in the classroom, but these experiences challenge students to go out and learn about those diverse experiences to take and use in your own classroom. Teachers should always be lifelong learners, and there is not any better content to learn than about your students and their experiences. I will forever be grateful for the impact these experiences have had on my life and my future career as an educator. It has made me better in all facets of my life."
Q: What have you learned about teaching through these different experiences?
A: "These various experiences I’ve had throughout my time at UNA have definitely shaped me as a teacher. I have learned that everyone learns differently, and that there’s something really special about that. These diverse experiences have also taught me a lot about perspective and how important it is to include marginalized perspectives when teaching."
Q: How will these experiences shape your approach to teaching and interactions with students in your own classroom?
A: "These experiences have shown me just how valuable diversity is -- especially in a classroom setting. They have taught me that diversity is something that is valuable and should be deeply celebrated. I now understand that there is so much more to be learned when a diverse group with different perspectives comes together."
Q: What would you say to others who might be considering pursuing this Badge?
A: "I would encourage anyone who is considering pursuing the Badge to do so! This Badge has allowed me to have several experiences with diversity and inclusion that have shaped my philosophy as a teacher. Because of these experiences, I feel I will be able to serve students well."