Inclusion on Campus
Preferred Name and Pronouns
Learn about requesting a preferred name and sharing your pronouns!
Preferred Name Change
A preferred name is a name that students plan to go by on campus. Other than cases where legal name is required, this is the name will be used in different instances such as CANVAS and class roster.
UNA allows any student to request a preferred name to reflect in CANVAS and for the class roster. Electing to use a preferred name will not change your legal name.
A request to add a preferred name to be used for CANVAS and class roster should emailed to registrar@una.edu Please include your legal name, new name, and L# when making request in the following format:
Current Legal Name: Firstname Lastname
Requested/Preferred Name: Newname Lastname
L#:
Please note: There are limits to what you may select as a campus name. Character limits and character restrictions apply. At this time, middle names cannot be changed on the roster without a legal name change.
**ETS should be contacted for a request name change. If there is a legal name change or change to a student’s name in Banner, it will automatically update in Canvas, and ETS will not need to be contacted.
The legal name or gender of a student cannot be changed unless a certified copy of a court order and a new birth certificate documenting the new name and gender change is provided. The request and documentation should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar, 601 Cramer Way, Room 119.
Any questions may be directed to the Office of the Registrar at 256-765-4316 or via email at, registrar@una.edu.
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Q: May I specifiy a preferred middle or last name? A: Preferred name pertains to your preferred first name, only. |
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Q: Where will my preferred name be listed? A: The preferred name is added to the Student Information System but does not change your legal name, the CANVAS online system, and class roster. |
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Q: Where will my legal name be listed? A: The legal name will be used for academic records (transcript, diploma, degree/enrollment verification, etc), financial aid records, student employment records, business office, Athletic Roster for NCAA, National Student Clearinghouse and other external third parties. |
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Q: Can I update my preferred name at any time? A: Yes! You can request to add a preferred name at any time during the semester. Simply email the registrar’s email, registrar@una.edu from your UNA email requesting this. Please include your full legal name and L#, if known. |
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Q: May I use my preferred name on my Mane card? A: No, unfortunately the mane card only uses the student’s legal name. |
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Q: Can I have my preferred name on my diploma? A: Unfortunately, you cannot have your preferred name on your diploma. Only your legal name is allowed for the diploma. |
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Q: Can I change my email address to match my preferred name? A: At this time, changes to the email address are not available. |
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Q: How do I get my legal name/gender changed with the university? A: Certified legal court documents along with a new birth certificate reflecting the new gender are required for the legal name to be updated. Those documents should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. |
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Q: Will my preferred name be listed on a student directory? A: No. UNA currently does not have an online student directory established at this time. |
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Q: How do I remove a preferred name? A: A request should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office via email, registrar@una.edu requesting to remove the preferred name. The request must be sent from the student’s UNA email account. |
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Q: I am a former student and need to submit a legal name/gender change, how do I request this? A: A written request along with a copy of the certified court order and a copy new birth certificate issued should be mailed to the following address: Office of the Registrar 1 Harrison Plaza 119 Bibb Graves Florence, AL 35632 registrar@una.edu 256-765-4316 |
Sharing Your Pronouns
Pronouns are used in every day speech and writing to take the place of people's names. We frequently use them without thinking about it. Using appropriate pronouns is a first step toward respecting people's gender identity and creating a more welcoming space for people of all genders.
Places where pronouns can be easily added include:email signature, business cards, and social media accounts.
Canvas is now allowing folks to add their pronouns to their profile (including they/them/theirs)! Here's how:
- Log in to Canvas.
- Select "Account" on the left-hand tool bar.
- Select the "Profile" option.
- Select "Edit Profile" in the top right corner.
- Find the "Pronouns" option.
- Select your pronouns.
Zoom does not currently have a feature to add pronouns to your profile, however, you can add them beside your name through these simple steps:
- Log in to Zoom.
- Select “Settings" on the left-hand tool bar.
- Select "Edit" beside your name.
- Add your pronouns to the end of your last name.
- Click "Save Changes".
Student Involvement
The goal of this club is to help incorporate the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities into more campus events and have them feel more welcomed at UNA. They want to help deaf and hard-of-hearing people feel comfortable here at UNA. Their goal is to initiate new classes so more people can learn American Sign Language and better accommodate these communities. They also provide a non-judgmental environment for practicing American Sign Language. There is a small monthly membership fee of $2 to create value in club membership and to cover some basic operating costs. You don't have to know sign language or be in the class to join this club, but you must be committed to learning ASL and communicating with deaf students!
BLA is developing personal empowerment and unity among the black, female students on campus by coordinating conversations and activities that focus on empowerment. The organization will develop the academic/career competency of those involved by getting black faculty involved and starting a mentorship with the members and faculty on campus.
This club will develop social/civil responsibility for those who participate in affiliated events on campus to address current issues. BLA is an organization that provides a space and community where black female students can come to express their pain, and will also continue to improve the university community's effectiveness by cultivating diversity and creating a safe space for black female students.
This is an organization for students to come together and play chess together. Soon, we will be going to Chess Tournaments. Chess helps improves problem-solving and spatial skills. It can help with memory as well as help prevent Alzheimer's.
The Chinese Student Organization (CSO) at the University of North Alabama is a student organization dedicated to promoting social, intellectual, and cultural activities for Chinese students and scholars at UNA as well as interested members in the Shoals community.
It strives to provide opportunities and benefits for its members by facilitating the exchange of information between China and Chinese students studying abroad and by defending the rights of its members on campus and in the United States. CSO encourages all, especially incoming, Chinese students and scholars at UNA to join our organization and participate in our activities.
UNARec is committed to providing a positive experience for all of our members and improving the
quality of life on campus and beyond. We strive to accomplish this by providing an atmosphere that
promotes a healthy lifestyle through the program as well as fostering personal development through an
inviting recreational experience.
The Diversity Student Ambassador (DSA) Program is designed to create opportunities for students to actively engage in activities to advance diversity and inclusion at UNA. The program provides avenues for selected students to facilitate discussions, provide peer diversity training, and host diversity-related programming. DSA activities seek to promote understanding and respect among all students, leading to a more inclusive campus.
The French Culture Club promotes fellowship among French-speaking students at UNA and conducts activities on campus to raise awareness about the French language and culture.
Are you an international student or a domestic student interested in being involved with international students? If so, come and join our RSO! To apply, pick up an application at the Office of International Affairs!
This organization is for anyone that is passionate about celebrating and sharing the beauty of the many diverse Hispanic cultures. Our goal is to promote understanding of the various Hispanic cultures through involvement with the student body. We want the world, our nation, our state, and our community to recognize the diversity present here at UNA.
The UNA Military & Veteran Alliance (MVA) was created in 2011 by the advisor, Dr. Wayne Bergeron, to support and encourage military and veteran students. They strive to help students make the transition from soldier to a UNA student by getting them involved in campus activities as well as community events. On November 11, 2016, The Military and Veteran Support Center was opened to assist veterans, active duty, reservist, and their family members in taking full advantage of the educational benefits available to them through the GI Bill.
UNA Mock Trial Association is a student organization dedicated to trial advocacy training and competition. If you are interested in joining this group contact Dr. Collins at jtcollins@una.edu.
We are a Club Sport founded on the principle to promote ESports.
We currently offer the following games:
- Overwatch
- League of Legends
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Rocket League
- Tekken7
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
- Hearthstone
- Valorant
- Rainbow Six: Seige
Each game may offer multiple teams and we will never turn down a player who is willing to learn! Members must be active in this highly competitive organization. Club fees are yearly and only go towards YOUR jersey. Our jerseys are custom made, to order, and will have your preferred number / Gamertag. We take part in multiple leagues, playing in multiple tournaments against multiple universities across the nation!
The mission of the Presidential Mentors Academy (PMA) is to select and mentor students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and dedication to community service. Once admitted to the academy PMA scholarship recipients will receive financial assistance, leadership development training, peer mentoring, and academic advising.
Interested candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, current leadership potential, and dedication to community service. To be considered, applicants must be admitted to the University and meet the following requirements:
- High school senior
- Minimum ACT Score of 18
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on high school unweighted GPA
- Activity resume that demonstrates academic and community leadership and involvement
Admissions, GPA, and ACT requirements must be met by February 3, 2020 (CLOSED). Interested applicants must submit activity resumes to pma@una.edu by the same date. For more information, visit the website here, or contact LaShonda Davidson, Director of PMA at 256.765.4655.
Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders and take action to create lasting change.
The purpose of the UNA Student Alliance For Equality (S.A.F.E.) is to make resources available to all students, to promote an environment of equality on campus, and to develop social and educational programming for students who identify themselves as a straight ally, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, asexual, intersex, questioning, unlabeled, and others.
The Flor-ala is UNA's Student Newspaper. The Flor-Ala is published bi-weekly, except during holidays, exam periods, or summer terms by students of UNA. The Flor-Ala also publishes breaking news online and on its social media pages to inform students in a timely matter what's happening on campus. Views expressed in the publication do not necessarily reflect those of UNA.