New Online Option Available for Diversity Certificate Program

University Human Resources has developed a new, online option for employees wanting to complete the Diversity Certificate Program. In the past, the program required participants to submit a hard copy portfolio documenting how all program requirements were met. With the online format, participants may self-enroll in the Diversity Certificate Program in Blackboard and complete and record almost all of the requirements for the program online. For each diversity topic, suggested activities are listed that participants may choose to use to fulfill requirements for the Diversity Certificate Program. Providing the Diversity Certificate Program online will help make it easier for participants to complete and record their activities and to find opportunities to collaborate and network with others also pursuing the certificate. 
 
The Diversity Certificate Program is designed to develop and recognize commitment to the UA diversity initiative to enhance educational and professional diversity and to recruit and retain underrepresented students, faculty, and staff. This certificate program consists of a combination of training, self-study, and community service in each of the following areas: race, ethnicity, national origin; age; gender; socioeconomic background; religion; sexual orientation; and disability. In 2006, the first participants in the Diversity Certificate Program successfully completed all the requirements for the program. Since then, over 100 University employees have gone on to show their commitment to diversity at the University and complete the 20 hours of training, self-study, and community service required to complete the program. Often, those who finish the program complete many more than the required 20 hours. 
 
To recognize and reward individuals and teams exhibiting outstanding commitment to diversity, University Human Resources also coordinates an awards program. For the individual award, completion of the Diversity Certificate Program is a requirement. Nominations for the Diversity Awards are accepted annually each year with a deadline of August 1st and should show how individuals or teams have shown a clear commitment to diversity on campus including supporting materials and references.
 
Those who wish to participate in the online Diversity Certificate Program may enroll by logging into Blackboard at learn.uark.edu with their UARK username and password. Under the Courses tab, choose the Human Resources folder. Under Course Name, find Diversity Certificate Program and click on the drop down arrow under the Course ID and choose Enroll.