Empower
Name Change Request
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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.
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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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.
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Q: May I specify a preferred middle or last name?
A: Preferred name pertains to your preferred first name, only.
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.
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.
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.
Q: May I use my preferred name on my Mane card?
A: No, unfortunately the mane card only uses the student’s legal name.
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.
Q: Can I change my email address to match my preferred name?
A: At this time, changes to the email address are not available.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
Awards and Scholarships
The Mitchell-West Center honors efforts on campus and in the community to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion practices through awards and scholarships.
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The Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion honors efforts on campus and in the community to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion practices through awards and scholarships. These currently include the following:
The Inclusion Scholar Experiential Learning Scholarship is awarded to a student who is currently working in inclusion, equity, and diversity, and who is traveling to attend conferences to present their work.
The Mitchell-West Inclusion Award is presented at the George S. Lindsey Film Festival to highlight films that showcase diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Eligibility
The Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion awards* $500 travel scholarships to students who are currently working in inclusion, equity, and diversity! Individuals who received these travel funds are now a part of our "Inclusion Scholars"! We are so excited about the opportunity to fund students who are leading initiatives and making changes happen.
*To be eligible, students must present their research or creative activity at a conference.
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The Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion also sponsors an award* at the George S. Lindsey Film Festival here on campus! Films entered into the festival that highlight under-represented groups or otherwise highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion are considered for this award. Recipients will be honored at the Festival's Awards Ceremony and will receive a cash reward.
*To be considered, films should be entered into the George S. Lindsey Film Festival and highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion in some manner.
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Hope E. Buckley (2023)
Emma Higby (2023)
Bethany Turner (2023)
Nicholas Edwards (2019)
Julie Richardson (2019)
Ashley Massey (2019)
Badge of Diversity and Inclusion
Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions
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To earn the ACONHP Diversity & Inclusion Badge the student must complete at least 5 items from the list of criteria below:
Immersion / Cultural Experience
Attend 1 event in the local community that focuses on culture or inclusion
Attend at least 4 campus events focused on inclusion or culture
Attend a study abroad trip
Attend a study away trip
Volunteer
Volunteer for 1 respite night (outside of required class participation)
Participate in 1 community service opportunity that serves an underrepresented population
Volunteer at Night to Shine (outside of required class participation)
Volunteer at the Poverty Simulation (including set-up, participations, and cleanup)
Training / Professional Development
Complete 1 of the workshops or trainings facilitated by the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion
Deliver an oral presentation or poster presentation on a DEI topic (outside of class requirement)
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Upon completion of these experiences, students will upload proof of their completion of the Diversity & Inclusion Badge criteria items.
Students will also complete a set of reflection questions that will be featured on the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion website.
A Digital Badge will be issued through Badger.
The student will also receive a set of honor cords from the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion.
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To begin the process in achieving this honor in Nursing, please contact:
Dr. Rachel Winston–rwinston@una.edu
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Spring 2025
Meagan Curtis
Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
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In order to receive the badge, students must meet the following criteria:
Immersion / Cultural Experience
Attend 1 event in the community that focuses on culture or inclusion
Attend 1 event in the community that focuses on culture or inclusion'
Attend at least 4 campus events focused on inclusion or culture
Attend a study abroad trip
Attend a study away trip
Volunteer
Volunteer for 1 respite night (outside of required class participation)
Participate in 1 community service opportunity that serves an underrepresented population
Volunteer at Night to Shine (outside of required class participation)
Training / Professional Development
Complete 1 of the workshops or trainings facilitated by the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion
Deliver an oral presentation or poster presentation on a DEI topic (outside of class requirement)
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Upon completion of these experiences, students will provide a public presentation that summarizes their learning experiences as they relate to the discipline of education.
A Digital Badge will be issued through Badger.
The student will also receive a set of honor cords from the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion.
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To begin the process in achieving this honor in Education, please contact:
View the application linked here!
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Fall 2019
Elisa Coker
Erin Creasy
Spring 2020
Kaylen Bishop
Allie Brooks
Spring 2024
Timothy McCombs
Jackson Phillips
Yeongeun Pak
Hae Ri Bang
Sanders College of Business and Technology
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In order to receive the badge, students must meet the following criteria:
Immersion / Cultural Experience
Must complete one
Education Abroad (Business focus 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
COBT Specific Experiences*
Must complete at least two
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
Training / Volunteering / Practicum*
Must complete at least two
Choose any one of the workshops and trainings on the UNA Social Inclusion Site.
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Upon completion of these experiences, students will upload proof of their completion of the Diversity & Inclusion Badge criteria items.
Students will also complete a set of reflection questions that will be featured on the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion website.
A Digital Badge will be issued through Badger.
The student will also receive a set of honor cords from the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion.
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To begin the process in achieving this honor in the Sanders College of Business and Technology, please contact:
Rachel Patterson - rhill6@una.edu
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Psychology and Sociology
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In order to receive the badge, students must meet the following criteria:
Immersion / Cultural Experience
Must complete one
Education Abroad (Psychology-focus preferred)
Alternative Break Trip (Cultural-focus required)
Coursework
Must complete at least two
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
Training / Volunteering / Practicum*
Must complete at least two
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
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Upon completion of these experiences, students will upload proof of their completion of the Diversity & Inclusion Badge criteria items.
Students will also complete a set of reflection questions that will be featured on the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion website.
A Digital Badge will be issued through Badger.
The student will also receive a set of honor cords from the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion.
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To begin the process in achieving this honor in Psychology and Sociology, please contact:
Chris Klein - cklein1@una.edu
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Workshops and Trainings
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A Framework for Inclusive Practices
(Audience: Any)
Participants will gain knowledge and skills needed to improve their ability to effectively interact with different cultural groups in the workplace. Participants will explore workplace practices that help retain employees and promote professional development. Finally, participants will develop strategies and action plans for their future careers.
Media Literacy
(Audience: Students)
The media literacy workshop is an interactive experience that focuses on analyzing media content to increase knowledge on how media ownership or regulation may affect the type of media we consume or share. The workshop will help participants become better media consumers, better media producers, and better global citizens by learning how to think about various media and the messages that are presented.
Rethink Simulation
(Audience: Students)
The ReThink Simulation is an immersive workshop that guides students through a semester in the life of a current student, using specific scenarios to highlight campus resources. This experience helps students understand how to navigate challenges and access support systems effectively. By participating, students will increase their empathy and reinforce the importance of utilizing campus and community resources when needed.
Culture, Connection, Belonging (CCB)
(Audience: Students)
This workshop focuses on enhancing cultural awareness, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting mutual understanding within the workplace. Through an interactive session, participants will engage in meaningful discussions, networking activities, and reflections that highlight the importance of cultural diversity, respect, and empathy.
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Trauma-Informed Practices
(Audience: Any)
This workshop will draw on the CDC’s Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR) and SAMHSA’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care’s (NCTIC) Six Guiding Principles To A Trauma-Informed Approach. These principles include safety; trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality; empowerment and choice; and cultural, historical, and gender issues. We will address how these principles can be embedded within an organizational structure that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma (including community disasters, violence, abuse, grief, and crises) and develop an action plan for implementing trauma-informed practices.
Inclusive Advising
(Audience: College Educators)
In this workshop, participants will gain a better understanding of the campus resources that are available to students and learn how to apply the appreciative and developmental models of advising in their work to create an inclusive campus environment.
Safe Zone Training
(Audience: College Educators)
Safe Zone is designed to educate faculty and staff about the LGBTQ community and develop participants' capacity for building an inclusive campus for all students. Participants will learn terminology related to LGBTQ identities, discuss the experiences of LGBTQ students, and develop skills for building LGBTQ inclusive environments. Participants may choose to become members of the Safe Zone network following the workshop.
Supporting First-Generation Students
(Audience: High School and College Educators)
In this workshop, participants will learn about the specific barriers for first-generation students, examine the research and practices that improve first-generation student success, and identify relevant supports and campus resources for first-generation students.
Supporting Life Long Learners
(Audience: College Educators)
In this workshop, participants will learn about the specific barriers for students returning to college after years out of the classroom. Participants will examine the research and best practices to help support lifelong learners in the pursuit of their college degree.
Best Practices for Teaching International Students
(Audience: Middle School, High School, and College Educators)
This workshop focuses on the intercultural factors that influence the experiences of international students. We will explore effective communication strategies between and among instructors and students and the academic and pedagogical challenges, opportunities, and promising practices for teaching international students. We will provide practical approaches for addressing issues of language, curricula, teaching methods, assignment design, assessments, academic integrity, classroom management, classroom participation, and help-seeking.
Creating Welcoming School Environments
(Audience: K-12 Educators, Social Service Providers)
Students enter our classrooms with different backgrounds and a variety of experiences. Teachers not only work with students, but also have reciprocal interactions between families and schools. How do we create welcoming school environments for LGBTQ students and parents? How does our own perception of gender and sexual identity affect our interactions with students and families? We will also address how to create school and classroom practices and processes that support the growing diversity of our student body.
Preparing High School Students for College
(Audience: Middle School and High School Educators)
This workshop focuses on ways to prepare students to transition into higher education. We will address how to prepare students academically and socially to engage in discussion based classes at the collegiate level. We will also address some of the developmental changes that students experience and how to prepare and support them for this next stage of their life.
A Framework for Inclusive Practices
(Audience: Any)
Participants will gain knowledge and skills needed to improve their ability to effectively interact with different cultural groups in the workplace. Participants will explore workplace practices that help retain employees and promote professional development. Finally, participants will develop strategies and action plans for their future careers.
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Media Literacy
(Audience: Any)
The media literacy workshop is an interactive experience that focuses on analyzing media content to increase knowledge on how media ownership or regulation may affect the type of media we consume or share. The workshop will help participants become better media consumers, better media producers, and better global citizens by learning how to think about various media and the messages that are presented.
Trauma-Informed Practices
(Audience: Any)
This workshop will draw on the CDC’s Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR) and SAMHSA’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care’s (NCTIC) Six Guiding Principles To A Trauma-Informed Approach. These principles include safety; trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality; empowerment and choice; and cultural, historical, and gender issues. We will address how these principles can be embedded within an organizational structure that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma (including community disasters, violence, abuse, grief, and crises) and develop an action plan for implementing trauma-informed practices.
A Framework for Inclusive Practices
(Audience: Any)
Participants will gain knowledge and skills needed to improve their ability to effectively interact with different cultural groups in the workplace. Participants will explore workplace practices that help retain employees and promote professional development. Finally, participants will develop strategies and action plans for their future careers.
