Inclusive Partners Certificate Program

The Inclusive Partners Certificate Program is a new collaborative intiative based out of the Student Center for Equity & Inclusion (SCEI). Through a series of workshops, the SCEI invites University of Richmond students, staff, and faculty to build and maintain a toolkit of inclusive practices, ideas, and values to support identity-based communities and move toward a more inclusive campus environment. This program allows participants to complete it at their own pace as long as it is completed within one (1) calendar year. 

Every participant is required to attend an introductory workshop before progressing onto community specific workshops. After completing the intro workshop, program participants are required to attend at least three (3) additional community specific workshops. Once participants have completed all program requirements, they will receive a Certificate of Inclusive Partnership that recognizes their completion of the program and their status as an inclusive partner of the SCEI at UR.

Every inclusive partner is required to attend one (1) recertification discussion session every year to maintain their inclusive partner status. These recertification sessions allow our partners to learn of any changes or developments in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion and provides them the opportunity to discuss how they've incorporated inclusive practices into their personal and professional habits. Should an inclusive partner neglect to attend a recertification session within a year after their initial completion of the program or their last recertification session, their inclusive partner status will change to "inactive" and their name will be removed from our public database until they complete the recertification session requirement.

Disclaimer: Completion of the program and maintaining certification does not certify someone as an expert in subjects related to diversity, equity, and inclusion or a representative of the Student Center for Equity & Inclusion or its values.

  • Introduction

    Introduction to Inclusive Practices

    **All prospective Inclusive Partners must complete this workshop before progressing further in the program.

    The introductory program is designed to give participants a theoretical framework of belonging and build a toolkit of inclusive practices that they can start incorporating into their daily lives. The purpose of this session is to provide a foundational understanding of inclusion and establish a baseline for all participants who plan to continue in the program. This session will lightly touch on a variety of identities, but will primary cover general inclusive practices. 

  • Race/Ethnicity

    "Yes, It’s Always About Race"

    **In Development

    This workshop will answer the commonly asked question, "Why does it always have to be about race?!" Historically, non-white racial communities have consistently experienced some widespread form of exclusion, discrimination, execution, etc, and still do to this day. This session will highlight some of the most historic moments of racial inequity in the US and how they continue to impact and influence communities of color today. Participants will leave with stories and testimonials provided by people of color and various practices they can incorporate into their lives to recognize, acknowledge, and address personal/internal and situational racial bias.

  • LGBTQ+

    Affirming Space Training

    The "Affirming Space" Training Program (formerly known as "Safe Zone") is a two-part series designed for faculty, staff, and students who want to strengthen their cultural competency as it relates to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community. 

    Using an intersectional framework, participants will learn more about the histories, identities, experiences, and relationships of LGBTQ+ people.  They will also learn how to foster inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ people, including communication tips, names and pronouns, inclusive language, and best practices.

    **Participants who have completed Affirming Space Training prior to taking the introductory workshop can still receive credit toward their Inclusive Partner Certificate. However, credit will only be given after Dani Dho-Roberts has received confirmation and approval from Casey Butler, Associate Director for LGBTQ+ Campus Life. No action required.

  • Religion/Spirituality
    Coming Soon...
  • Disability
    Coming Soon...
  • International & Undocumented

    None of Your Business

    **In Development

    People in the US like to obsess over nationality and citizenship status. If a person doesn’t walk, talk, eat, breathe, or sleep "like an American" they’re cast off as an "other." This session will educate participants on some of the everyday challenges and annoyances that international and undocumented people experience, while also teaching the important lesson of why it is none of your business. After this session, participants will understand how to make the environment around them more welcoming and friendly for international and undocumented people.

  • Body/Size
    Coming Soon...