If you have questions about the Cultural Competency Certificate, we’ve tried to answer some of the most common ones we get. If you don’t see yours on the list, please contact us and we’ll get it added (and answered for you).
Simply click on any question below to see the answer.
What are the benefits of getting this certificate?
Companies are looking for new hires that show cultural competence and the ability to work in diverse environments. With many companies spending money on this kind of training, our students who are entering a workforce that is more diverse, remote and global will have a natural advantage.
Plus, this certificate is designed to be completed using many of the academic courses a student already will need to take. It also takes advantage of internships and international experiences as well for not only the academic credits but also for service and co-curricular activities.
Can I get credit for an academic course not on the list?
You might. The list of AGLS courses is not exhaustive or it may be a course in a different college or department. What you would need to do is to talk to a certificate or academic advisor to see if the course contains an appropriate level of cultural diversity or cultural awareness to be eligible for credit.
Can I get credit for past courses I’ve taken?
Yes, you can. Once you have been admitted to the certificate program, we would ask you to review each applicable course and review the syllabus, coursework and learning outcomes. This way you will be able to write your reflection paper or add appropriate service/co-curricular learning.
Can service work I do with my student organization (club, fraternity, sorority, council, etc.) count toward the service-learning component requirements?
It can. The main thing to remember/think about is how the service work you are doing is helping you better understand concepts of cultural diversity and cultural awareness. This will also be important as you will need to compose a reflection piece for each opportunity.
Can my internship or study abroad/international experience count toward the certificate?
It can in a couple of ways. It could satisfy part of the academic component if the internship is also a course (like many 484 or 485s) or the international experience is all/part of a course. And depending on what you do while you are there, you could complete some of your service learning and co-curricular requirements. You’ll want to talk to your advisor, faculty member or your international education/internship coordinator to make sure.
What if I missed the orientation? Do I have to wait another semester to start?
While an orientation (after the application has been submitted) is required, it is not necessary to take it before starting on the certificate. Courses taken before the orientation or service work conducted can be added in after the orientation. Orientation sessions usually occur twice a semester, but if we see a large amount of activity or interest, we may be able to schedule a separate one for AGLS students.