Resource Groups – College of Education

UA Resource Groups

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Association

The UA AAPI Association is an umbrella employee resource group for faculty and staff members of UA’s various AAPI organizations which function under the auspices of the UA Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The UA AAPI Association offers educational opportunities around AAPI culture, history, heritage and diversity within the AAPI community, and contributes to the intellectual and social learning environment of the campus.

https://aapi.ua.edu/

aapi@ua.edu

Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA)

The University of Alabama’s Black Faculty & Staff Association, also known as BFSA, was established in the early 1970s with a mission to serve as an advocate for educational equity, with emphasis on African American students and the professional needs of its members. The Association meets each month during the regular school calendar year. The Association remains committed to working with the U.A. System and University leaders to make sure that UA is pursuing equity and excellence for the entire campus community. Membership in the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) is open to all faculty members and staff employed at The University of Alabama regardless of religion, age, race or color, marital status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. BFSA is the recipient of the 2022 Sybil R. Todd Award for Excellence in Partnerships, named for Dr. Sybil Todd, vice president for Student Affairs from 1998-2003. This annual award is presented to individuals or organizations outside the Division of Student Life who have demonstrated excellence in partnership and whose service to all constituents is exceptional.

http://bfsa.ua.edu/

Capstone Alliance

Capstone Alliance is a campus organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, (LGBTQ+) and allied faculty, staff and graduate students at The University of Alabama. The group’s mission is to make The University of Alabama community safe, supportive and welcoming to all identities.

http://capstonealliance.ua.edu/

Chinese Faculty and Staff Association

The mission of the Chinese Faculty and Staff Association is to support, celebrate and empower Chinese faculty and staff by fostering a community that provides opportunities for networking, communication and growth — both personal and professional.

Email jwang@eng.ua.edu for more information.

Jewish Faculty Staff Association

The JFSA was formed with three broad priorities: to advocate for Jewish faculty, staff and graduate students at The University of Alabama; to serve as a “clearinghouse” for those who self-identify as Jews and who seek opportunities to form, create or sustain meaningful social and/or spiritual communities on that basis; and to work with other affinity groups and faith traditions toward a campus that is open, inclusive and welcoming to all.

Email Daniel.j.levine@ua.edu for more information.

Latinx Faculty Staff Association

The purpose of this organization shall be as an advocate for educational, professional and community equity, with emphasis on Latino/a/x faculty, staff, students and the Latino/a/x community in greater Alabama. In the accomplishment of this general purpose, the organization shall promote and provide opportunities for networking among individuals and groups to articulate mutual concerns and advance educational opportunity.

Email lfsa@ua.edu for more information.

University Offices/Organizations/Centers

UA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Dr. G. Christine Taylor, Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

“The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion provides leadership for the University to build on its core principles of inclusiveness in learning environments, programs, workforce and strategic partnerships.”

https://diversity.ua.edu/

Incident reporting: https://diversity.ua.edu/incident-reporting/

UA Crossroads Community Engagement Center

Lane McLelland, Director

“UA’s Crossroads Community Center is a department within the Division of Community Affairs. UA Crossroads offers intercultural engagement opportunities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. Through our dialogue initiatives and collaborative programming, students, faculty, and staff are able to build relationships for engaging different perspectives and social identities to address challenging social issues on campus and in the broader community… Crossroads provides resources and education on civic and inclusive engagement through dialogue programs and engaged learning. We support students, faculty, and staff in making UA a welcoming community for all.”

UAXR Home Page

To sign up for the weekly newsletter: https://crossroads.ua.edu/engage-ua-newsletter-archives/

UA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Dr. G. Christine Taylor, Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

https://diversity.ua.edu/

Incident reporting: https://diversity.ua.edu/incident-reporting/

Women and Gender Resource Center

Elle Shaaban-Magana, Executive Director

“The mission of the Women and Gender Resource Center is to address gender inequity and foster a community that values social justice, safety, leadership, mentoring, education, multiculturalism, partnership and research. This is accomplished by gender-related outreach, advocacy and support to individuals and communities of all identities… There is a victim advocate on call 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays, for crisis intervention. You can reach the advocate by calling the University Police Department at 205-348-5454, asking to speak to the WGRC advocate. You can do this anonymously.”

https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/

Harbor Training: https://wgrc.sa.ua.edu/programming-and-resources/harbor/

Office of Disability Services

Vanessa Goepel, Director

“The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is the central campus resource for students who wish to request academic accommodations. In collaboration with students and instructors, our staff coordinate accommodations and support to ensure equal access to an education.”

http://ods.ua.edu/

Disability Map: https://www.ua.edu/map/files/map-ADA.pdf

Safe Zone

“The UA Safe Zone Resource Center provides educational outreach, community support, and crisis intervention resources for LGBTQIA+ members of the University of Alabama community and their allies. The SZRC offers help connecting people at UA to LGBTQIA+ inclusive resources, provides training on LGBTQIA+ topics for UA students, faculty, and staff, facilitates LGBTQIA+ community building programs on campus, and works with the Safe Zone advisory board to advocate LGBTQIA+ interests at UA.”

https://safezone.sa.ua.edu/

Safe Zone Ally Training: https://safezone.sa.ua.edu/safe-zone-2-0/

Office for Veteran and Military Affairs

David Blair, Director

The Office of Veteran and Military serves all student veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors regardless if the student receives federal or state benefits.

https://vets.sa.ua.edu/

Supporting DEI Efforts in Classrooms

Discussing Race and Racism with Students

https://www.pbis.org/resource/discussing-race-racism-and-important-current-events-with-students-a-guide-with-lesson-plans-and-resources

Inclusive Teaching Practices Toolkit

Toolkits

Strategies for Inclusive Online Teaching

https://diversity.ua.edu/1123-2/

Sample DEI Statements for Syllabi

https://diversity.ua.edu/samples-of-syllabus-diversity-statements/

Additional Resources

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Multicultural Resource Guide

Contains university and community resources, including student organizations, community congregations, ethnic restaurants, and more.

https://diversity.ua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DEI_Multicultural_Resource_Guide_2019.pdf

UA Lactation Support and Nursing Mothers Rooms

“The University of Alabama provides nursing mothers’ rooms to support nursing mothers returning to work, school, or campus. Each room offers a clean, secure, and private space for women who need to express breast milk during their time on campus. All of the rooms are equipped with a table, chair, and lock from the inside. Individuals should bring with them any needed personal supplies.”

https://hr.ua.edu/wellness-work-life/family-resources-caring-for-dependents/lactation-support

UA Employee Assistance Program

“The University of Alabama’s EAP is an employee assistance and counseling program designed to provide eligible employees and their family members with resources for resolving work-related and personal problems… The Employee Assistance Program provides a free assessment, short-term counseling (5 in-person sessions), and referral services. Referrals are made in consultation with you if additional mental health services are needed. The benefits provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama will be explored with you in selecting a provider.”

https://hr.ua.edu/wellness-work-life/employee-assistance-program

Resources for Veterans

“The University of Alabama is committed to providing persons who are protected veterans an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all programs and services offered by the University and is committed to compliance with affirmative action laws related to protected veterans.”

https://eop.ua.edu/veterans.html

Capstone International Center

Resources are available for the following groups:

Future Students: http://international.ua.edu/isss/future-new-students/

Current Students: http://international.ua.edu/isss/currentstudents/

Family Support for students, scholars, and employees:

http://international.ua.edu/isss/spouse-children/

International Spouse Group:

http://international.ua.edu/programs-activities/international-spouse-group/

Global Cafe: http://international.ua.edu/programs-activities/campus-partners/

DEI-related Community, Regional, and State Resources

African American