Belonging & Inclusion Certificate

Belonging & Inclusion Certificate (non-credit)

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Overview

In support of the University’s commitment to creating spaces where all feel that they belong at Temple University.  Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL) announces the Belonging & Inclusion Certificate (BIC), a Non-Credit Certificate.  

Certificate Description

The Belonging & Inclusion Certificate (BIC) Non-Credit Certificate is being offered to staff and faculty, at Temple University. Participants who attend the required five workshops will earn the official BIC certificate. These sessions are meant to build the Belonging & Inclusion (BIC) lens as part of university employees' professional development.

We will discuss approaches to creating a sense of belonging for all. Learn how to advocate for justice, equity, and inclusion within your workplace and personal life. This certificate shares best practices to enhance personal and professional competence in this domain and develop A commitment to social justice, equity, advocacy, cultural humility and belonging.

This certificate provides interactive facilitated dialogues and online learning sessions, using live synchronous and online asynchronous sessions that can be accessed through the HR Training tab in TU Portal.
 

Participants will enhance their cultural lens and explore how social identity influences our perceptions, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs. The BIC certificate cultivates a brave space for participants to engage in difficult dialogues and hands-on activities that promote inclusivity in society.  
 

Required Courses

Cultivating Belonging: Living in a diverse world

In an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world, creating a genuine sense of belonging is critical to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities. This interactive workshop invites participants to explore the foundational elements of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and how they contribute to a positive climate and inclusive culture—both within organizations and the broader community.

Participants will be introduced to concepts such as social identity, power, privilege, bias, and the Cycle of Socialization—a framework that examines how our beliefs and assumptions are shaped over time. Through dialogue, collaborative activities, and self-reflection, participants will deepen their understanding of what it means to live and lead in a diverse world.

Together, we will examine how inclusive practices foster social, environmental, and economic sustainability, and identify the tangible ways individuals and organizations can empower diverse voices and promote collective action.

Key topics and learning outcomes include:

  • Understanding the role of belonging in driving meaningful, systemic change
  • Recognizing and addressing bias and microaggressions as barriers to inclusion
  • Exploring how inclusive cultures support organizational and community success
  • Identifying personal and collective strategies to build inclusive, equitable spaces
  • Reflecting on individual roles and responsibilities in shaping a multicultural and inclusive future


This workshop is designed for participants at all levels of DEI familiarity and encourages a safe, respectful environment for learning, questioning, and growth.

Understanding Social Identity & Identity Development

Our social identities—such as race, gender, class, sexual orientation, religion, and ability—shape how we experience the world and how the world responds to us. This workshop explores the foundational framework of social identity and examines how it influences our values, beliefs, behaviors, and biases.

Participants will be introduced to social identity development models that offer insight into how individuals come to understand their own identities and those of others over time. These models serve as valuable roadmaps for building empathy, awareness, and cross-cultural understanding.

In addition, we will explore the Cycle of Liberation, a framework for personal and collective transformation that supports moving beyond bias and toward equity and justice. Through interactive discussion and reflection, participants will identify practical strategies for recognizing internalized messages and challenging systems of oppression—both within themselves and their communities.

Participants will:

  • Explore the components and significance of social identity
  • Learn about identity development models and how they apply across different groups
  • Examine how identity shapes perceptions, interactions, and biases
  • Reflect on the Cycle of Liberation as a tool for personal and social change
  • Identify strategies to reduce bias and promote inclusive, equity-driven thinking

This session encourages self-exploration and is designed to support both individual growth and collective responsibility in fostering inclusive environments

Inclusion vs. Exclusion – Recognizing and Responding to Everyday Bias

What does it really mean to foster inclusion—and how do subtle forms of exclusion show up in our daily interactions?

In this workshop, participants will explore the impact of bias and microaggressions as barriers to inclusion within workplaces, classrooms, and communities. Through discussion and real-world examples, we will examine how microaggressions—often unintentional—can reinforce exclusion, marginalization, and inequity.

Participants will also gain practical tools and strategies to recognize, respond to, and address microaggressions when they occur, with attention to the dynamics of power and privilege in each situation. This workshop emphasizes the importance of both personal accountability and organizational responsibility in creating truly inclusive spaces.

Participants will:

  • Define and understand the concepts of bias, microaggressions, and exclusion
  • Explore the impact of microaggressions on individuals and communities
  • Discuss the role of power and privilege in inclusive or exclusive behavior
  • Practice strategies for addressing microaggressions, whether as a bystander, recipient, or source
  • Reflect on their own role in building environments of respect, equity, and inclusion


This session is designed to create a safe, reflective space for learning and growth, while equipping participants with actionable tools for everyday inclusion.

Building Bridges: Allyship in Action

In an increasingly diverse and interconnected world, allyship plays a crucial role in advancing equity, inclusion, and social justice. Being an ally goes beyond good intentions—it requires action, accountability, and a commitment to challenging inequity wherever it exists.

This workshop will introduce participants to the principles and practices of effective allyship, offering tools to support marginalized individuals and communities in meaningful, respectful, and sustainable ways. Through interactive discussions and self-reflection, participants will explore their own identities, understand the dynamics of power and privilege, and learn how to interrupt exclusionary behaviors and systems.

Whether you’re just beginning your allyship journey or looking to deepen your impact, this session will empower you to move from awareness to action.

Participants will:

  • Understand the core concepts of allyship, advocacy, and solidarity
  • Explore the role of power, privilege, and positionality in ally relationships
  • Learn practical strategies to support marginalized communities in ways that center their voices
  • Reflect on personal barriers to allyship and how to overcome them
  • Commit to actionable next steps in becoming more effective, consistent allies

This workshop offers a supportive environment for learning, growth, and the development of authentic connections across different cultures.

Embracing Generational Diversity in the Workplace

Today’s workforce is more generationally diverse than ever before, with up to five generations working side by side. Each generation brings distinct experiences, values, communication styles, and expectations to the workplace—creating both opportunities and challenges for collaboration.

Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop that explores the dynamics of generational diversity and its impact on team culture, communication, and productivity. Participants will learn to recognize the key traits, motivations, and work styles of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z, and how these generational perspectives influence the way we work and interact.

Through discussion, reflection, and real-world examples, this session will equip participants with strategies to bridge generational gaps, reduce misunderstandings, and foster a more inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.

Participants will:

  • Identify the defining characteristics, values, and communication styles of different generations
  • Understand how generational experiences shape expectations and work behaviors
  • Explore strategies for improving cross-generational communication and collaboration
  • Challenge stereotypes and assumptions to build mutual respect across age groups
  • Gain practical tools to leverage generational diversity as a strength in teams and organizations

Whether you’re a team leader, manager, or individual contributor, this workshop will help you embrace generational differences and create a more cohesive, high-performing workplace.