Certificate Program

Our Certificate is a microcredential designed to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of cultivating a welcoming environment for all of the AU community. It is offered in partnership with Wellstar MCG Health and other campus leaders. This certificate reflects the university's commitment to cultivating a welcoming educational environment that prepares our students to thrive in our global society as well as effectively recruit and retain our faculty and staff.

Certificate Information and Requirements:

  • This free program is open to faculty and staff on all campuses, including Wellstar MCG Health, but excluding undergraduate and graduate student employees.
  • In-person workshops will be available on the Summerville and Health Sciences campus.
  • Virtual workshops will also be available for those located on satellite campuses.
  • Participating employees must complete (3) core sessions and (4) elective sessions, each session is 1.5 hours.
  • Participating employees must complete all workshops within 12 months

Contact Us

Educational Pathways & Outreach

Health Sciences Campus

G. Lombard Kelly Building

AA-172

706-721-9265

706-446-0276

Participant & Department Benefits:

  • At the end of each Spring semester, there will be a ceremony recognizing belonging on campus, including employees who completed their certificate that academic year

  • Divisions and Colleges who have a participation rate of 80% or higher from their faculty/staff by April 1st of each year will receive a special recognition

Learning Outcomes 

  • Increase awareness and understanding of belonging and cultivate a welcoming environment for the Augusta University community
  • Enhance access to and participation in professional development opportunities
  • Further interdisciplinary and inter-professional commitment of faculty and staff in institutional efforts
  • Recognize and strengthen resource sharing, collaboration, and the development of strategic partnerships to increase institutional excellence

Previously Offered Courses

  • Lucy C. Laney Museum of History
  • Morris Museum of Art: Art of the South 
  • Better Discourse: a Guide to Bridging Campus Divide in Challenging Times
  • Small Steps, Big Shifts: Cultivating Sustainable Wellbeing

Recertification Information

  • Certification is valid for 2 years
  • Recertification will consist of completing 4 new elective workshops

Register For Courses

Fall 2026 Workshops

Core Required Sessions

Emotional Intelligence

This session is an introduction to the Emotional Intelligence model. The session provides a framework to enhance your capacity to understand and navigate the complexities of the workplace using Emotional Intelligence.

 

Facilitated by: Za'Cuan McNeil (Office of Educational Pathways and Outreach)

History of Augusta University

An engaging and thought-provoking workshop that delves into the rich history of Augusta University through the lens of trailblazers. Explore the remarkable contributions of trailblazers and uncover transformative moments that shaped our institution.

 

Facilitated by: Za'Cuan McNeil (Office of Educational Pathways and Outreach)

Building Belonging

Building Belonging is a professional development course inspired by the Othering and Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkely. The course combines theory with practical application, equipping participants with tools and strategies to foster inclusive, collaborative environments. Through real-world scenarios and interactive learning, participants develop the skills to address exclusion, strengthen team dynamics, and contribute to a more welcoming and high-performing organizational culture

 

Facilitated by: Za'Cuan McNeil (Office of Educational Pathways and Outreach)

Elective Sessions

True Colors: Valuing Difference-Creating Unity

Uncover your unique personality strengths and explore how to use them to improve communication, collaboration, and leadership within academic environments. Designed for faculty and staff, this course applies the True Colors framework to foster greater self-awareness, enhance team dynamics, and support welcoming practices that contribute to student success and a positive campus culture.  

 

Facilitated by: Kristie R. Johnson & Za'Cuan McNeil (Office of Educational Pathways and Outreach)

Intergenerational Demographics in the Workplace

This course explores the dynamic interplay of intergenerational demographics in the workplace. Participants will gain insights into how varying generational experiences shape workplace interactions and learn strategies for building meaningful connections. Through a panel discussion featuring Augusta University faculty and staff, attendees will hear real-life experiences and practical approaches to fostering a culture of belonging.

 

Facilitated by: Za'Cuan McNeil (Office of Educational Pathways and Outreach)

Beyond Burnout: Practical Tools for Professionals

Burnout is more than feeling busy or stressed. It can affect our energy, motivation, relationships, and overall wellbeing. In the fast-paced world we live in today, balancing competing priorities, supporting others, and managing constant change can make it difficult to sustain our own wellbeing.

This interactive session will explore what contributes to burnout, how to recognize its warning signs, and practical strategies for building resilience and protecting your energy. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the relationship between workplace demands and personal resources, along with realistic tools they can apply in both their professional and personal lives to create more sustainable wellbeing.

 

Facilitated by: Morgan Davis (Office of Student Wellbeing)

Pathways to Partnership: Connecting Campus and Community

At Augusta University, our commitment to community goes beyond campus boundaries. This course explores how the university connects, collaborates, and contributes to the broader Augusta community. Participants will learn about key partnerships, outreach initiatives, and the role faculty, staff, and students play in supporting local needs and fostering engagement. A highlight of the course is an immersive guided tour of the Children's Hospital of Georgia.

 

Facilitated by: Amanda Richardson (Community Engagement), Catherine Stewart (Wellstar MCG), & Kelsey McCullough (Wellstar MCG)

Lucy Craft Laney Museum's Walking Tour

Step into history with the Lucy Craft Laney Museum's captivating walking tour through the heart of Augusta, GA. Join us for an immersive experience that takes you on a journey through time, exploring the rich legacy of Lucy Craft Laney, an influential educator, and civil rights pioneer. Walk the historic street, where each step unveils the stories of resilience, empowerment, and the enduring spirit of the African American Community in Augusta.

 

Facilitated by: Corey Rogers (Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History)