University students should be able to easily discover all certificate programs available to them, not just the certificates offered within their own department or college.

During my academic journey, I discovered the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Certificate only because I happened to complete my practicum with the Human Development Institute (HDI). Had I not been placed there, I likely would never have known this certificate existed.

That experience raised an important question: How many other students are missing valuable educational opportunities simply because they do not know they exist?

Currently, students searching for certificate opportunities through departmental webpages, academic resources, and systems such as Tavera may primarily see certificates connected to their own department or college. While organizing programs by department is understandable, it can unintentionally limit students' awareness of interdisciplinary certificates available across the University.

Students should not have to discover these opportunities by chance.

What We Are Asking the University to create greater visibility and access to certificate programs by adding a standard link to a centralized list of all University certificate programs anywhere certificate opportunities are presented to students.

A simple message could say:

"Interested in exploring certificates outside your department? Click here to view all University Certificate Programs."

This link could be included on:

Department and college certificate webpages
Tevera certificate listings
Academic advising resources
Student portals
Degree-planning resources
Academic catalogs and certificate search pages
Other student-facing systems where certificate opportunities are presented

Why This Matters
Making all certificate programs easier to discover could:

Increase student awareness of educational opportunities across departments and colleges.
Encourage interdisciplinary learning.
Help students identify credentials that complement their degrees and career goals.
Improve academic planning and advising.
Promote more equitable access to educational opportunities.
Increase participation in certificate programs that students may otherwise never discover.
A student's major, department, advisor, or practicum placement should not determine whether they learn about an opportunity that could positively influence their education or future career.

This is a relatively small change that could make a meaningful difference.

Please sign this petition if you believe all students should have clear and equal access to information about the full range of certificate programs available across the University.

Together, we can encourage the University to make educational opportunities more visible, accessible, and easier for every student to discover.