This award recognizes the student’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as exemplified by their scholarship, professional service, and reflective participation while enrolled in a degree program at the School of Information Sciences. Begun in fall 2018 under the previous name, Diversity & Inclusion Badge, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award is conferred annually to graduating BSIS and MSIS students. BSIS students receive the award at the College’s Honors Convocation, typically held in April, and MSIS students receive the award at the MSIS Hooding Ceremony, typically held in May.

Application Process

Students who wish to be considered for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award should submit an online application that demonstrates their commitment to diversity and inclusion. This application consists of three parts:

1. Integrative Essay
   The student should prepare a 500-1000 word essay that describes, integrates and discusses their activities and accomplishments in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, intercultural competence and allyship. The essay should also highlight how these activities and accomplishments have shaped their academic growth, preparation for professional success, and/or experience in a current or recent work, practicum or internship setting.
2. Evidence (Scholarship and Professional Service)
   The student should provide evidence of applying principles and practices of diversity, equity, inclusion, intercultural competence and/or allyship in their scholarship and professional service. The application must include at least one of the following:
   • Assignment completed in any INSC course, such as literature reviews, reports or other papers, as well as information products, like an app, website or visualization. (Attach or provide link if a web-based resource).
   • Research presented in a professional forum or published in a professional publication. This may include, but is not limited to, a poster or paper presented at a conference, or a paper published in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal or trade or commercial publication. (Attach or provide link if a web-based resource).
   • Leadership to a professional association, community organization or University, College or School committee. (Briefly describe the applicable association, organization, or committee, and your leadership role).
3. Evidence (Reflective Participation and Engagement)
   The student should provide a brief summary of their participation and engagement in at least two activities. Each summary should include, at minimum:
   1. Date, time, and location of activity.
   2. How activity relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, intercultural competence and/or allyship.
   3. How the activity impacted the student’s understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, intercultural competence and/or allyship.

Acceptable types of activities that provide evidence of reflective participation and engagement are described below. Students are not required to complete one activity from each of the bullets below, but rather, as an example, could attend two different lectures, or volunteer at two different agencies.

• Attend a lecture, workshop, training or other event for enhancing understanding of issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, intercultural competence and/or allyship.
• Volunteer at a program implemented in a community or non-profit agency whose mission is related to diversity, equity, inclusion, intercultural competence and/or allyship.

Deadlines

• BSIS & MSIS Spring and Summer Graduates:  April 15
• BSIS & MSIS Fall Graduates:  November 15

There is no limit to the number of students who receive the award. However, a student can only be awarded once during their respective degree program.  If you have questions, contact the SIS Diversity & Inclusion Officer by email at dpotnis@utk.edu.

Apply for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award