Colleges and Schools

The course will cover a foundational introduction and in-depth review of the socio-historical context and the theoretical basis of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, (DEI). Key DEI concepts and their significance in today's world are explored. Participants will study and recognize the impact and importance of addressing discrimination, bias, microaggression, forms of exclusion, privilege, and oppression interplay with established identities and those around them. Additionally, participants will gain a better understanding of cultural sensitivity to strengthen awareness and deepen cross-cultural respect of all groups.

This course examines organizational behavior and culture, and how these factors may influence change management associated with culture change and DEI initiatives. Additionally, the integration of DEI programing must be strategic and aligned with organizational values, systems, and processes. The course provides a framework on how organizational DEI values are established, communicated, embraced, implemented, and evaluated. The course focuses on recognizing challenges, resistance, conflict, and explores interventions to resolve issues related to DEI. To assist in making the business case, data analytics and models of measurement to establish return on investment (ROI) are presented and discussed.

This course examines how one's own identity can impact and shape one's leadership practices and ability to engage the diverse talents of all contributors. The course introduces inclusive and equity fluent leadership to address barriers, increase access, and drive change for positive impact. The course explores a range of intercultural tools and process models, which are designed to help leaders develop cultural competencies for inclusive and equity fluent leadership and offers practical strategies to cultivate a more inclusive workforce. Leading social justice, gender equality, racial and ethnic equity, sexual orientation equity, and equity for people with disabilities are discussed.

This course covers, from a human resources management perspective, the foundation of building a workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and have equal access to employment opportunities. Strategies and best practices are presented aimed at reducing bias and emphasizing equity to build a diverse talent pipeline and lay the foundation for inclusion from recruitment to retention. The course explores allyship programs as an approach to improving an inclusive workplace culture. Different metrics and methods for measuring the effectiveness of embracing and cultivating a diverse workforce are presented.

Using the accumulated knowledge and experience acquired through the program, the participant will create a practical application by developing a sustainable DEI strategy to be implemented within their organization. The final product will be a comprehensive DEI plan that identifies the specific approaches, implementation steps, and evaluation measures that will achieve the strategic initiatives for a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization.