Diversity education takes many forms at Indiana University, from implicit bias training for campus decision-makers to facilitated discussions, workshops, guest speakers and more. A new program aims to develop and support current and emerging leaders from private, public and nonprofit sectors trying to help their organizations become more diverse, equitable and inclusive.
Led by local and national diversity experts, the IU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Certification Program provides a comprehensive, academically grounded training program designed to help participants become better leaders, managers and allies for today’s changing workplace.
Beginning April 14 and going through June 16, 2023, the 10-week, five-unit program will incorporate in-person and online instruction. Participants join two in-person and six online sessions, which include keynotes by industry leaders, interactive case studies, and thought-provoking assignments that prepare participants to work, lead and live in our diverse, multi-faceted world. An orientation session kicks off the program which concludes with a DEI Leadership Symposium and Certification Ceremony.
“This program will provide an important learning and growth experience for everyone involved,” says James C. Wimbush, vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership. “It is ideal for experienced and developing professionals who want to examine, design and lead solutions to organizational challenges and promote DEI initiatives.”
IU’s Monica Johnson, who leads the initiative, echoes those sentiments.
“Program participants will explore a wide variety of competing and complementary theories, propositions, variables, definitions, research evidence, assumptions and application-to-educational practices, says Johnson, associate vice president of Diversity Equity and Inclusion.
According to Johnson, topics will cover the impact of inequities in terms of the overall quality of life within society, as evident in divisions of labor, class structures, power relationships, group marginalization, cultural imagery, residential patterns, health, family life, employment, education, values and other areas.
In addition, key analytical constructs (such as race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status and others) will be studied, focusing on their impact on instruction, assessment and leadership.
At the core of this initiative are four remarkable DEI leaders who will serve as program faculty. These leaders have local connections to Indiana University campuses and professional DEI leadership experience throughout higher education and other professional industries. In addition, they are nationally recognized as thought leaders in diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. Program faculty include Johnson; Sachet Watson, director for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity + Access and an academic specialist at Indiana University; Lloyd Daley-Graham, director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Teammate Engagement for IndyGo; Ellise Antoinette Smith, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at IUPUI; and Brian Richardson Jr., director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Indianapolis Colts and adjunct professor at the Indiana University O’Neill School.
After successfully finishing the program, participants receive a “Certificate of Completion” from Indiana University. The designation acknowledges that participants are emerging leaders with the marketable competencies, perspectives and knowledge to develop and support DEI personally and professionally.
The Indiana University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Certification Program is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort. Space is limited and open to Indiana University faculty and staff only. Participation is free and includes access to all training sessions and program materials.
The application period begins on February 27 and closes on March 31.
Learn more and apply to the program at diversity.iu.edu.