Six-week virtual course focuses on creating positive change in the workplace through development of structures that bring lasting equity and positive change

CLEVELAND (June 2, 2021) - Cleveland State University is offering a certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), developed by the CSU Division of Continuing and Extended Education and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and University Engagement.

The non-credit certificate is part of CSU’s plan to promote diversity, equity and inclusion through non-credit, adult learning. The course consists of six weekly modules to be held virtually via Zoom this year during the summer and fall semesters.  

While DEI certificates are normally promoted to employers through human resource departments and  professional development programs, this newly developed certificate also covers that ground, with an added focus on individuals who may want to redirect their career to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in light of recent events that have further exposed inequities and social injustices across many levels in society.

“We wanted to create a certificate for individuals who may want to redirect their career to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. We also think the DEI certificate helps individuals add a new skill that will advance their career or help job seekers to be more appealing to future employers,” said Nancy M. Pratt, Ph.D., executive director of the Division of Continuing and Extended Education.

 The 6-week professional certificate program is ideal for mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their skillset and help meet the growing organizational and societal demands for diversity, equity and inclusion and the need for greater cultural awareness and understanding.

The main tenants of the certificate are to:

• Understand the multiple complexities associated with diversity dynamics in the workplace.
• Create structures to advance adaptive and transformative organizational culture change.
• Cultivate a workplace culture that can effectively leverage its diverse talent.
• Support leaders in becoming sensitive to and skilled in responding to the needs of its multicultural workforce and consumer population.
• Review current and historical complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging.
• Understand how the role of “self” and how “self” operates, both consciously and unconsciously, to use oneself to influence others in the service of diversity, equity and inclusion change.
• Explore prevalent psychological tendencies that can produce impediments to an inclusive work environment.
• Understand the critical, yet often invisible, role that power dynamics play and its direct relationship to diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging.
• Learn to effectively provide and cultivate and inclusive workplace environment through an understanding of group dynamics and conflict management skills.
• Identify organizational interventions compatible with the culture and level of commitment.

​​​​​​​​###

About Cleveland State University
Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for Engaged Learning. With nearly 16,000 students, ten colleges and schools and more than 175 academic programs, CSU was again chosen in 2020 as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report. Find more information at www.csuohio.edu.