Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion consists of four (4) fully online courses that are designed to explore the struggles organizations face in achieving equity, inclusion, and harmonious environments. Through participation in the certificate, learners will explore ways to create safe spaces to engage in real dialogue, policies around fairness, respect and civility, and strategies for navigating sensitive issues related to diversity and inclusion.

The Ivany Report (2014) noted enhanced focus and consideration of diversity and inclusion as critical objectives for social and economic progress in Nova Scotia, and a number of initiatives have been enacted across the province since its publication. While diversity clearly makes good business sense, it is evident that organizations and industries are not fully maximizing the potential that diversity can offer.

Courses

Each course in the certificate is three (3) weeks in length and consists of 20 learning hours, including 4.5 hours of live sessions. Learners can expect to spend approximately 6.5 hours per week on their studies.

You are not required to take the courses in the order listed below, but it is recommended that you take OLCD-IDEA0004 after completing the first three courses in the certificate (OLCD-IDEA0001, 0002, 0003). 

Click on each course name for more details and specific learning outcomes:

• OLCD-IDEA0001 Understanding EDI: An Organization Imperative
• OLCD-IDEA0002 Inclusive Communications in the Workplace
• OLCD-IDEA0003 Optimizing Diverse Team Performance
• OLCD-IDEA0004 Strategies for Implementing EDI Initiatives

Please note:  The Certificate requires a passing grade of 70% in each course. See each course for applicable tuition fees and schedule. These courses fill up quickly, and registration in one course does not guarantee your spot in another.  You must register for each course individually to reserve your spot.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this certificate, learners will:

• Gain ideas, tools and strategies for communicating inclusively
• Develop strategies for engaging in courageous conversations
• Develop skills to foster diverse teams
• Learn how to start an organizational D&I initiative

Prerequisites

Language Requirement: University-level English language proficiency required in writing, speaking and reading comprehension. It is recommended that students have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL-IBT score of 90 overall for this program. Please see the following guidelines from Dalhousie University for more information: English Language Requirements For Undergraduate Admissions - Admissions - Dalhousie University.

Program Delivery

The program is delivered through the flexibility and convenience of Dalhousie's enriched and engaging online learning platform (OpenDal). Courses include weekly group activities, live streaming lectures and project work. Course delivery is designed to provide maximum benefit and flexibility through online study. All course materials are made available through the OpenDal learning platform and are included in the course fees.

Who Should Take This Certificate?

Anyone interested in learning how to advance the agenda on diversity and inclusion within their respective organization.

Career Opportunities

The Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion can help you to:

• Discover new ways of identifying diversity, leveraging diversity and maximizing on workplace diversity to achieve inclusion organizational goals and objectives.
• Increase confidence and credibility that will set a path for achieving your diversity and inclusion goals and objectives.

Recognition of Prior Learning

It may be possible to receive advanced standing in this certificate based on your prior learning from work or life experience. We provide two types of recognition of prior learning:

• Prior Certified Learning: Assessment of prior coursework or training through a provider, that is neither a university or college, for the purpose of advanced standing. Examples of certified learning may include military courses, accredited certificates, workplace training programs, etc.
• Prior Experiential Learning: Assessment of previous work and life learning that may be equivalent to learning outcomes of university courses / programs, for the purpose of advanced standing. Relevant prior learning may come from work or volunteer experience, participation on committees or boards, independent study, etc.

To discuss how to use your prior learning to apply for advanced standing, please contact rpl@dal.ca.