Fundamentals of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Sense of Belonging (DEIS) for Professionals
Issued by
University at Albany, SUNY
The ongoing demographic shift in the global workforce has demanded an intentionality from leaders and managers to ensure organizational viability moving forward. This microcredential is designed to provide learners with the concepts and practices that are foundational to being culturally and equity responsive. Over the three modules, the learners explore aspects that influence effective diversity, equity, inclusion, and sense of belonging.
- Type Learning
- Level Advanced
Earning Criteria
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Module 1 - Historical and Foundational Aspects of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Sense of Belonging - Introduces learners to key historical events, including legal events that have influenced practices of DEIS in the workplace. Morril Act, Fair Housing Act, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX are discussed to provide context of current practices today. This session covers foundational understanding of protected classes and literacy surrounding equal employment opportunity.
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Module 2 - Dialogue Across Difference - Combines experiential activities and small group discussion based on the philosophy of Intergroup Dialogue. Participants learn skills in active listening, suspending judgment, leaning into discomfort, and using empathy as way to be more culturally responsive in work environments. Learners have a better sense of their own identity and how power, privilege, and oppression interplay with those who they supervise and lead.
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Module 3 - "The Influence of DEIS in the Workplace" - Emphasizes the strategic benefits of DEIS in successful teams and organizations. This session helps learners differentiate between performative/reactive actions and impactful, enduring initiatives focused on engaging all employees, improved climate, and sense of belonging and the creation of high functioning teams.