DEI Staff Certificate

Strategic Communication for Achieving DEI Objectives: An LSA Staff Certificate

Application deadlines will be announced shortly. Applicants must confirm their availability to participate with their supervisor prior to applying.

2024-2025 Application

Application is due by Monday, September 16, 2024 by 5:00p.m.

Staff will be notified by Friday, October 4, 2024 by 5:00p.m.

“Strategic Communication for Achieving DEI Objectives” is a 20-hour certificate program specially designed for LSA staff with mid- to advanced-level DEI knowledge and experience who are interested in enhancing their communication skills in this space. Through this series, participants will learn and apply evidence-based best practices, drawing from a range of disciplines, to increase their problem-solving skills and effective communication strategies in the workplace as they relate to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Program Objectives

In these interactive sessions, participants will:

Design an evolving personal exploration plan (PEP) tailored to unique needs and interests
Gain a clearer understanding of the relationship between individual behaviors, interpersonal interactions, and creating systemic changes through an intersectional lens
Reflect on their own identities and the identities of others as they relate to lived experiences, diversity of thought in worldviews and behaviors, and meaningful systemic change
Learn and apply evidence-based best practices for creating diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible work environments
Understand the benefits of psychological safety as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion in working environments with an opportunity to practice
Establish lasting connections and a culture of accountability with their certificate cohort to learn from and grow together

Participation Guidelines

“Strategic Communication for Achieving DEI Objectives” is designed for all LSA staff, regardless of rank or title, with mid- to advanced-level knowledge of DEI acquired through education, job experience, and/or professional development.

For selected candidates only: the DEI Office will ask for a formal approval from your supervisor confirming your enrollment in this 20-hour professional development opportunity in Fall 2024.

Program Structure

“Strategic Communication for Achieving DEI Objectives” will take place between October 2024 and November 2024. During this time, participants will attend five 2.5-hour sessions and a 1-hour closing ceremony. Participants will also receive 30-60 minutes of guided reflection prompts and pre- and post-work between sessions. The total time commitment for this certificate is approximately 20 hours over a 2-month period.

All sessions will be in-person.

Participants must complete all modules (one absence allowed) in order to achieve certification. All sessions will be held on Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. on the following dates:

October 17
October 24
October 31
November 7
November 14

Certificates will be distributed at the Closing Ceremony on Thursday, November 21 from 11:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m.

Topics Include

Module 1: Leveraging Discomfort
Module 2: Creating New Realities through Storytelling
Module 3: Reexamining Power and Accountability
Module 4: Creating New Scripts for Action
Module 5: Moving Towards Self- and Community-Healing

Due to the intensive nature of the dialogues and opportunities in this course, this program is held in-person and cohort size will be limited to 20 participants. Applicants will be selected based on interest and depth of knowledge with consideration given to maximizing the diversity of the cohort across units, job titles, and background. Cohorts will be structured to minimize overlap with supervisors and direct reports to the greatest extent possible.

For LSA staff who are interested in building their DEI competencies but are not quite ready for this mid- to advanced-level program, we recommend the LSA DEI Office workshops, workshops facilitated by the LSA Faculty and Staff Disability Navigators, or trainings provided through Organizational Learning.

Questions or comments about this program should be directed to LSA-DEI-Office@umich.edu.

Testimonials from the Pilot

"[This program] helps us move toward real change rather than just how to recognize wounds and provide bandaids."

"Demonstrated clear, evidence-based ways to understand, work within, and work [through] UM systems and how to connect with others based for buy-in on the changes proposed."

"Provided clear examples on how to communicate effectively and map out identified barriers and inequities [which] provided a path to planning, pushback, and accountability that could be effective for changemakers."

"I appreciated that [this program] drew a picture of the kind of culture we can strive to create in our own areas of influence."

Proficiency Levels

In order to assist applicants in identifying their readiness for this program, below is a general outline of proficiency levels. Please note: Proficiency levels correspond to DEI awareness rather than professional responsibilities.

LSA staff with mid- to advanced-level DEI knowledge and experience or higher are encouraged to apply.

Entry-Level (Awareness and Basic Understanding)

Self-Awareness and Personal Responsibility

Understand basic DEI concepts and terminology.
Recognize personal biases and stereotypes.
Demonstrate a commitment to self-education on DEI issues.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Respectful and inclusive communication.
Listen actively and empathetically to diverse perspectives.
Recognize and challenge microaggressions and discriminatory behaviors.

Cultural Competence

Show respect for different cultural backgrounds.
Adapt behavior in cross-cultural interactions.
Participate in diversity training and workshops.

Mid-Level (Application and Advocacy)

Inclusive Practices and Advocacy

Implement inclusive practices in daily work and decision-making.
Advocate for DEI initiatives within the team or department.
Address and resolve DEI-related conflicts constructively.

Leadership and Role Modeling

Serve as a role model for inclusive behavior.
Mentor and support underrepresented colleagues.
Promote a culture of belonging and respect within the team.

DEI Knowledge Application

Apply DEI knowledge to develop inclusive policies and procedures.
Utilize data to identify and address DEI gaps.
Lead or participate in DEI-focused projects and initiatives.

Senior-Level (Strategy and Influence)

Strategic Leadership and Vision

Develop and implement DEI strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Influence organizational culture to prioritize DEI.
Set measurable DEI goals and track progress.

Organizational Change and Innovation

Drive organizational change to create a more inclusive environment.
Foster innovation through diverse teams and perspectives.
Allocate resources to support DEI initiatives.

External Representation and Partnerships

Represent the organization in external DEI forums and partnerships.
Build and maintain relationships with diverse communities and stakeholders.
Champion DEI in industry and community engagements.

Executive-Level (Administrative and Accountability)

Administration and Policy Development

Integrate DEI into administrative structures and policies.
Ensure compliance with DEI-related regulations and standards.
Establish accountability mechanisms for DEI outcomes.

Resource Allocation and Investment

Allocate budget and resources to support DEI programs.
Invest in DEI training, development, and capacity building.
Evaluate and adjust DEI initiatives based on impact assessments.

Transparency and Reporting

Promote transparency in DEI progress and challenges.
Report on DEI metrics and outcomes to stakeholders.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning in DEI.

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