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Equity Action Plan

New EDI program at UVic

March 06, 2024

Submitted on behalf of Continuing Studies.

The Division of Continuing Studies launched the Micro-certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) program in September 2023. This new program is specifically crafted for professionals, employers and employees who are passionate about fostering equitable, diverse, accessible and inclusive workplaces.

Developing the program

The development of the Micro-Certificate in EDI program was spearheaded by the Languages, Arts, and Culture unit (LAC) within Continuing Studies. Alongside the LAC team, subject matter experts, including members of the Intercultural Studies and Practice Advisory Committee, also played a crucial role in its development. This committee is comprised of UVic Humanities faculty members as well as community leaders actively involved in EDI initiatives.

Program description

The Micro-certificate in EDI provides students with a robust knowledge base and essential skills to create inclusive and thriving workplaces.

Organizations are increasingly prioritizing the integration of EDI principles in both the public and private sectors. This 3-course program is tailored for employers and employees committed to the vital work of challenging systemic and organizational barriers, examining power dynamics, and fostering equity and inclusion.

By exploring crucial topics such as social location, intercultural communication, accessibility, reconciliation and the influence of power dynamics and privilege, this program deepens learners' self-awareness, critical thinking and ability to navigate and transform their work environments into safer, more equitable, inclusive spaces.  

How it's going

"Thanks for an amazing class. I enrolled in 2 courses this semester (ISP 102 and IS 100) and both classes turned out to be a wealth of knowledge directly applicable to my Indigenous business. I found myself creating policies and implementing new ideas on a weekly basis during your course, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to have learned so many valuable life changing skills and perspectives that will continue to shape my career as a business owner in the Indigenous space."

- Continuing Studies Student

Currently, the program has 37 learners enrolled in the full EDI Micro-Certificate. These learners come from various sectors, including HR, healthcare, education, immigration, cultural advising and counselling backgrounds.

The program’s required courses are also available to those not pursuing the micro-credential and students have shown keen interest in taking them as electives in their existing programs. ISP 110 Intercultural Communication in the Workplace and ISP 102 Organizational Diversity and Inclusion ran at full capacity during Fall 2023 and have maintained high enrollment. The program and courses have been popular with both domestic and international students. 

Learn more

Read the full micro-certificate description on the program webpage or contact Tiff Parks, Program Coordinator at ispcoord@uvic.ca for more information.