Associateship in Equitable Systems Design

The UBC Associateship in Equitable Systems Design program offers practical application and real-world experience for leaders committed to leading change and creating inclusion in the workplace and beyond. It offers a collaborative and supportive environment where you can meet other experienced EDI practitioners, expand your knowledge base, and make lasting connections through a network of changemakers.

This program is designed for experienced EDI practitioners and graduates or alumni of the UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies, the UBC Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, the UBC Micro-certificate in Anti-Racism, the UBC Micro-certificate in Equitable Systems Design or the UBC Micro-certificate in Diversity and Inclusion.

In addition, you must be able to demonstrate a heightened sense of awareness of your own identity and privilege, as well as a background in practical EDI work.

The cost to complete this program including course materials and the $175 program application fee is $3,675.

All fees are in Canadian dollars and subject to change. Fees are subject to GST where applicable. Fees may be paid by Visa®, Visa® Debit, Mastercard®, American Express®, money order or certified cheque.

For details on UBC’s payment policies, please see Refunds, Cancellations and Transfers.

Receive support from our facilitation team, and hone your skills during the program by practicing and developing EDI centered projects for client organizations from the public, not-for-profit and private sectors.

Projects may range from responding to the need to improve intercultural skills and inclusion in the workplace, to implementing a new set of equitable hiring and retention practices at all levels of the organization, to engaging in efforts to stay current and connected to changing consumer expectations around EDI.

To complete the program, you must complete course work and an applied practicum over a period of five to six months. The required course involves a total of 40 hours of course work followed by a practicum experience or real-world challenge of your choosing from the opportunities you identify in your context. Practicum can be completed in three months with opportunities to report back in a facilitated environment. The facilitated portion of the practicum is for a total of 10 hours of course work. 

Required courses

Required courses

Course name	Format	Next start date	Learn more
Leading Conversations for Change (0494)	See details	Jan 22, 2026	Details

This part-time program consists of an online course with both synchronous and asynchronous course work and an applied practicum experience. To graduate you must complete at least 40 hours of online course work before commencing the practicum. This is followed by 10 more hours of online course work during the applied practicum experience for a total of 50 hours of course work.

Depending on the project you choose, you will invest time in engaging in this real-world challenge/practicum experience. It is up to you to choose the duration of this project and the entire program is expected to be completed in five to six months (inclusive of course work and practicum). 

Expected effort

For the required course, be prepared to spend approximately seven hours per week completing learning activities, including readings, assignments, posting and responding to online group discussions, and other projects. You are required to log in to your course at least every other day. We strongly recommend taking only one course at a time if you are working or studying full-time.

For the practicum experience, you are required to choose a project or identify an opportunity in your own context where you can practice applying your EDI skills. You may spend approximately 3 months working on your practicum. There are mandatory online check-ins, and optional co-labs or peer meetups online as you work on your practicum. A practicum kit is made available and a report is required to be completed and submitted in the online course to successfully complete the program.

A total of 50 hours of online course work is expected to be completed plus the time it takes to complete the practicum. All components are expected to be completed in five to six months. 

Technology requirements

To take this program, you need access to:

• an email account
• a computer, laptop or tablet, using Windows or macOS
• the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
• a reliable internet connection

Assessment

Program is graded as complete/incomplete. You’re evaluated based on standards and competencies established by facilitators, program administrators, and an advisory board.

At the end of the program, you will be notified if you successfully met the requirements for the program. Successful participants will earn a digital Associateship Badge.

Projects may be featured (with consent) on the CESD website as part of an Associateship Showcase.

The Associateship Program in Equitable Systems Design is facilitated by experienced educators, practitioners and industry experts.

To accommodate learners from a variety of backgrounds in the Associateship in Equitable Systems Design program, we have broad criteria and request that you ensure you can meet the following requirements:

• Graduate of one of the following programs: UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies, the UBC Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, the UBC Micro-certificate in Anti-Racism, the UBC Micro-certificate in Equitable Systems Design or the UBC Micro-certificate in Diversity and Inclusion.
• Able to find a practicum opportunity in your own context where you can practice your intercultural and EDI skills.
• Fluency in English, including good written and verbal communication skills
• The academic, interpersonal and communication skills to support active participation in this dynamic program
• Approximately seven hours a week to spend on a course
• Able to access the minimum technology requirements.

Application Process

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.  

Complete the following steps to submit your application:

• Complete the online application form. You will need to include a letter of intent (max. 500 words). This should include personal and/or career goals, interests and program expectations.
• You will be directed to pay the $175 non-refundable application fee online.
• Once you have been accepted into the program, you can begin registering for courses.