Where do you begin telling someone their world is not the only one?
Lee Maracle, Indigenous writer and academic of the Sto꞉lo nation
How do we stay attuned to the evolving challenges of equity, diversity, and inclusion within our organizations? Inequities in our workplaces and communities, whether hidden or revealed, are a product of design. To address them, individuals and organizations must be willing to explore structural barriers with purpose and intention, and (re)design a system that center inclusion and equity.
For organizations and staff from all sectors and departments, this participatory program supports those seeking creative, actionable strategies that prioritize equity and inclusion within their own unique contexts. Participants will work together in a cohort within the same organization to examine current equity efforts, to address systemic issues in the workplace, and advance inclusive, equitable-centered solutions for programs, spaces, products, or processes of their choice. Offered through UBC Extended Learning's Centre for Equitable Systems Design (CESD) there are two learning pathways.
Courses in the program
Organizations can engage with the UBC Equitable Systems Design (ESD) learning pathways through one or both of the following options:
Equity Design Lab (customized cohort-based session)
A customized, facilitated session, either online or in-person, for a cohort from your organization. In this collaborative learning space grounded in principles of equitable systems design, participants explore organizational systems and begin identifying opportunities for transformation.
Contact us about timing, fees and other details.
UBC Micro-certificate in Equitable Systems Design
Organizations ready to go deeper can enroll in the UBC Micro-certificate in Equitable Systems Design. This is a facilitated, fully online, part-time program over 2 courses. Using equity-centered design tools and frameworks, each cohort develops practical solutions towards programs, spaces, products, or processes that are inclusive and equitable. Plan to dedicate approximately 7 hours each week to complete readings, assignments and discussion. Cohorts can begin the program at any point throughout the year.
Cohorts from the same organization complete two structured courses:
Part 1: Explore organizational development and equity-centered design strategies over 6 consecutive weeks.
Part 2: Focus on a specific organizational initiative over 5 consecutive weeks, including a capstone presentation in the final week presenting your learnings and findings delivered via Zoom.
Program fee: $3,500 per participant.
Program cost & timeline
Equity Design Lab: Contact us about timing, fees and other details.
Micro-certificate in Equitable Systems Design: $3,500 per participant. Cohorts can begin the program at any point throughout the year.
Organizations can engage with the UBC Equitable Systems Design (ESD) learning pathways through one or both of the above options.
Technology used:
The UBC Micro-certificate in Equitable Systems Design is delivered through Canvas, UBC's learning management software with capstone presentations conducted via Zoom.
The online version of the Equity Design Lab is also conducted via Zoom and in-person sessions are also available.
How to register
Registration is ongoing and available year-round. If your organization is interested in enrolling or would like more information, we invite you to contact us.
How can we help?
We’re here to answer your questions, discuss learning options and provide insights, recommendations and referrals.