There are no shortcuts in anti-racism work. Only by committing daily to re-designing systems to include the perspectives and voices of historically marginalized and oppressed communities can individuals and organizations reach our society’s unrealized potentials.
The UBC Award of Achievement in Anti-Racism expands your understanding of identity, power and white privilege in the workplace and in our communities, to envision a future liberated from oppressive structures. The courses center racialized voices, and challenges participants to rethink how to meaningfully and tangibly engage in anti-racist and anti-oppression practices and strategies within organizational settings, and beyond.
- Program Format: Can be completed 100% online
- Duration: You can complete this program in approximately 6-12 months, or take up to two years to complete. Choose three anti-racism courses and two diversity and inclusion elective courses for a total of 125 hours of course work.
- Cost: From $3,225 to $4,290, including a non-refundable application fee
- Applications accepted any time
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Social and organizational change is necessary to address systemic issues. The UBC Award of Achievement in Anti-Racism provides a safe and respectful environment for motivated individuals to engage with their own power and privilege, and the structures that uphold them.
The courses invite you to challenge and counter the norm of whiteness on individual, systemic and structural levels. Learn how to build anti-racist practices and strategies within your team and community, and gain perspective by acknowledging and seeking to dismantle our colonial realities.
The UBC Award of Achievement in Anti-Racism offers:
- an opportunity for you to choose courses to create a custom program for your unique learning needs
- the opportunity to engage in discussion with other individuals committed to anti-racism work from around the world
- a focus on concepts, tools, strategies and skills to support the development of anti-racist perspectives that translate to actionable change
- content that can be applied to your own contexts
- fully online or blended courses designed for working professionals, to be completed at your own pace
- an experienced instructional team of faculty and practitioners in the area of social justice and equity
Use this table to easily compare all of our equity, diversity and inclusion programs.
Who is This Program For?
You may have lived experience as a member of a marginalized community or you may be an ally hoping to engage in socially just and inclusive change within organizations. Most importantly, this program is for you if you recognize that anti-racism work is ongoing and difficult, and that it requires critical examination of power and privilege in ourselves, our work environments and society.
You might be a:
- manager, executive or leader
- human resource practitioner
- organizational development specialist
- healthcare and community service professional
- educator, administrator or student service personnel
- community development worker
- independent consultant, corporate trainer or counsellor.
This part-time program consists of three anti-racism courses and two diversity and inclusion courses of your choice, totalling approximately 125 hours of course work.
Depending on the courses you choose, you can complete this program 100% online.
Courses are facilitated by educators, practitioners and experts, and have a start and end date. You progress through the course with the same group of students. All of the courses are open for registration to anyone at any time.
Hours and Expectations
For each 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.
Technology Requirements
In order to participate in the UBC Award of Achievement in Anti-Racism, and for the best experience, we recommend you have 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.
You should also have the technology to watch videos, listen to audio, and download and read PDF files.
For live virtual classes, you'll also need access to:
- a video camera and microphone.
Two to five business days before the start of your course, we'll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.
Designed and taught by professionals who identify as Indigenous, Black and People of Colour (IBPOC) and committed allies, the curriculum reflects the voices and perspectives of racialized members of our communities.
Explore anti-racism concepts, theories and methods through specific examples and cases; self-reflect and examine your experiences and colonial realities; engage in online dialogue with fellow participants as well as facilitators to transform learnings into concrete, actionable systems change.
Assignments are designed so that you can apply what you learn in class to specific cases and situations from your own professional or personal life.
To complete the program, you must take a total of five courses. Choose three anti-racism courses and two diversity and inclusion courses to create the program that best meets your needs and objectives, for a total of approximately 125 hours of course work.
Choose three from these anti-racism courses:
| Anti-Racism Courses | Format | Course Hours | Next Offering | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principled Engagement with Indigenous People (MC652) | Online | 20 | Feb 7−24, 2023 | View and Register |
| Anti-Racism Strategies for the Workplace (MC653) | Online | 15 | Oct 18 − Nov 6, 2022 | View and Register |
| Responding to Indigenous Specific Racism (MC654) | Online | 20 | Jan 17 − Feb 3, 2023 | View and Register |
| Addressing Power, Privilege and Systems (MC656) | Online | 15 | Mar 7-26, 2023 | View and Register |
| Dismantling Barriers to Inclusion Within Organizations (MC655) | Online | 15 | Mar 14 − Apr 2, 2023 | View and Register |
| Organizational Equity and Inclusion: A Strategic Roadmap (MC657) | Online | 15 | Jan 24 − Feb 12, 2023 | View and Register |
| Decolonizing and Creating Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (MC660) | Online | 15 | Nov 15 − Dec 4, 2022 | View and Register |
| Understanding Intersectionality and Identity (MC659) | Online | 15 | Jan 10 - 29, 2023 | View and Register |
| Countering Biases and Microaggressions (MC658) | Online | 15 | TBA | View and Register |
Choose two from these diversity and inclusion courses:
| Diversity and Inclusion Courses | Format | Course Hours | Next Offering | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engaging Diversity and Inclusion in Organizations (MC609) | Online | 40 | Oct 13 − Dec 2, 2022 | View and Register |
| Identity and Intergroup Relations (MC601) | Online | 40 | Feb 23 - Apr 7, 2023 | View and Register |
| Leadership in Intercultural Contexts (MC608) | Online | 40 | Oct 27 − Dec 9, 2022 | View and Register |
| Thriving in Diverse Teams (MC604) | Online | 40 | Jan 19 − Mar 10, 2023 | View and Register |
| Transforming Intercultural Conflict (MC603) | Online | 40 | Mar 16 − Apr 28, 2023 | View and Register |
How Am I Assessed?
Courses are 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 each course, we notify you if you successfully met the requirements for the course.
Courses in the UBC Award of Achievement in Anti-Racism are facilitated by experienced educators, and industry experts.
Total program fees range from $3,225 to $4,290, and include all course materials, as well as a non-refundable $175 application fee. You pay for each course when you register, and can save $20–$50 per course if you register prior to the earlybird deadline.
| Course Type | Course Cost |
|---|---|
| Anti-Racism Courses* | $395 |
| Diversity and Inclusion Courses** | $1,050 |
*Principled Engagement with Indigenous People is $725
**Leadership in Intercultural Contexts is $1,110 and Training for Intercultural, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Trainers is $1,590
- $175 non-refundable application fee (paid at time of application)
All fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Fees may be paid by Visa®, Mastercard®, cash, money order or certified cheque.
The admissions process helps to ensure that the needs, intentions and expectations of participants are adequately matched to the program's objectives and capabilities.
To accommodate learners from a variety of backgrounds, the admission requirements for the UBC Award of Achievement in Anti-Racism are fairly broad. However, all applicants must have the following:
- post-secondary education and/or extensive life experience
- fluency in English, including good written and verbal communication skills
- the academic, interpersonal and communication skills to support active participation in this dynamic program
- at least five to seven hours a week available to spend on each course
- the minimum technology requirements required to complete the courses.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted at any time. You should apply to the program at least three weeks in advance of the start date of the first course you plan to take. If you plan to take a required course first, we recommend that you apply more than three weeks in advance as required courses tend to fill up quickly.
Follow These Steps to Apply
You must apply and be accepted into the program before registering for courses. To discuss eligibility, prior experience and program relevance, please contact us.
Complete the following steps to submit your application:
- Pay the $175 non-refundable application fee. We will send you a PDF of the receipt to the email address you provided. Please note the invoice number found on the receipt as you will need it for the application form.
- 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