Leading for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education from Coursera

This course is open to professionals interested in learning more about leadership in higher education for a changing demographic or interested in developing their own leadership skills. The very idea that individuals can be taught to lead is not without its skeptics. Reasonable people, even some scholars in the field, point to the important traits, skills, and attributes that are observed in many visible leaders and contend that certain qualities necessary for effective leadership are not easily transmitted. To accept this premise and conclude that some people are born as natural leaders and others cannot be expected to lead at all is to make a mistake at the other end of the logical spectrum. We believe that leadership can be taught as long as it is concurrently nurtured, that most people possess a constellation of strengths around which they can construct their own leadership philosophy and approach, and that leadership development programming—if done well—can be transformative for organizers and participants.

Course Level Objectives:

Understand the historical narrative of institutions as well as institutional structures that have created instances of inclusion and exclusion in colleges and universities.

Describe how transformational leadership is enacted for diversity, equity, and inclusion in a complex and contested environment.

Compare legislative, governance, and public accountability and expectations in relation to contemporary issues in higher education.

Analyze the strategic diversity planning process and documents of a selected institution.

Recommend innovations and opportunities for transformational change at various levels of the ecological model using the strategic diversity planning process as a tool.

What's inside

Syllabus

Leadership Challenges of the 21st Century

The system of higher education has grown from a complex history and evolving mission to serve the public good. Higher education leaders and administrators should reflect upon and consider this history and its implications for equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts on campus. This module will help you to recognize historical narratives and present day consequences on campus, from the way students are admitted to the buildings on campus.

Bias of Consciousness

Higher education institutions have been shaped through a history of exclusion. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Women's Colleges, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are a few examples of these institutions. This module will help you to understand the various structures, schools, and organizations that have developed as a result of historical exclusion and the role each plays in equity, diversity, and inclusion on campuses across the United States.

Contested Discourse

Social discourse is intertwined with modern issues faced by students on campus. Student movements develop in response to contested discourse and seek to change not only tensions on campus, but address social inequities as well. This module will provide background on contested discourse as well as highlight several student movements addressing contemporary campus issues.

Strategic Diversity Planning

Rethinking Leaders, Leadership and Leadership Development

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops problem-solving, strategic thinking, planning, and stakeholder engagement, which are essential for leaders in higher education

Provides a comprehensive overview of the historical and contemporary challenges facing higher education leaders, including issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion

Taught by Dr. John C. Burkhardt, who is recognized for his work in higher education leadership and diversity

Examines the role of transformational leadership in creating inclusive and equitable higher education environments

Appropriate for professionals in higher education, including leaders, administrators, and faculty

Requires significant reading, discussion, and participation

Reviews summary

Equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education

Learners say this course provides an intermediate-level insight into equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. They found the lectures engaging, materials practical, and the content comprehensive and informative. The course is highly praised for its coverage of leadership strategies, historical context, and its tools and resources for developing strategic plans. While some learners felt there was too much reading and some outdated materials, the majority highly recommend this course for anyone in or preparing for a leadership position in higher education.

Exploration of the historical roots of equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education

"The course was well organised and introduced from the historical stories about diversity and equity in higher education."

"I really enjoyed my time in this course. I found the course to be very informative and engaging."

"I learnt important concepts and tools to address the question of equity and inclusion at higher educational institutions."

Tools for developing and implementing effective leadership strategies for equity, diversity, and inclusion

"This course provides a thorough background for EDI training."

"I wish there was more information on tangible differences and ideas one could make or follow into higher education and access in higher ed."

"I learned so much from this, very informative and all materials were delivered in a clear manner."

Engaging videos, relevant readings, and thought-provoking assignments

"Great course, with great information!"

"Excellent course for anyone in, or preparing for, a leadership position in higher education."

"This course has lots of great tools and resources that will deepen your understanding of leadership through a DEI lens."

Course includes a significant amount of required reading

"Very informative course with useful knowledge about diversity and equity."

"Although there are so many readings, the tools and knowledge introduced in the course were very effective."

Some readings and links may be outdated or no longer relevant

"Some of the links appear to be outdated or no longer link to anything, but the course content was very valuable."

"Great information and instructor. My only comment would be to update some course materials (one reading mentioned the use of CD ROMS)"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Leading for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education with these activities:

Review Historical Narrative of Higher Education Evolution

Show steps

Build a solid understanding of the historical context shaping higher education to better grasp its complexities.

Show steps

Read articles and books on the history of higher education.
Visit a museum or historical site related to higher education.

Join a diversity and inclusion group

Show steps

Joining a diversity and inclusion group can provide you with support and resources for your own professional development while also contributing to a more inclusive work environment for all.

Show steps

Research different diversity and inclusion groups.
Choose a group that aligns with your needs and interests.
Attend meetings and participate actively.
Share your ideas and experiences with other members.

Attend a diversity and inclusion workshop

Show steps

Attend a diversity and inclusion workshop to learn about best practices and strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Show steps

Research different diversity and inclusion workshops.
Choose a workshop that aligns with your needs and interests.
Attend the workshop and participate actively.
Apply what you learned from the workshop to your own work.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create a diversity and inclusion plan

Show steps

Develop a comprehensive diversity and inclusion plan that can be implemented within your organization to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Show steps

Research best practices for diversity and inclusion planning.
Identify the specific needs of your organization.
Develop a plan that outlines your goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving them.
Implement your plan and monitor its progress.

Attend a Workshop on Transformational Leadership

Show steps

Gain practical skills and knowledge to become a more effective leader in higher education.

Browse courses on Transformational Leadership

Show steps

Research different workshops on transformational leadership.
Choose a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.

Develop a diversity and inclusion resource guide

Show steps

Creating a diversity and inclusion resource guide will provide valuable information and resources to your colleagues, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Show steps

Research different diversity and inclusion resources.
Compile a list of resources that are relevant to your organization.
Organize the resources into a user-friendly format.
Share the resource guide with your colleagues.

Design a Strategic Diversity Plan

Show steps

Develop a comprehensive plan to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on your campus.

Show steps

Research best practices in strategic diversity planning.
Identify stakeholders and gather input.
Develop a mission statement and goals for your plan.
Create a timeline for implementation.
Evaluate your plan regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Leading for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager

A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager is responsible for creating and executing strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within an organization. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of exclusion in higher education, how to create a more inclusive campus environment, and how to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Taking this course will give you a competitive edge in the job market and help you make a meaningful contribution to your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager

Director of Student Life

A Director of Student Life is responsible for overseeing all aspects of student life at a college or university. This includes creating and implementing programs and services that support student success, such as orientation, housing, and counseling. This course will help you develop the leadership skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the challenges facing higher education today, how to create a more inclusive campus environment, and how to advocate for student success. Taking this course will give you the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact on the lives of students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Director of Student Life

Student Affairs Professional

A Student Affairs Professional is responsible for providing support services to students at a college or university. This includes academic advising, career counseling, and mental health counseling. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the challenges facing higher education today, how to create a more inclusive campus environment, and how to advocate for student success. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the student affairs profession.

See salaries and explore the career path for Student Affairs Professional

Higher Education Administrator

A Higher Education Administrator is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a college or university. This includes overseeing academic affairs, student life, and financial affairs. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of higher education, the challenges facing higher education today, and how to create a more inclusive campus environment. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the higher education job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator

Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources for an organization. This includes recruiting, hiring, training, and employee development. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of human resources, the challenges facing the profession today, and how to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the field of human resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a nonprofit organization. This includes fundraising, program development, and financial management. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of nonprofit organizations, the challenges facing the nonprofit sector today, and how to create a more inclusive and equitable organization. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the nonprofit sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Education Policy Analyst

An Education Policy Analyst is responsible for researching and analyzing education policies. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies and developing new policies to address emerging challenges. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of education policy, the challenges facing education today, and how to create more equitable and inclusive policies. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the field of education policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst

Social Justice Advocate

A Social Justice Advocate is responsible for working to create a more just and equitable society. This includes working on issues such as poverty, discrimination, and environmental degradation. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of social justice, the challenges facing social justice advocates today, and how to create a more just and equitable world. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the field of social justice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Justice Advocate

Diversity and Inclusion Consultant

A Diversity and Inclusion Consultant is responsible for helping organizations create and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives. This includes developing training programs, conducting workshops, and providing advice on how to create a more inclusive workplace. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of diversity and inclusion, the challenges facing organizations today, and how to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the field of diversity and inclusion consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Consultant

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst is responsible for researching and analyzing public policy. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies and developing new policies to address emerging challenges. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of public policy, the challenges facing policy analysts today, and how to create more equitable and inclusive policies. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the field of public policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Community Organizer

A Community Organizer is responsible for working with communities to create change. This includes organizing protests, lobbying elected officials, and developing community programs. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of community organizing, the challenges facing community organizers today, and how to create change in your community. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the field of community organizing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing out projects. This includes working with stakeholders to define project goals, developing timelines, and managing budgets. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of project management, the challenges facing project managers today, and how to plan and manage successful projects. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the field of project management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

A Program Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs. This includes working with stakeholders to develop program goals, creating budgets, and managing staff. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of program management, the challenges facing program managers today, and how to create and manage successful programs. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the field of program management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Educational Researcher

An Educational Researcher is responsible for conducting research on education. This includes studying the effectiveness of different teaching methods, developing new educational programs, and evaluating the impact of education policies. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of educational research, the challenges facing educational researchers today, and how to conduct rigorous research that can make a difference in the lives of students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher

Consultant

A Consultant is responsible for providing advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. This includes developing strategies, improving performance, and solving problems. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You will learn about the history of consulting, the challenges facing consultants today, and how to develop and market your consulting services. Taking this course will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the field of consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant