U-M DEI Impact Certificate Program
The U-M DEI Impact Certificate program, presented by the Alumni Association and the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI), is a five-week learning initiative that explores essential DEI concepts, equipping you with tools to thrive in diverse environments and cultivate the mindset of an inclusive leader.
Developed by Dr. Deborah Willis, ’07, exclusively for U-M alums, this program goes beyond expanding DEI knowledge; it offers actionable steps that can bring about positive changes in communities and organizations globally.
By participating in this program, you’ll gain the skills necessary to engage with issues in a diverse environment and make an immediate impact on your community.
"I found the course hugely impactful and useful regardless of one's experience with our understanding of DEI. I think it's a helpful course for anyone looking to help their organization grow and change and become more inclusive."
Benefits of the U-M DEI Impact Certificate
- Fostering connections with other alums and the university to advance DEI efforts globally
- Increasing capacity to create and advance your own DEI efforts in your spheres of influence
- Obtaining an official U-M certificate
Cost
- $549 for Alumni Association members
- $699 for non-Alumni Association members
The Alumni Association is committed to making this programming accessible to all alums, so we’ve kept the cost low compared to other DEI certificate programs. To ensure you get the most out of your investment, we designed a unique format that offers a holistic and accessible approach to expanding DEI knowledge:
- One-on-one coaching and guidance from experienced U-M alums
- Weekly live instruction from a broad network of U-M DEI experts
- Support from your alum learning community, including peer-to-peer consultations
- Tools to implement a strategic plan in your community
Course Notes
The U-M DEI Impact Certificate program has a limited capacity, and you must submit an application before being accepted. The application for this program closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 12. Applicants will be notified of their admittance status by Feb. 14.
For any questions about the U-M DEI Impact Certificate program or other Alumni Education programs, please contact [email protected].
"This course was so useful and fulfilling. Each week, I would buzz about it with my coworkers and administrators. I am grateful for having had a safe and productive space for this work."
Become a Volunteer DEI Coach
For any alum with advanced knowledge and expertise related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we invite you to participate in the program as a volunteer DEI coach.
2025 Schedule
All sessions are held on Thursdays via Zoom. All times Eastern.
Module One: Framing DEI Work for Impact and Strategic Planning
Feb. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Module Two: Interrupting Harm and Marketing/Communications
March 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Module Three: Engaging Communities and Organizations and Implementation
March 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Module Four: Inclusive Leadership, Evaluation, and Assessment
March 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Closing Ceremony
March 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Program Details and Expectations
- As participants complete each program module, the DEI information and skills obtained can be incorporated into their respective impact projects as well as individual spheres of influence.
- The program will include weekly virtual synchronous sessions followed by a celebratory closing ceremony.
- The weekly synchronous sessions will be delivered virtually via Zoom. We will also use Canvas, a web-based learning management system, for additional content and interactive opportunities for the cohort.
- Participants will be placed in small learning circles and instructed to meet virtually once a week in addition to the weekly session with the larger cohort. In these weekly sessions, the group will further discuss and unpack the content for the week.
- All participants will be assigned coaches to share and gain insight into the DEI projects proposed in the applications. Coaches will be U-M alums with expertise in advancing and sustaining innovative inclusion and equity practices.
- The program will include a capstone event where participants can share progress on their DEI initiatives and strategic plans.