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There is no such thing as a workplace that lacks diversity. Despite decades of legal and social reform aimed at reducing discrimination in the workplace, inequality continues to be a significant problem in all societies and most workplaces.

In this course, you will identify the perceptual and psychological processes that impact the way that individuals interact with people who are demographically dissimilar from them. You will examine the psychological processes that impact decision making within organizations and identify how professionals can design better work practices and help to more effectively leverage the potential among employees.

As a trained psychologist with research and consulting expertise related to diversity and inclusion, Cornell University Professor Lisa Nishii is uniquely positioned to help course participants understand the complex dynamics underlying diversity challenges and opportunities within organizations.

Achieving meaningful dialogue across difference is the essence of taking diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts deeper. Research shows that positive relationships at work help diminish role ambiguity, provide employees with task-related help and information, and enhance employees' identification with their work and their workgroups. In this course, you will use the tools provided to practice engaging in meaningful dialogue with others.

Participation in three 90-minute synchronous dialogue sessions is a requirement for successful completion of this course. These weekly sessions are led by trained facilitators from Cornell's Intergroup Dialogue Project and will occur on the three Tuesdays during the course from 7:00 - 8:30pm ET.

The Intergroup Dialogue Project (IDP) at Cornell University is an academic initiative grounded in theory and practice. In the last few years, IDP has developed and implemented an innovative DEI education model focusing on four key development areas drawn from existing research and internal assessment: human connection, social identity, intergroup communication, and strategic change. Its objectives are to raise awareness and to effect both behavioral and institutional change.

You can't make strategic change if you don't understand your role in challenging the systems of which you are a part. As social agents, we reproduce critical social constructs such as norms, status hierarchies, and social identities through our everyday actions and interactions. This is true of every single one of us. If we want to influence change for the better, it's crucial that we understand our own roles in reinforcing complex systems of inequity but also our capacity to leverage personal and collective resources to promote inclusion and equity.

In this course, you will examine the ways in which we as individuals participate in the maintenance structures and behaviors that hinder inclusion and equity. You will also apply frameworks and practice using dialogue-based tools to improve inclusion and equity. You will observe and analyze identity, interpersonal, and intergroup dynamics in the workplace and explore strategies for how to address them.

Participation in three 90-minute synchronous dialogue sessions is a requirement for successful completion of this course. These weekly sessions are led by trained facilitators from Cornell's Intergroup Dialogue Project and will occur on the three Tuesdays during the course from 7:00 - 8:30pm ET.

The Intergroup Dialogue Project (IDP) at Cornell is an academic initiative grounded in theory and practice. In the last few years, IDP has developed and implemented an innovative DEI education model focusing on four key development areas drawn from existing research and internal assessment: human connection, social identity, intergroup communication, and strategic change. Its objectives are to raise awareness and to effect both behavioral and institutional change.

The following course is required to be completed before taking this course:

  • Dialogue Across Difference

Symposium sessions feature three days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions to explore today’s most pressing topics. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium! From the workplace to our homes, discussions about diversity and inclusion are necessary to become aware of our biases and promote action and change. Throughout this Symposium, you will examine and dissect key diversity and inclusion topics like psychological safety, belonging, and equity. By participating in dynamic and relevant dialogues, you will discover a variety of perspectives and create genuine connections with participants from diverse industries and backgrounds.

Upcoming Symposium: May 15-17, 2024 11AM – 1PM ET

All sessions are held on Zoom.

You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete the certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.

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