As part of its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, McMaster is launching a new Inclusive Excellence Leadership pilot program to introduce people leaders to the fundamentals of leading with an equity, diversity and inclusion lens in the workplace.

The Equity and Inclusion Office, Human Resources Services and McMaster Continuing Education have collaborated to develop the Inclusive Excellence Leadership program, which includes a series of seven online modules facilitated by McMaster experts.

“We are excited for the launch of this new pilot program which will further advance inclusive excellence at McMaster and demonstrate our continued commitment to institutional leadership development,” says Melanie Garaffa, associate director, talent, equity and development, Human Resources Services.

Courses include:

1. Human Rights & Equity Fundamentals (pre-requisite for all other courses)
2. Creating Disability-Inclusive Work Culture through Accommodation & Accessibility Approaches
3. Equitable Recruitment and Selection
4. Anti-racism & Allyship (coming soon)
5. Indigenous Cultural Safety (coming soon)
6. Inclusive Leadership (coming soon)
7. Unconscious Bias (coming soon)

Each module involves up to 3 hours of asynchronous and synchronous learning, including a short assessment component. People Leaders who complete the 7-module series will earn a digital credential which is an indicator of accomplishment, competency or skill that can be displayed, accessed, and verified online.

Three of the seven courses will be introduced this spring, and the remaining courses will be available beginning in fall 2022.

“Completing the program series will establish a common foundation on which McMaster emerging or experienced people leaders can build their ongoing commitment to enacting inclusive and equitable leadership at McMaster and beyond,” says Arig al Shaibah, associate vice-president, Equity and Inclusion.

For more information, visit the program webpage.