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The Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion, in partnership with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Teaching Commons, is pleased to announce the launch of the Graduate Student Certificate in Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEDIA).

This multi-year, fully online certificate is designed to provide graduate students and post-docs with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to integrate DEDIA principles into their academic, research, and professional practices. Through a combination of self-guided learning, workshops, and applied practice, students will strengthen their ability to foster inclusive environments and engage in equity-focused leadership within higher education.

The certificate is designed for maximum flexibility and may be completed in as little as one semester, or over the course of three years.

All workshops will be accessible and tracked through YULearn. Upon completion, students will be awarded a digital certificate. 

Note: Students need to take a total of 4 modules
Students need to complete these two mandatory modules:

• The DEDIA Self-Reflective Toolkit (five modules) Online Asynchronous self-paced
  Registration:
  This foundational, self-paced toolkit invites students to explore their own identities, values, and positionalities in relation to decolonization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Through guided exercises and reflective prompts, participants will develop a sustainable practice of self-reflection, strengthening their capacity to act intentionally and ethically within academic and professional contexts.
  
• Do the Work: Dialogue Across Differences (Wednesday, June 17, 2026  2:00 – 3:30 pm)
  Registration:
  This interactive workshop equips students with practical communication skills for engaging across differences of opinion, experience, and worldview. Through scenarios, discussion, and skill-building activities, students will learn strategies to stay grounded during moments of conflict, approach disagreements constructively, and build bridges across divides.
  
• Do the Work: Dialogue Across Differences (Thursday, November 12, 2026  11:00 – 12:30 pm)
  Registration:
  This interactive workshop equips students with practical communication skills for engaging across differences of opinion, experience, and worldview. Through scenarios, discussion, and skill-building activities, students will learn strategies to stay grounded during moments of conflict, approach disagreements constructively, and build bridges across divides.

Students need to take 2 of 4 of the courses marked with an *

• *DEDIA in the Research Ecosystem (Wednesday, August 12, 2026 12:00-1:30 pm) Online Synchronous
  Registration:
  This workshop explores the integration of DEDIA principles across the research lifecycle—from the development of research questions, to methodology design, to dissemination and knowledge mobilization. Students will gain awareness of ethical considerations, equity touch points, and strategies to foster inclusive research practices that respect diverse communities and ways of knowing.
  
• *DEDIA in the Research Ecosystem (Tuesday, November 24, 2026 2:30-4:00 pm) Online Synchronous
  Registration:
  This workshop explores the integration of DEDIA principles across the research lifecycle—from the development of research questions, to methodology design, to dissemination and knowledge mobilization. Students will gain awareness of ethical considerations, equity touch points, and strategies to foster inclusive research practices that respect diverse communities and ways of knowing.
  
• *Trauma-Informed Pedagogies (Thursday, October 29, 3:00-4:30pm) Online Synchronous
  Registration: link to reserve your spot
  This session introduces graduate students to the principles of trauma-informed pedagogy and its application in teaching and learning environments. Students will learn strategies for creating safer, more supportive classrooms that acknowledge the prevalence of trauma and foster resilience, empathy, and inclusion in educational settings.
  
• *Active Bystander Training (Monday, July 13, 2026 1:00-2:30 pm) Online Synchronous
  Registration:
  This training develops the confidence and skills needed to intervene safely and effectively in situations of harassment, discrimination, or harm. Students will practice real-world scenarios, learn intervention strategies tailored to context, and cultivate a commitment to community accountability and care.
  
• *Active Bystander Training (Monday, September 21, 2026 2:00-3:30 pm) Online Synchronous
  Registration:  
  This training develops the confidence and skills needed to intervene safely and effectively in situations of harassment, discrimination, or harm. Students will practice real-world scenarios, learn intervention strategies tailored to context, and cultivate a commitment to community accountability and care.
  
• *Responding to Disclosures Training - Online Asynchronous self-paced
  Registration:
  This workshop prepares graduate students to respond compassionately and appropriately when peers or students disclose experiences of discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence. Participants will learn how to listen without judgment, provide trauma-informed support, and connect individuals with relevant campus and community resources. 
  
  Download the INFO Booklet below

/services/rights/wp-content/uploads/sites/849/2026/02/Guidelines-for-DEDIA-Graduate-Certificate-.pdf