Dimensions of Diversity
Explore Diversity,
Transform Perspectives
Times Higher Education 2023
10+ Years of Innovation in DEI
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Is Dimensions of Diversity Right for You?
Dimensions of Diversity
Apply to join the University of Chicago Graham School’s second Dimensions of Diversity cohort to take a closer look at key dimensions of human diversity.
This fully virtual program transcends physical boundaries and encourages individuals to come together and find common ground through genuine and honest conversations about diversity.
Dimensions of Diversity Benefits
- Examine race, class, worldview, disability, gender, and sexuality and their understanding in current scholarship.
- Attend weekly online lectures led by UChicago faculty, sharing their expertise and research within a given area to explore each dimension comprehensively.
- Learn from accomplished panels of business leaders working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
- Take part in small, cohort-based discussion groups led by facilitators skilled in navigating nuanced conversations and fostering transformative learning experiences. These sessions support personal, professional, and academic reflection.
- Access practical tools for engagement that you can implement in your personal and professional life.
- Benefit from our convenient online, synchronous format, with multiple discussion times to choose from to fit your schedule.
- Form close connections with other learners that share your commitment to engaging rigorously in exploring diversity.
- Receive a certification of completion, including a digital badge issued through Accredible.
Learning Experience
Dimensions of Diversity meets twice a week. On Monday evenings, all students come together virtually for a faculty-led lecture. During course registration, students select a day later in the week to take part in a smaller, online breakout discussion to further explore that week’s dimension. This intimate, cohort-based approach allows for trust-building over time, enabling exploration of topics that touch our daily lives. Students also complete weekly readings and periodic personal reflections.
Upon completion of this nine-week experience, you will have:
- Delved into the meanings of race, class, worldview, disability, gender, and sexuality in current scholarship.
- Increased your ability to converse comfortably about these dimensions with peers and others.
- Uncovered the importance and benefits of diversity engagements within a professional setting.
- Obtained a certificate of completion from the University of Chicago.
Dimensions of Diversity Information Session
For further information about this program, please refer to our recording of our recent informational session. Study race, disability, religion, socio-economic status, sexuality, and gender with eminent University of Chicago scholars, DEI leaders and a community of peers committed to thoughtful exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is financial support available for the program?
We are committed to reducing financial barriers for Dimensions of Diversity students to ensure the cohort reflects a meaningful blend of areas of lived experiences and backgrounds. If needed, please contact us to request financial support.
I am considering seeking tuition support from my employer. Will this program provide end benefit to my employer?
Many organizations provide tuition reimbursement benefits to their employees. Check with your organization to learn about the benefits available to you.
Dimensions of Diversity participants do walk away with practical tools for engagement for application in both personal and professional settings, making the learning experience immediately applicable to real-world scenarios.
What is the time commitment each week?
This program meets twice a week. Lectures and panels are hosted on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CT via Zoom. Discussion sessions, offered throughout the rest of the week, will be selected upon registration. For the Spring 2024 cohort, students were able to choose from the following options:
Tuesday: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
All discussion sessions will be hosted in the Central Time zone via Zoom.
Are these sessions live, or recorded?
Dimensions of Diversity sessions are held in a live, virtual environment. This allows students the opportunity to actively engage with peers, faculty, and staff. Monday night lectures are also recorded and uploaded to the course’s learning portal for playback capabilities. Discussion sessions are never recorded.
Who are the faculty and staff leading the Dimensions of Diversity certification program?
UChicago faculty from across the university lead a weekly lecture that aligns with their studies and area of research. Facilitator-led breakout groups dive deeper into each dimension, forming a closeness among cohorts. Trust is built through navigating these meaningful conversations, allowing classmates to share with courage and candor.
The UChicago Graham School partners with executives from a wide array of businesses, including inQUEST Consulting, in the development and delivery of Dimensions of Diversity course content.
How do I start the application process?
Applications are now closed. Complete the form on this page to be notified when we next open up applications.
When do classes start?
Complete the form on this page to be notified when we announce the dates of the next cohort.
How do I secure the certification at the end of the program?
To receive certification, students must complete three personal reflection activities throughout the program. Submitted reflections are reviewed by discussion leaders but are not graded. Students are offered the option to discuss their reflections during the course, though it’s not required.
Upon completion of the program, certification is issued through Accredible. Digital badges are made available to enhance social profiles.
About the University of Chicago
For more than 125 years, the University of Chicago has forged its own path. This has led to new schools of thought and a transformative education for students, and laid the groundwork for breakthroughs across the sciences, medicine, economics, law, business, history, culture, the arts, and humanistic inquiry.
We shape and define fields
UChicago scholars are driven by intellectual debate and a search for new evidence.
We believe freedom of expression is fundamental
Free and open discourse is the foundation of a transformative education and world-changing research.
We tackle the world’s most pressing issues
Through research, discovery, and community partnerships, UChicago scholars and students are tackling complex problems—from solving crime at scale to combating climate change.
About the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies
The Graham School brings the best of what the University of Chicago offers together in one place for accomplished professionals and ambitious lifelong learners. We offer a seamless learning experience that combines flexibility with rigor. The programs and courses engage learners from all walks of life and from all around the world in UChicago’s distinctive educational experience.
