As institutions and workplaces continue to engage with the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the need for informed and intentional leadership has become increasingly clear. The Certificate in Inclusive Excellence and Leadership (CIEL) represents a thoughtful redesign of the former Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program (DICP), offering a more robust and practice-oriented approach to inclusive professional development.
This revised certificate reflects a deeper, action-oriented commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across leadership and professional practice. The CIEL offers tools and insights needed to lead with purpose, empathy, and impact.
- Curriculum Overview
- New Participants
- Continuing or Returning DICP Participants
- All Participants
- Program Contact
Reflection Requirement (all participants)
All participants (both new and continuing) are required to submit a brief reflection essay following each session, and a comprehensive culminating reflection at the conclusion of the program.
Participants starting the new CIEL program in fall 2025 will fulfill the requirements of the program as described below.
How to enroll in the CIEL?
Complete a short online form. Upon receipt and review, you will be contacted with information about enrollment.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Participation in the CIEL program is open to members of the faculty, staff/administration, and graduate student body at Clark University.
Worcester State University designates up to 15 participants—including faculty, staff/administration, and graduate students—for each cohort. The next cohort begins in Fall 2026. Interested individuals from WSU should consult with the with WSU’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging.
All participants are expected to bring an open mind, a collaborative spirit, and a willingness to actively engage in the program’s learning and innovation opportunities.
Much of the structure of the DICP remains unchanged in the CIEL, i.e., # of required sessions, session length, modality. Changes with the CIEL include session options, a defined set of measurable outcomes to which the sessions align, reflection, and a leadership component/requirement.
Participants who continue from the last academic year will have flexibility in how the complete their program. Specifically,
- CIEL required sessions will count as DICP “Core”
- DICP’s “Practical”, “Identity-Based” and “Elective” options will count as “Electives”
- CIEL electives satisfy DICP electives
- Capstone is not required under the DICP, but participants may choose to take Inclusive Leadershipby Design (capstone) as their last session instead of submitting a DEI project proposal. Alternatively, complete 9 sessions and submit a Leaning Into Practice proposal.
- Participants who complete the capstone will earn a certificate completion for the “Certificate in Inclusive Excellence and Leadership”.
Learning Into Practice Proposal (only for continuing DICP participants who choose this option)
A “Learning into Practice” proposal should be directly relevant to the participant’s department or academic discipline and demonstrate the application of knowledge gained through the program. This proposal serves as a bridge between theory and practice, enabling participants to implement their learning in their professional and educational environments—both within their university and in broader contexts.
Although it is not required to implement the project, it is highly encouraged and beneficial for achieving professional development goals and preparing you for the next steps in your career.
How do I register (sign up) for the CIEL sessions?
- Review the session schedule to determine which ones you want to attend.
- Complete an online registration form. You will receive an Outlook meeting invite with the Zoom link.
- If you need to change your registration, please email sluie@clarku.edu.
What if I can’t attend a session I registered for?
We understand that unplanned or unexpected events come up. Due to the popularity and high demand for this program that is currently free to participants, please review the following guidelines, established to reduce the number of last-minute cancellations and no-shows and ensure that those who sign up for the program have the time commitment to attend the classes:
- Participants who miss two sessions without prior notice (no-shows) will be removed from the program
- Participants who cancel three times with less than 48 hours’ notice will also be removed from the program
To avoid scheduling conflicts, we strongly encourage you to speak with your supervisor or manager, if applicable, before registering to ensure you have their support and the time available to attend.
Siu Ming Luie, Ph.D. (she|her|hers)
Vice Dean
Professor of Practice
School of Professional Studies
Email: sluie@clarku.edu