This NODA core competency course will explore strategies, practices, and critical components essential for enhancing access to higher education for diverse student populations. The course will be a combination of presentations, large group discussions, small group exercises and activities, and reflection. Sessions will provide participants with opportunities to explore personal identities, review and examine institutional structures and culture, and collaborate with other attendees in focused conversations on specific current trends and practical applications related to building community on college campuses. The curriculum is designed to equip you with skills and confidence to build a culture of belonging in your orientation, transition, and retention programs.
This course will teach skills, knowledge, and practices aligned with the NODA Core Competency: Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (DIA). You can read about the DIA Core Competency and all of the NODA Core Competencies on our website.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Participants will engage in self-reflection to explore and articulate their personal identities and understand how these identities influence their professional practice in supporting diverse student populations.
- Participants will critically examine and assess their own institutional structures and cultures, identifying barriers and opportunities for enhancing access and opportunity.
- Participants will actively collaborate with peers through focused discussions and group activities, fostering a network of professionals committed to DIA initiatives.
- Participants will engage in informed discussions on current trends and topics related to culture and access on college campuses, developing insights into contemporary challenges and best practices.
COURSE TAKEAWAYS:
In addition to planning a new program for their campus, previous participants highlighted these as some of their key takeaways: recognizing their personal identities and how this influences their work; aligning their work to the mission and vision of the institution; auditing their existing programs for accessibility; and advocating for students.
INTENDED AUDIENCE:
This course is intended for new/mid-level professionals who are interested in assessing their institution’s and department’s programming for its accessibility for diverse student populations. This core competency course focuses primarily on the intermediate levels of NODA’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Access Core Competency, with some advanced competencies discussed.
Please review NODA's cancellation policy prior to registering for this course.
TIME COMMITMENT:
As an online course with a weekly synchronous component, participants should expect to complete 1–2 hours of independent work each week prior to attending the synchronous meetings. This independent work will be reflected upon and discussed in the synchronous meetings. Your dedication to the asynchronous coursework is appreciated.
Your engagement in all course activities and discussions is crucial for your learning and the learning of all participants.
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:
This course was designed and will be taught by Dr. LaToya Stackhouse. Dr. Stackhouse currently serves as the Dean of Students at Gordon State College and has worked in education for over twenty years, including roles in numerous areas within student and academic affairs in higher education. Her tenure at different types of institutions has provided her with a diverse range of experiences working with students, faculty, and professional staff. Dr. Stackhouse comes with curriculum development experience and a passion for diversity, inclusion, and access work. She designed this course to guide participants in the personal and professional exploration of the role of diversity, inclusion, and access in their lives.
PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS:
- Active participation: Your engagement in all course activities and discussions is crucial for both your learning and the learning of all participants.
- Respect and openness: Approach all interactions with respect, openness, and a willingness to learn from diverse perspectives and experiences. Personal attacks are not acceptable as this is a space for learning and sharing in a respectful manner. However, all participants are encouraged to be open to constructive feedback.
- Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of shared personal experiences and insights within the course, fostering a safe and trusting environment for all participants.
SCHEDULE:
- September 8, 2025 – Participant access to the Canvas course module is opened; Pre-course assessment is due via Qualtrics
- September 10, 11 am - 12 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #1
- September 17, 11 am - 12 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #2
- September 24, 11 am - 12 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #3
- October 1, 11 am - 12 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #4
- October 8, 11 am - 12 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #5
- October 15, 11 am - 12 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #6
- October 24 – Participant submissions of the final assignment are due to Canvas for grading and completion of the post-course assessment via Qualtrics
REGISTRATION DEADLINES AND PRICING:
Member Rates:
- Early Bird Registration: $195 (register by July 31, 2025)
- Regular Registration: $225 (register by August 21, 2025)
- Late Registration: $280 (register by September 4, 2025)
Non-Member Rates
- Early Bird Registration: $375 (register by July 31, 2025)
- Regular Registration: $405 (register by August 21, 2025)
- Late Registration: $460 (register by September 4, 2025)
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Please review NODA's cancellation policy prior to registering for this course.
NODA EXCELLENCE FUND:
Scholarships for this course and other NODA educational opportunities are available through the NODA Excellence Fund.