Equity by Design Onboarding (Spring 2026)

March 23 – April 19, 2026

Short Course

Description

This four-week short course is designed to build foundational skills and knowledge for engaging in the Equity by Design methodology. Equity by Design is a Minnesota State strategic priority informed by the work of McNair, Bensimon and others, who have shown that one path toward closing equity gaps in higher education is through a race-conscious, data-informed, and equity-minded collaboration.

• Module 1 orients you to the course navigation, goals, and facilitators.
• Module 2 defines key terms, introduces the Equity by Design methodology, and shares connections to other Minnesota State initiatives.
• Module 3 provides further detail for each step in the methodology and supports skill building for conducting critical inquiry.
• Module 4 offers a guided process for defining, implementing, and sustaining Equity by Design interventions with plenty of practical examples. Module 5 provides resources for Equity by

Design work based on role including advisors, deans/administrators, faculty, presidents/president’s cabinets, and student support staff. Lastly, Module 6 concludes the course with opportunities to reflect on your learning.

Course Learning Objectives 

By engaging in this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the Equity by Design methodology. 

• Explain and appreciate the differences between equity and equal treatment. 

• Explain and appreciate the differences between race-conscious and color-blind lenses. 

• Explain the value of making data-informed decisions. 

• Explain and appreciate the differences between asset-based and deficit-based mindsets. 

• Share examples, resources, and suggestions for sustained equity inquiry and action with their peers. 

• Contribute to their local campus, and systemwide, Equity by Design teams.
  

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Suggested Audience 

Equity by Design teams and individuals contributing to local campus and/or system-wide Equity by Design work. This may include: Advisors, Deans/Administrators, Faculty (Full-time and part-time), Presidents/President’s Cabinets, Student Support Staff, and others. It is strongly encouraged for teams to participate together, individual registration is also welcome.

Estimated Time Commitment 

Most participants are able to complete this course by committing 4-6 hours per week. 

Reflect on your Professional Development 

As you progress through this course, please consider how you can use the assignments as a way to highlight your work on your Professional Development Plan. Consider sharing your work with your leadership team. 

Course Location 

This course is hosted and facilitated using the D2L Brightspace instance of Minnesota State called, MnSite.