Diversity and Inclusion Training

This training is required for all cabinet agency supervisors, managers, directors, human resources, affirmative action, ADA coordinators, and recruiting staff.

Choose one of the following courses:

Option 1: Building an Inclusive Workplace: Understanding Your Role
Workforce diversity and inclusion are critical to the future effectiveness of Minnesota state government.   The responsibility for creating and sustaining a diverse, inclusive and productive workforce rests with all employees at all levels of our enterprise, but especially with its leadership.  This highly interactive course for leaders is designed to provide a framework for equity, inclusion, and diversity within the state.
This course will provide:
•    The state framework for diversity, inclusion, and equity
•    An overview of unconscious and conscious bias, the neuroscience behind such biases, and their effects on the workplace
•    Personal tools for creating a culture of inclusion, including the application of those tools in developing an individual action plan

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Option 2: Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Talent Management Process
Building a more diverse and inclusive workforce begins with our employee recruitment, selection, and onboarding practices. Investing in diversity helps improve employee engagement, innovation, and productivity—in fact, research shows that highly diverse teams outperform non-diverse teams. This course will explore ways we can build inclusive approaches into these key hiring processes so that we can create a diverse and productive workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to do their best work.
This course will provide:
•    The state framework for diversity, inclusion, and equity
•    A discussion of unconscious and conscious bias, and the effects of such biases on the talent management process
•    An overview of best talent management practices related to recruiting, selection, and onboarding
•    Case studies, hands-on activities, and tools that assist in applying those practices through development of a personal action plan

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Option 3: Building Inclusive Teams
A diverse team with unique individual perspectives can deliver exceptional results, and boost productivity, engagement and retention. Having such a team, however, calls for a leader with knowledge of inclusive leadership practices and keen self-awareness. This course will give you deeper insights into yourself, your team, and the benefits of inclusion at all levels in your organization. Through self-assessments, case studies, and hands-on activities, you’ll develop competencies and get tools to create an environment fueled by engagement and innovation. Key learning outcomes include:
•    The state framework for diversity, inclusion, and equity
•    Enhanced cultural understanding, both of self and others
•    Recognition of the barriers to inclusive leadership such as unconscious/conscious bias and lack of cultural competence
•    Knowledge of practical tools to lead inclusively on a day-to-day basis

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About the Training
• Each course is a day-long class
• Each course will be offered in St. Paul, plus several locations around the state.
• The cost is $300 per participant, paid by the agency.
• View the current schedule of available dates and sessions for September through December in
    Learning Management. More sessions and locations in greater Minnesota will be added.
• In October we will add more sessions from January to March 2018.
 

Diversity and Inclusion Training for State Leaders, Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll in a course?
To enroll for a session, please log in to your Self Service account, and go to Learning Management> My Learning Management> Building an Inclusive Workplace to see the schedule of sessions, select a course, and enroll.

Do I need to take all three courses?
No,  participants only need to take one of the three courses to satisfy the requirement. However, they may take more than one of the courses if they choose to.

Who pays for the training?
State agencies will pay the registration fees for their employees to take this training. Employees should register for their selected course through the Learning Management system, which will generate an invoice for the training.

How long do I have to complete the training?
Courses will be scheduled through March 2018. Participants are encouraged to register for a course as soon as possible.

Where will the training take place?
Courses will take place in St. Paul and in greater Minnesota. 

Do I need to take this course if I've already attended a diversity and inclusion training in the past year?
If you already fulfilled this requirement by attending one of the pilot sessions or if your agency has requested an equivalency be granted for recent similar training already completed, you will receive a completion notice via Learning Management.

What if I need an accommodation for this course?
Please contact ETD about your needs for an accommodation at least two (2) weeks before your scheduled class date. You can reach us at etd.training@state.mn.us or at 651-259-3646.