• Charles Sturt University to launch ground-breaking course to upskill professionals and build more inclusive and just workplaces
• The new Graduate Certificate in Intersectionality, Diversity and Inclusion course is for everyone who wants to drive social change
• The course will be unveiled at a free public lecture by expert in human services leadership and management, Dr Cate Thomas, in Port Macquarie on Wednesday 19 October

Charles Sturt University will unveil a ground-breaking course designed to upskill workforces with the tools and knowledge to develop more inclusive and just workplaces at a public lecture in Port Macquarie.

The new Charles Sturt Graduate Certificate in Intersectionality, Diversity and Inclusion will empower professionals with the knowledge and qualifications to be more effective at engaging, communicating, and working with others, enabling employees to add value at all levels in an organisation.

The course will be launched at the Charles Sturt Exploration Series: ‘Driving social change through Intersectionality, Diversity and Inclusion’ guest lecture at the Charles Sturt Port Macquarie Theatre (in building 802) on Wednesday 19 October from 5.45pm until 8pm.

The course co-creator is Associate Professor in Social Work and Human Services in the Charles Sturt School of Social Work and Arts Cate Thomas. Professor Thomas is a highly esteemed expert in human services leadership and management and will unveil the course to local government, industry and community representatives.

Professor Thomas has extensive experience in social inclusion, diversity and intersectionality and will share experiences from her every-day life and professional world, as she brings this innovative, Australia-first course to life.

During the session Professor Thomas will outline the meaning of intersectionality in the context of diversity and inclusion, the course requirements, key benefits of its application to the workforce and in wider society, course eligibility criteria, and enrolment processes. 

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Port Macquarie Ms Kate Wood-Foye Professor Thomas will lead the Exploration Series in Port Macquarie.

“This course is for everyone in our region who wants to drive social change and build more inclusive and just organisations, communities, and societies,” Ms Wood-Foye said.

“I look forward to welcoming Professor Thomas from our campus in Wagga Wagga to share her insights and expertise in driving social change through intersectionality, diversity, and inclusion education.

“The graduate certificate and the public lecture are not just for HR professionals, managers, and business owners. They are for all those who would like to increase their awareness of themselves and others to break down barriers and reduce prejudices in the workplace and beyond.”

Professor Thomas co-created the graduate certificate with industry professionals to align course objectives with real-life workplace scenarios.

The full graduate certificate is for study entirely online over 12-months in a part-time capacity which allows students to complete their studies around other commitments such as work and family life.

Students will have the opportunity of applying their knowledge and learnings to a real-life workforce situation at their current workplace.

Attendance at the Charles Sturt Exploration Series ‘Driving social change through Intersectionality, Diversity and Inclusion’ public lecture is complementary.

Refreshments are available from 5.45pm with the guest lecture to commence from approximately 6.20pm.  

An overview of the Charles Sturt Graduate Certificate in Intersectionality, Diversity and Inclusion can also be found on the new 2022 Charles Sturt University Podcast Series episode ‘Stereotypes Sting: Understanding Intersectionality, Diversity and Inclusion’ which features Professor Cate Thomas.

Click here to register your attendance at the event.

Charles Sturt University’s Explorations Series aims to engage rural and regional communities in discussion and debate around major issues facing our regions, the nation, and the world. Our events are free and open to the public.

ENDS