How
many classmates can I expect to have in a typical DTUI course?
Our goal is
to keep classes to a limit of 15 persons. This will allow for
the rich interactions needed for both learning the materials and
personal growth. Our students include business managers, teachers,
consultants, professors, grant foundation personnel, community
organization personnel, government personnel, ministers, sales
professionals, business trainers, health care providers, attorneys,
therapists--you name the profession. Your classmates will be living
in different parts of the world.
What
can I expect to be doing while training as a diversity professional?
You can choose
to take the entire certification program, the masters degree program,
or only take the courses you believe you will need. The typical
trainee will develop competencies in the following areas:
We provide
you with a foundation to develop a practice that specializes in
one or more of the above with your DTUI certification.
How
does DTUI help me develop cultural competency expertise?
Technology-based
instruction. On-line learning is now accepted as a viable
medium for learning. DTUI was the first to train cultural competency
entirely in an on-line format. We use Blackboard.com as the e-learning
platform. All you need is a computer with internet access.
Homework
Assignments. Homework assignments are an essential part of
e-learning, and necessary for developing the knowledge and skills.
We also know that homework does not need to take up a lot of time,
resources, or energy to be effective. DTUI course homework assignments
are often hand-tailored by the instructor, and often done in collaboration
with other students. Homework problems are also related to practical
situations for immediate practical utility.
Teaching
Manuals. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing what you
can expect in a course. DTUI courses have syllabi, an organized
set of topics or modules, corresponding exercises, homework assignments,
and reading materials. Everything is downloadable from the coursesite.
Reference
Materials. Each course requires reading materiaIs. While at
least one text is typically assigned to as reading, students will
likely also have some downloadable additional materials.
Group Problem-Solving.
Group problem-solving is a useful distance learning technique.
It enables trainees to collaborate in finding solutions to homework
problems and share the presentation of findings. Faculty can learn
about individual trainee interpersonal interaction strengths and
challenges, and trainees have opportunities to learn about themselves.
Problem-solving groups involve 3-4 persons from a course. DTUI
holds each trainee responsible for his or her share of the team
responsibilities.
What
happens during a typical on-line class?
Instructor
led courses offer a module each week. Each module includes a reading
assignment, a lecture (either in audio-stream or in text), homework
assignment, and discussion board item. The homework assignments
are done by each students and turned in to the instructor for
feedback. Each student completes the weekly discussion item and
places it on the coursesite's Discussion Board along with classmates,
which enables you to learn from the others. A 
course
paper may also be required. Typically, you will not be able to
see the full set of modules for the course (Unless you are taking
a self-paced course without an instructor).
Is
Distance Learning Effective?
Please on
the following for an answer to this question (Click
Here).
How
flexible is the class scheduling?
Online courses
are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
You work on the course at your convenience. However, most courses
require homework assignments to be turned in regularly (e.g.,
no longer than one week after the assignment is presented).
What
if I Cannot Complete my Coursework on Time?
As
with most higher education courses, you work out the details of
needing an extension to complete assignments withthe instructor.
One nice feature of online courses is considerably more flexibility
in completing assignments.
What
Do We Expect of Students Completing a Program?
We work with
professionals who are honest, goal-oriented, and dedicated to
diversity. We expect the following from trainees:
We consider
these factors in determine the suitability of trainees for the
program. We read applications and interview each applicant in
determining suitability. An important admission goal is to provide
trainees are assured that classmates can offer them maximum personal
growth opportunity in a supportive environment.
How
many people have received their training from DTUI?
DTUI has graduate
more than 23 students since being founded in August 1998. No new
students were admitted between 2000 and 2002, which enabled us
time needed to shift away from the original teleclass format (telephone
bridge lectures and discussions) to the coursesite. We anticipate
growing at a rapid pace as we are the single existing accessible
program of this type. If the response we have received from advertising
displays at national conferences is any sign, we will have full
courses within the next few months if not before. Join us and
become a part of the first class of trainees to receive our unique
and high level training.
Certification
Questions
When
can I start diversity training, consulting, & coaching?
Many students
are presently in-house diversity professionals or diversity trainers
with their own consulting business. Police officers, human resource
managers, teachers, and others need the content to deliver their
services more proficiently. You can start being a diversity specialist
right away. Our program suits those who have been in the field
for a while, and beginners. You know more about your capabilities
than we do. However, individuals have an ethical responsibility
to the profession and clients to be as clear as possible about
their credentials. Fortunately, DTUI offers trainees ample opportunities
for supervision.
Can
I complete the courses effectively if I live in an area distant
from a large city?
All you really
need is a computer and internet connection. However, lectures
are often in audio-stream so you need computer software that will
play audio-recorded information.
What
are the minimum competency requirements needed to complete the
program?
All required
course, practica, oral examination, and internship credits must
be satisfied at minimum competency to complete the certification
training. Minimum requirement means passing all criteria, since
all course, field, and oral examination requirements are assigned
a pass-fail grade. Normally a passing grade is determined by attendance,
assignment completion, and effort. Peer reviews and personal evaluations
help individuals assess their own competency. The goal is to assist
individuals in personal growth, rather than compare them with
other trainees.
How
Difficult is the Certification Examination?
Good question.
You will need to develop a project, such as a diversity training,
assessment, or an intervention and implement it fully. The DTUI
Certification Committee will judge the quality of the project.
Committee members are chosen among DTUI faculty. The Committee
will also provide each candidate with a set of study list based
on the courses taken. The candidate will have to show competence
on the items in an oral examination format, and to the satisfaction
of the Committee. No written examination is required unless the
candidate requests it and a localexaminer meeting certain qualifications
is identified.
A committee
of 2-3 DTUI faculty serve as the oral examination committee. Trainees
give committee members a list of areas in which they feel most
competent. Each committee member uses the information to develop
a study guide which trainees receive at least two weeks before
the examination. The examination covers central concepts from
course work, ethics in the diversity profession, and application
of knowledge and skills. Oral examines last for about an hour
via telephone bridge. Trainees receive the results within four
weeks after taking the examine.
What
determines evidence of ethics/standards competency?
Demonstrating
knowledge of the DTUI ethics and standards and an ability to solve
ethical problems in imaginary scenarios meet minimum oral examination
competency requirements.
What
type of experiences meet the practicum requirements?
DTUI requires
trainees to attend at least one professional conference which
offers workshops and seminars on diversity training. They take
a DTUI form which at least one presenter signs and provide a description
of the conference and presentation. Trainees are encouraged to
attend a range of sessions to broaden their knowledge and skill
base. A total of 8 hours of training is needed to meet the practicum
requirement.
What
type of experiences meet internship requirements?
The internship
takes place after the courses, practicum, and oral examination
are completed. It is the last requirement fulfilled before receiving
certification. Trainees perform consulting duties without supervision
to meet this requirement. This requires performing at least one
workshop or a combination of workshops and other types of diversity
consulting. Evidence of completing the assignment, along with
evaluations, is required. Satisfactory completion of the internship
is followed by graduation.
I
do not need the entire training for my work. Can I take only the
courses I need?
Yes. Most
DTUI courses are open for enrollment to non certification program
trainees. Only take the courses you feel are needed for your purposes.
Keep in mind that personal growth, practica, and internship course
credits are only offered to DTUI certification trainees. Non credential
students do not participate in the oral examination, nor do they
receive certification.
Do
I have to become a full-time diversity professional to study with
DTUI?
No. You can
take as long as necessary to complete the program. However, some
courses are prerequisites to others. Trainees must take these
courses before taking others.
What
should I do if I still have questions?
Perhaps the
best thing to do is to call us toll free at 888-288-1603 to talk
with us directly. You can also Contact Us via e-mail.
