This module examines the power of language and imagery in shaping inclusive or exclusionary environments within academic and global contexts. Through insights from university leadership and a diverse panel of scholars, students will explore how words and visuals reflect deeper historical, cultural, and structural forces. Topics include the role of inclusive language, the global dimensions of diversity, the impact of visual representation, and the importance of multilingualism and cultural humility. Emphasis is placed on moving from symbolic gestures to substantive engagement, fostering critical reflection, and developing practical strategies for inclusive communication and representation.

This foundational module introduces participants to the principles and practices of inclusive language within international and intercultural contexts. Framed by the leadership of Dr. Ashley Green and Dr. Jabbar Bennett, this part emphasizes the importance of culturally aware communication, the impact of language on belonging, and the need to move beyond American-centric narratives. Participants will explore how inclusive language, practices, and guidance contribute to a welcoming campus environment. Through reflection, dialogue, and actionable insights, this module encourages learners to become intentional communicators and inclusive leaders in a globally connected community.

This module explores the critical role of inclusive language, visual representation, and event planning in fostering a globally welcoming and equitable environment. Through real-world examples, personal narratives, and reflective discussion, learners will examine how everyday communication practices can unintentionally exclude individuals—particularly those from international, racialized, or marginalized backgrounds. Participants will learn to identify and avoid common pitfalls in language and imagery, understand the impact of cultural assumptions and stereotypes, and apply strategies to ensure accessibility and representation in campus and organizational events. The module emphasizes the importance of intentionality, empathy, and cultural awareness in creating inclusive spaces where all individuals feel seen, respected, and valued.By the end of this module, learners will be equipped with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to operationalize inclusive concepts in global contexts.

This module invites participants on a deeply personal and globally informed journey into the complexities of race, identity, and inclusion. Led by Global DEI Practitioner Daniela Felletti and Dr. Anjam Chaudhary, this module blends lived experience with research and best practices to challenge binary thinking around race and expand understanding beyond a U.S.-centric lens. Through storytelling, historical context, and cross-cultural insights—including Daniela’s own experience growing up in Brazil with mixed heritage—participants will explore how systemic structures, such as Brazil’s whitening project, continue to shape personal and societal perceptions of race. The module also highlights how institutions like Michigan State University are applying globally inclusive strategies internally. This module is ideal for those seeking to deepen their understanding of race and identity in a global context and to apply inclusive practices in both personal and professional settings.

This section explores the evolving and transnational nature of race through the critical insights of Dr. Kristen Edwards and Dr. Shahjahan. Drawing from Black studies, critical pedagogy, and global histories, the module challenges conventional, nation-bound understandings of race. Students will examine how racial hierarchies are constructed through theological, phenotypical, and socio-political frameworks, and how whiteness operates as a global norm tied to access, privilege, and mobility. Emphasis is placed on the malleability of racism, the intersections of race with gender, religion, and citizenship, and the enduring impact of coloniality on contemporary racial dynamics.