Terms and Condition | NDC Executive Certification

Terms and Conditions

The National Diversity Council (NDC) DiversityFIRST™ Executive Certification Program prepares professionals at the Vice President level or higher to create and implement highly successful D&I strategies for organizational excellence and a competitive edge in today’s global marketplace. The program blends theory and practice during a 2-day intensive curriculum and on-going professional development within the DiversityFIRST™ Graduate Network.

The program is “Virtual” (e.g., delivered by Zoom videoconference technology) unless specified otherwise. Participants are expected to attend the entire two day program, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central Time. Participants are not permitted to leave the session for work meetings, business appointments, scheduled presentations, personal chores, etc. The program has a one hour lunch break each day, Noon-1 PM CT, and a 15 minute mid-morning break, and a 15 minute mid-afternoon break to do any and all things not related to the certification program.

An outline of the modules may be found at the Curriculum page.

Participants are expected to complete pre-assigned readings and assessments before the session starts and to arrive at the session prepared to actively engage in classroom discussions. Successful completion of the program requires mastery of all material in the curriculum.

Certification requires development and execution of a Personal Action Plan.

  • The Personal Action Plan is developed by the participant to outline how program learnings will be applied in the next 30 days.
  • It must be approved for complexity, feasibility, and 'stretch' by NDC.
  • A certified executive coach selected by NDC will review progress on the plan after 30 days.
  • The executive coach will evaluate progress and recommend to NDC if certification should be granted.

NDC contracts with executive coaches before the session and assigns coaches to participants prior to the session. Participants who leave the program before doing the evaluation meeting or who cancel the evaluation meeting altogether must pay or have their sponsor organization pay the evaluation meeting fee for the meeting dropped or cancelled.

Graduates of the program who complete all requirements are recognized as a DiversityFIRST™ Certified Diversity Executive (DFCDE). Graduates are certified for 3 years from the completion date and are eligible for recertification.

All graduates will be provided password access to the DiversityFIRST™ Toolkit, which is the primary repository of selected articles and readings required, prior to the actual classroom instruction. In addition to the team of facilitators, business and/or academic leaders will be present during specific modules to provide experienced perspectives.

Graduates of the CDP program are automatically enrolled in the nationwide DiversityFIRST™ Graduate Network.

By submitting your email address on the application and registration forms, participant will receive promotional email messages from the National Diversity Council. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third-party company. You can unsubscribe at any time and view our Privacy Policy at http://www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org/about/privacy-policy

Participant gives NDC permission to take and use photographs in digital media, print media, or video media without payment or other consideration to the participant. A participant who does not exercise their opt-out privilege for a NDC group photograph waives the right to inspect or approve the group photograph before publication (such as in LinkedIn) in which their name and likeness appears. Participant waives the right to approve use of a quote or testimonial provided to NDC, except when their name is planned to accompany the quote or testimonial in digital, print, or video format, in which case NDC will secure prior permission.

Payment, Transfer, Refund, and Cancellation Policy

Full payment is expected prior to the first day of classroom instruction. Payment can be made by credit card or invoice.

Refunds will be made for extraordinary circumstances, such as death in family or hospitalization, occurring within 14 days of the classroom instruction. No other refunds will be made within 30 days of actual classroom instruction. In lieu of refund, participants may elect to attend a future session.

Cancellations outside of the 30-day window will incur a $1,000 cancellation fee. All other fees received and processed by the National Diversity Council will be refunded to the organization/individual as soon as possible after notification is received.

In the event of a cancellation by an individual whose tuition was paid by an organization, the organization will be offered the option of substituting another designated individual. In such case, the cancellation fee will be waived. If no substitute is named, the cancellation rule will apply.

Transfers requested within 21 days of the program start date or after receiving your program books will incur an additional $500 fee.

Scholarships

The National Diversity Council is unable to offer scholarships to attend the DiversityFIRST™ Executive Certification Program.

Travel and Lodging Expenses (when In-Person Training)

Participants are responsible for all travel and lodging costs. Breakfast, lunch, and daytime break refreshments will be provided throughout the 2-day program. Participants are responsible for their dinner and miscellaneous expenses.

Suggestions for hotel accommodations are provided for each session. Because of the location’s proximity to hotels and the wide variety of individual preferences, the National Diversity Council also recommends that participants do an Internet search for hotels near the location of their choice.

All sessions will commence promptly at 8:00 a.m. Friday’s session will end by mid-afternoon, allowing participants ample time to make flights back home.