Champions for Change

Champions for Change is a student facilitator training program that provides leaders the opportunity to champion diversity, belonging, and inclusion across campus by becoming trained facilitators. Students (or Champions) who are enrolled in the program will go through a series of preliminary training to equip them with the tools to educate and lead their peers in a variety of diverse sessions and workshops. Champions will co-facilitate presentations with MSA and will receive a certificate to demonstrate their certification of being able to facilitate the program.

Program Perks

  • Students will receive a completion certificate.
  • Students will assist MSA in facilitating training across campus.
  • Students can use skills they have learned to facilitate future program participants.
  • Presentation Skills
  • Students can apply each year to stay in the program.
  • Award ceremony at the end of the programs

Learning Experience

Each session will include a variety of interactive learning activities that emphasize diversity and inclusion awareness, knowledge, skills, and practical experience. Sessions will include dialogues, presentations, collaborative group activities, and opportunities for the application of skills learned. Participants will be provided with a variety of readings, guest presenters, and engaging individual/group exercises that promote overall skill-building. In order to be an inducted Champion, after the completion of the mandatory sessions, participants must display their knowledge by facilitating a DEI presentation for their cohort and MSA Staff. 

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Facilitate trainings.
  • Develop cultural awareness skills and understand how to serve the needs of diverse students.
  • Understand the complexities of bias and bias intervention strategies. 
  • How to conduct impactful community dialogues.
  • Understand strategies on effective inclusive leadership. 
  • Understand how to be an active ally to diverse communities.
  • Identify and educate others on topics of social justice.

Program Requirements

  • Each semester, cohorts will be expected to complete 3-4 sessions that will fulfill each pillar.
  • Committed to champion social justice and inclusion on campus.
  • Display minimal prior self-education of diversity and inclusion topics.
  • Must complete an interview by MSA Staff.
  • Meet monthly with MSA once inducted.
  • Participants are expected to attend sessions regularly and promptly and to be mentally present and aware in the sessions to add insight, knowledge, and perspective. Students are expected to pursue all badging opportunities given to them, which may include explorations of off-campus resources.