*Co-op Management Certificate Program
On this page...
- Program highlights & Timeline
- The three parts of the program
- The program is designed for ...
- For more information...
- Also refer to the FastLinks at right
For those who are registered in the Co-op Management Certificate Program only:
[Login to On Co-op Learning Management System]
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
[BROCHURE] The Ontario Co-operative Management Certificate Program (“Certificate Program“) is scheduled to begin in October 2009. A second round of applications is currently being accepted. The Information Brochure includes specifics on how to apply.
TIMELINE AND IMPORTANT DATES
- Application Deadline – October 30, 2009
- Notification of Acceptance – October 31, 2009
- Acceptance, Payment and Questionnaire – November 1, 2009
- Start of Program (online access to e-modules) – October 2009
- Intensive Modules – Dec. 3–5, 2009; Feb. 12–13, 2010; April 16–17, 2010 (in residence at the Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto)
- Graduation – April 17, 2010
The Certificate Program was developed by the Ontario Co-operative Association and is offered through the Schulich School of Business at York University [SCHULICH WEBSITE].
WHO SHOULD TAKE THE COURSE. The Certificate Program is designed for those who are working for, governing or developing co-operatives and credit unions. Those interested in co-operatives, or those who are not based in Ontario will also find value in many of the modules.
E-LEARNING PLUS. This is a 9-month program, beginning October, 2009 and completing April 17, 2010. (See timeline above.) The e-learning concept allows adult learners to continue with their day to day lives while gaining a practical working knowledge of the Ontario co-operative sector, and developing co-operative and management knowledge and tools. All online modules can be completed 24/7 from the comfort of your home or work computer.
Each e-module can be completed from the comfort of your home or work computer in about five hours, approximately one hour of which will be spent online. There are two assignments in the Program, each taking about 10-hours to complete, with presentation dates tied to the Intensive sessions.
Once you have been accepted into the Co-op Management Certificate Program, online modules will become accessible to you via computer (high speed Internet connection recommended). The courses may be completed at any hour of the day or night, at your convenience, and are accessible to you from any computer. After you have taken an onoline module, you may go back at any time to review the material again and again.
Additionally, a variety of useful general interest and business courses (such as computer software tutorials, human resource and management courses) are planned to be offered through the online learning system at no additional cost.
COST. The Co-operative Management Certificate Program includes seven e-learning modules, three intensive classroom sessions (including meals and accommodation), and reading materials. Cost is $3,500.00 plus GST.
GOALS for the Co-op Management Certificate Program include:
- To provide you with pertinent knowledge and information about the co-operative sector in areas such as governance, membership development, legislation, financing and co-op development.
- To develop critical thinking, management and leadership skills
- To assist you in the development of your career
- To develop alliances and partnerships with sector colleagues
(Note: The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada is also developing an online program specifically to meet only the needs of housing co-ops. Those particularly interested in the management of housing co-ops should contact CHFC directly for information on that program.)
THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM CONSISTS OF THREE PARTS:
[SAMPLE COURSE OUTLINES & OBJECTIVES]
PART I: CO-OP NUTS AND BOLTS
Must take all 5 of these online E-modules:
1. Overview of the Co‑operative Sector
2. Legislative and Regulatory Framework
3. Governance, Management and Membership
4. Financing
5. Developing a Co‑operative
PART II: CO-OP SECTOR OVERVIEW
Must take 2 of the following online E-modules:
6. Agriculture
7. Community, Social, Health and Homecare
8. Renewable Energy
9. Worker Co-ops
10. Child Care and Housing
PART III: INTENSIVE MODULES
Three mandatory Intensive Modules (in-person sessions), each 2 days long, will be scheduled throughout the 9-month Certificate Program. The face-to-face sessions are designed to reinforce online module course content, to foster discussion, and to create a Learners' Network.
Sessions will be held at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, and will be facilitated by York University professors and co-op sector representatives.
OTHER OPTIONS
The e-learning courses provide a great deal of practical knowledge on a variety of co-operative topics. Each of the online modules will be offered separately beginning in 2010. Those who do not wish to take the entire Certificate Program may pick and choose areas that support their career path or areas of interest. The Intensive Modules are only offered as part of the Certificate Program.
Graduates of the program will receive a Co-operative Management Certificate from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR ...
Taking Online Module #1 (Overview of Co-op Sector) is recommended for everyone who participates in any of the co-operative sectors including credit unions. Sector specific modules #6-10 should be taken as required for interest or sector-specific knowledge.
- Co-operative (Credit Union) CEOs and their senior management teams. Should take the entire certificate program. (9 months)
- Employees. Should take, at a minimum, online module #1, plus other topics that support their career path.
- Specialized staff (accountants, lawyers, lenders, etc). Online modules #2, #3 and #4.
- Board of Directors and Committee Members. Should also take, at a minimum, online module #3.
- Co-op (Credit Union) Members and those interested in learning more about co-operatives. Sector-specific modules as required.
- Co-op Developers and individuals interested in starting up a co-operative. Online module #3, plus sector courses as required.
- Those outside of Ontario. Online modules #1, #3 and #4. Sector courses as required.
FOR MORE INFORMATION...
Please note that the Certificate Program is in the final phases of development.
- Download the Information Brochure, which also includes an application form. (See FastLinks at right.)
For more information, contact Mark Ventry Tel: 1.888.745.5521 x30