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*Co-op Management Certificate Program

On this page...

  • Program highlights
  • Timeline and Costs
  • A three-parts learning program
  • The program is designed for ...
  • Individual Module Options
  • For more information...
  • Also refer to the FastLinks at right

For those already registered in the Co-operative Management Certificate Program only:

[Login to On Co-op Learning Management System]

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

[Download the 2010 Information brochure and application here.]  The second cohort of the Ontario Co-operative Management Certificate Program begins October 22, 2010.  Deadline to apply is September 22, 2010. The first cohort of the Program began in October 2009, and participants graduated April 17, 2010.

OVERVIEW:  The Co-operative Management Certificate Program is a 9-month co-operative learning experience with three key components:  Core e-learning modules and sector-specific e-learning modules; webinar sessions; and face-to-face Intensive sessions. The Program is supplemented by ongoing contact with students and education resources.

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.  A series of webinars reinforce and expand upon the material presented during the e-learning modules. Webinars and e-learning modules are computer-based and are accessible from any computer with internet capabilities.

The face-to-face intensive sessions present students with enriched content not found in the e-learning modules.  The intensives - held in residence at Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Ontario - also deepen and reinforce the knowledge that has been learned in the e-modules, and brings the group together for networking, sharing and long-lasting collaborations.

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 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.)

SECOND COHORT ENHANCEMENTS.  The Intensive sessions and program support for the Certificate Program have been expanded. For the second cohort, students will take part in longer and more focussed intensive sessions.  Five webcasts have been developed to provide support for material learned during the e-modules and to foster a deeper peer-learning network.

For additional information, return the form attached to the info brochure (noted above) or contact Mark Ventry or call 1.888.745.5521.     

TIMELINE AND COSTS - SECOND COHORT

  • Application Deadline – September 22, 2010
  • Notification of Acceptance – October 15, 2010
  • Payment in Full, and Student Questionnaire received– October 21, 2010
  • Start of Program (online access to e-modules) – October 22, 2010
  • Intensive Modules – Jan 20-22, 2011; March 24-26, 2011; May 26-28, 2011 (Held in residence at the Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto)
  • Webcasts - dates to be announced
  • Graduation – May 28, 2011

COST. The Co-operative Management Certificate Program includes seven e-learning modules, three intensive classroom sessions (including meals and accommodation), five webinars, reading materials/course packs and other Program resources. Cost for the second cohort is $3900.00 plus HST.

 

A THREE-PART LEARNING PROGRAM

THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM CONSISTS OF THREE CORE PARTS:
[SAMPLE COURSE OUTLINES & OBJECTIVES] 

PART I:  e-LEARNING MODULES

a) CO-OP NUTS AND BOLTS e-LEARNING MODULES

Must take all 5 of these online E-modules:
1. The Co‑operative Context
2. Legislative and Regulatory Framework
3. Governance, Management and Membership
4. Developing a Co‑operative
5. Financing

b)  CO-OP SECTOR OVERVIEW E-LEARNING MODULES

Must take 2 of the following online E-modules:

6. Agricultural Co-ops
7. Social, Health and Homecare Co-ops
8. Renewable Energy Co-ops
9. Worker Co-ops, Rural Revitalization and Business Succession
10. Child Care and Housing Co-ops

PART II:  Webcasts

A number of interactive webcasts will be scheduled throughout the Certificate Program. Like the e-modules, these can be accessed from any computer with internet capability. The first webinar provides an orientation to the online learning system and an introduction to the Program.  The first webinar provides an orientation to the online learning system and an introduction to the Program. The remainder will reinforce material discussed in the e-modules, and further link the students together into a peer-learning network, allowing them to collaborate and to experience first-hand “co-operation amongst co-operatives“.

PART III: INTENSIVE SESSIONS

The three mandatory face-to-face intensive sessions, (revised and enhanced for the second cohort) - each two days long and held in residence at the Schulich School of Business at York University - are an integral part of the Program.

Each Intensive is designed to give you relevant and current knowledge of the co-operative sector.  The intensives present brand new, and enriched content, going well beyond the material covered in the e-modules.  The intensives EXPLORE concepts and information required to govern and manage co-operatives; allow students and sector leaders to SHARE and DEBATE opinions and best practises; and SUPPORT the students by through a peer learning network that extends beyond graduation.
Delivered by academic experts and industry leaders, these classroom-based intensive sessions deliver up-to-the-minute content and provide a space for enriched reflection, debate, and analysis.

E-LEARNING PLUS FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING.

  • All online modules can be completed 24/7 from the comfort of your home or work computer (from anywhere in the world; high speed internet access recommended) in about seven-ten hours, approximately two hours of which will be spent online.  After you have taken an online module through the Program, you may go back at any time to review the material again and again.
  • There are two assignments in the Program, each taking about 10 hours to complete, with presentation dates tied to the second and third Intensive sessions.
  • Five webcasts have been newly added to the Program, and can be accessed by any computer with internet capabilities. The first webinar provides an orientation to the online learning system and an introduction to the Program. The remainder will reinforce material discussed in the e-modules, and further link the students together into a peer-learning network, allowing them to collaborate and to experience first-hand “co-operation amongst co-operatives“.
  • Course packs, reading materials and other Program resources are included.
  • Accommodation and meetings during the Intensive Sessions will be held in residence at the Executive Learning Centre at the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto, a world-class facility providing a state-of-the-art learning environment and top accommodation and meals. 
  • Additionally, a variety of useful general interest and business courses (such as computer software tutorials, human resource and management courses) are offered through the online learning system at no additional cost. to registered students.

Graduates of the program will receive a Co-operative Management Certificate from the Schulich School of Business at York University. 

The Certificate Program was developed by the Ontario Co-operative Association in partnership with the Ontario co-operative movement and the Schulich School of Business at York University [SCHULICH WEBSITE]

THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR ...

The Co-operative Certificate Management Program is designed for those who are working for, governing or developing co-operatives and credit unions. Those interested in learning more about co-operatives or those who are not based in Ontario will also find value in the modules.

Admission is open to all applicants. Participants will be selected based on their statement of interest and experience. 

INDIVIDUAL MODULE OPTIONS

The individual e-learning courses provide a great deal of practical knowledge on a variety of co-operative topics.  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. Many of the online modules will be offered separately beginning late in 2010 on an a-la-carte basis. There are minor differences in the content and assignments for the non-certificate versions of the e-learning modules. 

  • Each e-module is supported by a printed course pack, which includes reading assignments. 
  • Each e-module includes reflective assignments.
  • The Intensive Modules & Webinars and supporting resources are only offered as part of the Certificate Program.  Students taking individual e-modules will not have the benefit of the enriched content, guest speakers, peer-learning networks, and the indepth analysis of e-module content that the Intensive Modules, webinars and group interactions provide.
  • Pricing and availability TBA.

INDIVIDUAL MODULE RECOMMENDATIONS:  No matter what your level of co-op or credit union knowledge, taking online module #1 (The Co-op Context) is recommended to provide a common knowledge of the co-operative sector.

  • Co-operative (Credit Union) CEOs and their senior management teams.  Should take the entire certificate program for broad-based knowledge and peer-network support.  
  • Employees, including new-hires.  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, Committee Members and key Volunteers.  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 modules #3, and #4 plus sector-specific courses as required. 
  • Those outside of Ontario. Online modules #1, #3 and #4.  Sector-specific courses as required.

FOR MORE INFORMATION...

Information on the second cohort (October, 2010-May, 2011) will be released shortly.

For more information, contact Mark Ventry Tel: 1.888.745.5521 x30