Co-op Management Certificate Program

REGISTRATION FOR THE 4TH COHORT HAS BEGUN

Subject to minimum applications being received, the 4th cohort of the CMC program will begin this November, 2013 (including access to the e-Learning modules and the first of the webinar series). The first Intensive Session is scheduled for January 2014. To learn more, read the press release (CMC Returns: 2013!) at right under "downloads" or check out our testimonial page!

• Already registered and ready to access the e-Learning modules? Click the Student login link under "more information" at the right of this page.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The ground-breaking CMC Program has been tailor-made for co-operative managers and administrators (or those who are being considered for management positions), board members, sector leaders and others with a strong interest in the co-operative business enterprise model. It has been developed by On Co-op and co-operative sector leaders in partnership with the Schulich School of Business at York University.

The Co-operative Management Certificate Program is a blend of e-Learning and face-to-face teaching, discussion and interaction. The e-learning and webinar format of the CMC Program allows adult learners to continue with their day to day lives, while:

(1) learning specialized knowledge in areas such as governance, membership development, legislation, financing and co-op development;
(2) developing critical thinking, management and leadership skills;
(3) advancing their career in the co-operative movement; and
(4) fostering alliances and partnerships with colleagues from across the sector.

The intensive face-to-face learning sessions greatly enrich the learning and professional development of students through opportunities for critical discussion, feedback, networking and peer-to-peer learning.   

THE TIME COMMITMENT - The CMC Program takes six months of part-time study to complete, including the webinars, e-Learning and Intensive Sessions.

• Students must successfully complete 7 online modules prior to graduation. Most e-learning modules take about seven-to-ten hours each to complete (including online time. off-line reading, and assignments), and can be accessed 24/7/365 at your convenience.
• There are 6 webinars, each about one hour long, scheduled in the evening hours. There is generally little pre-work required. Attendance is not compulsory, but is very strongly recommended to get the most from the Program.
• The 3 compulsory face-to-face intensive sessions each take place Thursday evening, all day Friday and most of Saturday.  They are spaced about 6 weeks apart.
• There are 2 formal assignments which take about ten hours each to research and complete.  

AREAS OF STUDY AND ANALYSIS INCLUDE     
      - Harnessing the co-op advantage
      - Co-ops in the 21^st century
      - Managing the unique co-op environment
      - Navigating co-op legislation and regulations
      - Staff, board and member development
      - Strategic planning and managing change
      - Developing a co-operative
      - Contemporary governance issues and strategies  
      - Co-operative enterprise accounting and financial management

For more information visit the "Need to Know Information" and KEY COMPONENTS OF THE CMC PROGRAM" pages (links can be found to the right under "related pages").

FEES AND DATES- 4th COHORT (2013-2014)

Application deadline:  November 1, 2013
Full payment—due on or before:  November 18, 2013
Start of Program (i.e. access to online learning modules): November 20, 2013
Graduation Ceremony and Luncheon:  Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 12 noon

Additional notes:
For refund and substitution policies see below. Access to e-Learning modules is available 24/7/365 after the start of the Program. Access is continued for six months after graduation at no extra charge. Guests/friends/co-workers are welcome to attend the graduation ceremony.

Intensive Modules will be held:

• Intensive 1: January 16-18, 2014
• Intensive 2: February 27-March 1, 2014
• Intensive 3: April 24-26. 2014

Webinars will be held:

• Introductory Webinar:  November 23, 2013
• Webinar #1:  January 4, 2014
• Webinar #2:  February 1
• Webinar #3:  February 23
• Webinar #4:  March 22
• Webinar #5:  April 12

APPLICATION FEES: 

On Co-op member price**:   $4,500 + $585 HST = $5,085
Non-member price:                $5,000 + $650 HST = $5,650
See refund and substitution policies below.

**Member price:  If your organization is a Member, Supporter or Friend of the Ontario Co-operative Association, you qualify for this discounted price.  If your co-operative is a member of a federation or association which is a member of On Co-op, you also qualify for this discounted price. An application for membership may be sent to On Co-op at the same time as your CMC Program application is sent to Schulich. The list of organizations in the On Co-op membership can be found here: http://www.ontario.coop/about_us/membership_list

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION FEE:

• The cost of the Co-operative Management Certificate Program includes seven e-learning modules, three Intensive classroom-based sessions, meals, snacks and accommodation, up to six webinars, all required reading materials and course packs and other CMC Program resources.
• Also included: A cocktail reception and dinner held prior to the first Intensive, dinners and keynote addresses held prior to the second and third Intensives, and the graduation ceremony & luncheon. 
• To enhance the peer learning experience and foster additional co-op sharing, students are required to stay in residence at the Schulich School of Business during the Intensive Sessions, no matter where their home is located.
• Personal expenses are not included.

BURSARIES: A limited number of bursaries are available to co-ops less than five years in operation or to co-operatives in the formative stages.  Bursary requests of 10-90% of the registration fee will be considered. To raise the remainder of the funds, your co-op or group might consider holding a fundraiser event. This will also serve the purpose of raising awareness of your co-op within your community and/or membership, and will highlight the person who is going to be applying to the CMC Program.  Download the Financial Assistance Document from the area at right to learn more about bursaries.

PAYMENT PLANS: Payment plans are also available to all applicants other than bursary recipients. Upon acceptance, the registration fee can be split into three payments, and is subject to a service fee and initial down payment. Download the Financial Assistance Document from the area at right.

REFUND POLICY: Refunds for the Co-operative Management Certificate Program will be considered upon written request to the Executive Director of On Co-op, and subject to the following:

• 29 or more days prior to the posted "application deadline":  Full amount refunded less $25 administration fee.
• Less than 29 days prior to the posted "application deadline": Full amount refunded less $100.
• After the posted "application deadline", but more than 30 days prior to the start of the first Intensive Session:  No refund, however a $1,500 credit will be provided towards other types of On Co-op training or consulting services.
• 29 days or less prior to the start of the first Intensive Session:  No refund or credit.

SUBSTITUTION POLICY: After a student's application has been accepted into the CMC Program and the registration fee paid, no substitutions are permitted.

CANCELLATION POLICY:  If the CMC Program is cancelled by On Co-op, Schulich School of Business or York University, all registration fees paid will be refunded

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESS

The CMC Program is designed for those working for, governing, or developing credit unions and co-operatives of all types and sizes.  Those interested in co-operatives or those who are not based in Ontario will also find significant value in the Program. 

• All potential participants with an interest in co-operative management or governance are encouraged to apply.  There are no prior academic or co-op sector requirements.
• The Program is presented in English only. Students must have a good working knowledge of English and be able to read, write and speak English.
• Students with disabilities are asked to contact On Co-op prior to applying.
• The application form is included in the CMC Brochure, which can be downloaded from the link at right.
• You are asked to submit a statement of interest (no longer than two pages) detailing your history in the co-operative sector, your personal learning and organizational goals swith respect to this program, and providing evidence of your management/employment and leadership roles.
• You will also be asked to provide a current resume, biography or CV.
• A maximum of 25 applicants will be accepted into this cohort based on their experience, interest and commitment. Once approved, your seat in the cohort cannot be transferred to another student.
• Students must attend all Intensive sessions in person and must complete all required e-learning modules and assignments to graduate.
• Full details are contained in the CMC Program brochure and application.