CMC Program Overview
The Co-operative Management Certificate Program uses a combination of electronic and face-to-face lessons, in order to provide students with both the flexibility of an online program and the effective learning of the classroom. Graduates of the program will receive a Co-operative Management Certificate from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
- To learn about the e-modules and the intensives in more detail, go to the course outline page.
- For the dates of the Intensive sessions and the webinars, visit the main CMC Page
A) e-learning modules
i) CO-OP NUTS AND BOLTS e-LEARNING MODULES
Students 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
ii) CO-OP SECTOR OVERVIEW e-LEARNING MODULES
Students 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
Computer requirements: Any reasonably current PC or Mac computer with Internet access. Speakers are required.
B) Intensive Sessions
The three mandatory face-to-face intensive sessions, updated for the third cohort, 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. These sessions are compulsory, and students must attend the sessions in person.
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.
Requirements: All materials directly related to the Program are supplied. Food and accomodation is included at no additional cost. Personal expenses are not covered. Each intensive session is two days long and will be held in residence at the Schulich School of Business at York University. Students are required to stay in residence no matter where their home is located.
C) 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. These sessions generally take about 60 minutes.
The remainder of the webinars 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 co-operation amongst co-operatives first-hand. There are five-six webinars in each cohort.
Requirements: A telephone and a reasonably modern computer (PC or MAC) with Internet access (high speed Internet access strongly preferred.).
TIME COMMITMENTS OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS
- Each online module can be completed 24/7 from almost any computer or laptop in about seven to ten hours, approximately two hours of which will be spent online. You must complete seven online modules. After you have taken an online module through the Program, you may go back at any time to review the material again and again as long as you continue with the learning management system.
- The webinars generally take about an hour each. There are five-six webinars per cohort.
- The two formal assignments will each require about 10 hours to complete.
- Course packs, reading materials and other Program resources are included in the registration fee.
- 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. Food and accomodation while taking part in the intensive sessions are included in the cost of the Program. THIS IS A MANDATORY PART OF THE PROGRAM - YOU MUST BE ABLE TO ATTEND ALL OF THE INTENSIVE SESSIONS IN PERSON.
- Additionally, a variety of useful general interest and business courses (such as computer software tutorials, human resource and management courses) may be offered through the online learning system at little or no additional cost to registered students.
- The Program is presented in English only. Some of the material includes Ontario-specific information or examples, however the majority of the Program will be of interest and value to co-operators across Canada and beyond.
ASSIGNMENTS and EXERCISES
Many of the e-modules include 'reflective assignments' to help you learn the material and apply it to your own circumstances. Reflective assignments and quizzes generally are not graded.
Participants will have the opportunity to apply the learning from the Program in two formal assignments that are designed to build practical skills and deepen understanding of the challenges involved in co-op management now and in the future. The assignments will each require approximately 10 hours from start to finish. Participants will receive guidance and direction throughout the Program as they work through these practical assignments, having the opportunity to create drafts and receive feedback as they proceed.
All participants will present the results of their second assignment (a critical case study of an Ontario co-operative) in the final intensive, offering a unique learning experience with respect to the variety of existing practices, challenges and opportunities across the co-operative sector. Students must complete these two assignments by the graduation date.
