Co-operative Management Certificate Program

The Co-op Management Certificate Program is designed for those who are managing, governing or developing all types of co-operatives in Ontario. Co-op or credit union
members, those interested in co-operatives, or those who are not based in Ontario will also find value in many of the modules. Developed by the Ontario Co-operative Association with the support of the co-operative industry leaders, and offered by the Schulich School of Business, the Program is affordable, practical and accessible.

Goals of the CMC Program

• To provide 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 participants in the development of their careers.
• To develop alliances and partnerships with sector colleagues.

The Co-operative Management Program is a nine-month course of study, beginning Fall 2009 and completed by spring 2010. The program consists of five core e-learning
modules, your choice of two sector-specific e-learning sessions, and three two-day intensive learning sessions in which participants engage critically with top professionals and peers in a learning network focused on contemporary co-operative management issues.

Each e-learning module takes about five hours in total to complete, approximately one hour of which will be spent online. There are two assignments.

An Affordable Investment
The Co operative Management Certificate Program includes seven e-learning modules, three intensive classroom sessions (plus meals and accommodation), and reading
materials. Cost of the Program is $3500.00 plus GST.

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

A complete information brochure, course outline, application form and application process can be downloaded from the On Co-op website.  Direct link: http://www.ontario.coop/pages/index.php?main_id=403.  Or click on the link from the On Co-op home page www.ontario.coop.

IMPORTANT DATES:

·         Application Deadline – August 14, 2009

·         Notification of Acceptance – August 21, 2009

·         Acceptance, Payment and Questionnaire – September 1, 2009

·         Start of Program – October 1, 2009

·         Intensive Modules (also known as Face-to-Face sessions) – Dec. 3–5, 2009; Feb. 12–13, 2010; April 16–17, 2010
(Intensives are mandatory and are held in residence at the Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto)

·         Graduation – April 17, 2010

Of note … 

·         The Program is a strategic leadership and management course for managers, executives, and leaders in the co-operative sector, providing a broad understanding of the co-operative sector and co-operative management.

·         If students are specifically interested ONLY in housing co-operatives, CHF Canada is developing an online course tailored to that sector. Students should contact CHF Canada directly about their course.

·         All participants who have completed the five core e-modules, two elective e-modules, the three intensive sessions and the two assignments will be awarded a Co-operative Management Certificate from the Schulich School of Business at York University.

The CMC Program…

• Provides you with pertinent knowledge and information about the co-operative sector in areas including governance, membership, legislation, financing and co-op development
• Applies learning through management case studies
• Encourages you to further develop critical thinking, management and leadership skills
• Develops alliances and partnerships with sector colleagues

As you progress through the modules, you will begin to assemble a Co-op Toolkit, providing practical and useful resources to help you manage and lead your organization. 
The five core modules cover topics such as…

• The Co-op Advantage
• The size, scope and impact of co-operatives
• Managing in the unique co-op environment
• Legislative and regulatory requirements
• Staff, board and member development 
• Strategic planning
• Starting up and developing a co-operative
• Financial tools to manage your co-operative enterprise

The three mandatory Intensive Modules (face-to-face sessions, each two days long) will be scheduled throughout the 9-month Program.  The sessions are designed to re inforce e-learning course content, to foster discussion, and to create a learners' network. Sessions will be held in residence at the Executive Centre at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto , and will be facilitated by professors and sector representatives. The cost of accommodation and meals is included in the Program registration fee. Transportation is not included.

Additional information on the Co-operative Management Certificate Program can be found athttp://www.ontario.coop/pages/index.php?main_id=403