Co operative Certificate Program BE AN ARCHITECT OF THE CO-OPERATIVE FUTURE Secure your place in the acclaimed Co-operative Certificate program at the Schulich School of Business: the new standard for co-operative leadership and expertise Deadline for applications is Nov 1, 2013. Fourth Cohort begins Nov 20, 2013. Apply today! Lead. Cultivate. Connect.
Co operative Certificate Program Flexible and Results-Driven Learn specialized knowledge in areas such as governance, membership development, legislation, financing and co-op development. J.J. McMurtry, Ph.D. Co-director of CMC, Associate Professor, Business and Society Develop critical thinking, management and leadership skills. Advance your career in the co-operative movement. Foster alliances and partnerships with colleagues from across the sector. You ll navigate five core, self-directed e-learning modules and your choice of two sector-specific electives. A series of six interactive webinars reinforce and expand upon this e-module content. You will work with Schulich faculty and co-op sector leaders to develop new knowledge and practical skills by participating in three team-based intensive sessions. Areas of Study Harnessing the co op advantage Co-ops in the 21st century Managing in the unique co op environment Navigating co-op legislation and regulations Staff, board and member development Resources you can refer to again and again Each e-learning module includes readings, a printed course pack and online materials for use throughout the course. After the program concludes, you can continue to use these resources at your convenience. Strategic planning and managing change Developing a co operative Contemporary governance issues and strategies Co-operative enterprise accounting and financial management
I have managed or helped to start up several co-ops over the years, but I m learning much I didn t know before! Co operative Certificate Program The Co-operative Certificate program (CMC) offered by the Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op) in conjunction with the Schulich School of Business meets the growing need for managers and leaders with the knowledge, tools, skills and confidence to provide leadership in the evolving co-operative business sector. Students of the CMC program develop a comprehensive understanding of the co-operative enterprise environment and learn contemporary and innovative solutions to prevailing sector issues. Consisting of self-directed e-learning modules, interactive webcasts, and face-to-face intensive classroom sessions, this program fits around your busy schedule while still giving you a chance to interact with experts and network with other students. 5 Core e-learning Modules The overview on governance and financials has enabled me to identify what is missing from our organization and offer solutions in terms of board training and financial controls. Want to learn more about the program? Get in touch with the Program Directors: J.J. McMurtry, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Business and Society York University 416-736-2100 ext. 77402 jmcmurtr@yorku.ca Brenda Gainer, Ph.D. Director, Nonprofit and Leadership Program Schulich School of Business 416-736-2100 ext. 66416 bgainer@schulich.yorku.ca The co-operative context Legislative and regulatory framework Governance, management and membership Developing a co-operative Financing your co-operative 2 Electives Agriculture co-ops Social, health and homecare co-ops Renewable energy co-operatives Local economic development & co-ops Childcare and housing co-operatives 3 Intensive Classroom Sessions The context of co-operative management Key challenges in co-operative management Moving ahead: organization, industry and sector perspectives 6 Webinars A series of webinars augment the self directed e-learning. Students are required to complete all aspects of the course to graduate. Successful graduates are awarded a Co-operative Certificate from the Schulich School of Business. Lead. Cultivate. Connect.
I benefitted most from the networking and interactions with my fellow classmates. We were a new co-operative with little experience, and the CMC program provided much needed guidance on how to operate, manage and lead a co-operative. e-learning Outline part I: Core Co-op Nuts and Bolts These core e-learning modules provide you with a thorough understanding of the contemporary co-operative environment and equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop, manage and finance co-ops of any size. 1. An Overview of Co-operatives The co-operative difference: an introduction to the co-operative advantage History & philosophy National and international context The impact of globalization Incorporating social responsibility into operations 2. Legislative and Regulatory Framework Starting a co-op Governance basics Co-op status requirements Member rights & responsibilities Changing co-op status and dissolution Delving into the Co-operative Corporations Act in Ontario 3. Governance, and Membership The difference between governance and management Governance models Strategic planning processes Board, management, and membership development 4. Developing a Co-operative Considerations when choosing a business structure Conducting a feasibility study Developing a business plan Forecasting income statements The role of co-op developers 5. Financing Your Co-operative Raising capital Sources of available capital Redeeming shares Alternative financing options Analyzing financial statements Part II: electives Co-op Sector Overviews The focus of the second set of e-learning modules is developing and using the co-operative model in major co-operative sectors. Each module includes an overview of the current climate and addresses key issues faced in Ontario, in Canada and around the world. You will study current practices and helpful real-life examples. In each module, you will explore legislative details and conclude with current and anticipated challenges and opportunities. Highlights: 6. Agricultural Co-ops Adapting to change and the New Generation Model Exploring niche co-operatives Local & organic co-ops 7. Social, Health and Homecare Co-ops Developing a social services co-op Benefits and challenges Working with government 8. Renewable Energy Co-operatives Wind, solar, and biomass co-ops Exploring the current legislation Identifying policies and tools for renewable energy co-ops 9. Local Economic Development and Co-ops Social motivations and rural development needs Managing the succession process Worker co-ops 10. Child Care and Housing Co-operatives Legislation and context Financing, governance and HR tools Students must take all five of e-learning modules 1-5 and choose TWO electives from e-learning modules 6 10.
The teachers were knowledgeable and helpful. The participants were a great crosssection with lots to offer each other. CMC was an excellent choice for me as it had applications not only to the co-operative structure, but many overlaps with high level organizational management and governance in the non profit and even for profit sectors. Team-Based Learning Three classroom-based intensive sessions are designed to give students current and significant knowledge of the co-operative sector, providing enriched material and topics of discussion and interaction that goes far beyond the material covered in the e-learning modules and the webinars. The intensives are scheduled about six weeks apart. Each intensive develops a different set of critical skills and together provide students with a transferable, practical skill-set. Intensives are compulsory and are facilitated by top academics from York University and leading co-op sector representatives. All intensives are held in residence at the executive learning centre at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, a world-class facility providing a state-of the-art learning environment. Intensives are held Thursday to Saturday, with a keynote address organized on Friday evening. 1. The Context of Co-operative The first intensive focuses on three key themes. First, the history, practice, opportunities and challenges of co operation will be placed in a global economic and political context. Second, there will be an analytical discussion of the benefits and limitations of the Ontario Co operative Corporations Act: the legal framework within which co-operatives operate in Ontario. The Act will be compared to other provincial and national examples. Third, participants will take part in an examination of the specific strategic issues that pertain to governance and finances in democratic and participatory institutions. The official program launch will take place on the Thursday evening of this intensive. Participants can mingle with their peers, the program faculty, and the course organizers. 2. Key Challenges in Co-operative The second intensive focuses on financial management of co operatives: a topic not available at any other post-secondary institution in Ontario. Participants will work with Schulich faculty to learn how to analyze financial statements from the unique perspective of co operatives, and will have the opportunity to work through the process of developing a co operative offering statement with a sector expert. Participants will be able to discuss with faculty the implications of financial management for their specific situation and will study in detail actual financial materials from existing co-operatives. This intensive is as valuable for the financial veteran as it is for those who have little or no financial experience. 3. Moving Ahead: Organization, Industry and Sector Perspectives The final intensive is dedicated to the theory and practice of leadership in co operatives. Led by Schulich faculty who are internationally recognized as leaders in the field, students will engage with contemporary issues and develop a number of take-home practices. Key to this intensive is management for change, an important field for all businesses in today s increasingly challenging world. This intensive also involves final group presentations developed in close consultation with faculty always a highlight as well as our graduation luncheon. Webinars Six interactive webcasts will be scheduled throughout the program. The initial webinar provides an orientation to the online learning system and an introduction to the program. The remainder will expand upon material discussed in the e-learning modules, and further link the students together into a peer learning network.
Application Form Co operative Certificate Program The cost of the Co-operative Certificate Program includes seven e-learning modules, three Intensive sessions (including meals and accommodation), six webinars, all reading materials/course packs and other Program resources. An opening reception and dinner held prior to the first intensive, and the graduation ceremony and luncheon is also included. A limited number of bursaries are available to co-ops less than five years in operation or to co-operatives in the formative stages. Payment plans are available. Please contact On Co-op to learn more. Students with disabilities are asked to contact On Co-op prior to applying. To Apply The program is designed for those who are working in, governing, managing 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 the program. All potential participants with an interest in co-operative management or governance are encouraged to apply. There are no prior academic requirements. Participants will be selected based on their statement of interest and experience. Step 1 Submit a statement of interest (no longer than two pages) detailing your history in the co operative sector, your personal learning and organizational goals with respect to this program, and providing evidence of your management and leadership roles. Step 2 Name Mr Mrs Ms Organization Submit a current résumé, CV or biography. Step 3 Organization Address Is your organization an On Co-op member*: Yes No Office Phone Office Email Home Address Home Phone Email, fax or mail this application form, statement of interest and résumé to: Maia Saneblidze Nonprofit & Leadership Program Room N320 SSB Schulich School of Business, York University 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 Email: msaneblidze@schulich.yorku.ca Phone: 416-736-5092 Fax: 416-736-5762 Home Email Please indicate your preferred address for mailing: Office Home Expanded program information available at s.coop/cmcprogram Key Dates Application deadline: November 1, 2013 Full payment is due: November 18, 2013 Access to online modules opens: November 20, 2013 First intensive session: January 16 18, 2014 Second intensive session: February 27 March 1, 2014 Third intensive session: April 24 26, 2014 Graduation Ceremony: April 26, 2014 Student Fees On Co-op Member: $4,500 + HST Non-Member: $5,000 + HST * Details on bursaries, payment plans, member discounts and refunds at s.coop/cmcprogram