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Business & Management Programs

Certificate in Community Leadership

Note: This program is not currently being offered.

The Program

The Community Leadership Certificate program provides a cross-disciplinary approach to building skills and knowledge in community leadership. Students will develop skills and knowledge in the following areas:

  • Leadership skills;
  • Community awareness;
  • Community-based action research;
  • Fostering leadership development.

Career Opportunities

The Community Leadership Certificate Program provides:

  • An opportunity for municipal staff and elected officials to develop skills in community leadership.
  • A complementary credential for students and graduates of a wide range of programs, providing an opportunity to add community leadership skills to their studies.
  • An opportunity for individuals who have completed the Leadership BC program, or other leadership training, to pursue further studies in community leadership.
  • An opportunity for any individuals who wish to develop community leadership skills.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet general admission requirements as outlined in the Vancouver Island University Calendar. Students must meet any prerequisites stated for specific courses.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program typically starts in the Fall of each year. Individual courses are also open to those interested in particular topics, provided any prerequisites are met. For further information regarding applications, program contacts, and scheduled information sessions check the Program Availability List.

Program Outline

The program is comprised of three components, totaling 12 credits:

1. Leadership and Community - 6 credits

  • A 3-credit Leadership course:
    • LEAD 100 - (Foundations in Community Leadership I) - Note: The Leadership BC Program is accepted as equivalent.
  • OR,
    • One of the following acceptable Vancouver Island University courses:
    • TOUR 161 (3) - (Leadership in Tourism)
    • RMGT 161 (3) - (Leadership in Recreation and Sport)
    • WOST 320 (3) - (Women and Leadership)
    • WOST 100 (3) - (Young Women and Leadership; Issues and Action)
    • PHED 461 (3) - (Applied Leadership and Organization in Physical Activity)
    • MGMT 145 (2) - (Interpersonal Skills) and MGMT 146 (2) - (Team Building Skills)

AND

  • A 3-credit Community course:
    • LEAD 101 - (Foundations in Community Leadership II) - Note: The Leadership BC Program is accepted as equivalent.
  • OR,
    • One of the following acceptable Vancouver Island University courses:
    • HSER 110 (3) - (Working in the Community Context)
    • SSER 250 (3) - (Community Development)
    • TRMT 353 (3) - (Community Development in Recreation and Tourism)
    • FNAT 420 (6) - (First Nations Families and Communities)
    • NURS 350 (3) - (Health IV: Health Promotion and Community Empowerment)
    • SCSW 120 (3) - (Citizenship and Human Rights)

2. LEAD 200 - (Action Research in Communities) - 3 credits

This course provides an opportunity for students to develop skills in community action research, to integrate and apply skills and knowledge about leadership and community, and to further enhance practical skills in community leadership.

This course includes the following three elements:

  • Classroom instruction:
    • Personal inventory;
    • Goal-setting;
    • Orientation to research methods and tools;
    • Proposal development.
  • Individual community-based action research project.
  • Ongoing seminars to reflect on learning and project experience.

3. HSD 375 - (Fostering Leadership Development) - 3 credits

This course explores effective strategies to build and sustain an environment that facilitates dynamic leadership. The focus is on creating a leadership culture applicable to a variety of community organizations and workplaces through developing a shared vision, collaborative leadership, and reflective practice. The course offers a balance of practical skills and current leadership theory.

Updated June 3, 2010