There are no grades or exams, but many instructors give practical homework assignments. Students may take up to fifteen hours of class per term. The Certificate is awarded after successful completion of 50 classroom hours. No retroactive credit is given for classes taken prior to the term in which a participant attends an information session. One of the hallmarks of the Certificate Program is its flexibility.
Flexibility is a necessity since the issues facing the nonprofit community continually change.
One of the overarching objectives of the Certificate Program is to be responsive to the professional development needs of the nonprofit community. As a result, over 125 course topics have been offered since the Certificate Program began. Courses are scheduled, whenever possible, to include the suggestions and requests of program participants. Instructors are selected to teach in the Program because of their expertise, enthusiasm, and clarity of presentation. All are practicing professionals in their fields with classroom experience who enjoy sharing what they have learned.