“” What is required to register for the philanthropic career development program

Professional Fundraising Certificate Program

Requirements

Academic Requirements

Students entering the Professional Fundraising Program must have strong communication skills.

While an undergraduate degree is not required, we recommend either a bachelor’s degree or significant related work experience.

Technological Requirements

Students must possess basic computer skills (such as saving documents, navigating the internet, and uploading documents) in order to successfully function in the online environment.

Students are responsible for reviewing the technical requirements for Blackboard Learn prior to the program start date (it is recommended that they do this prior to registration) to ensure that their computer is compatible with all the technical requirements of Blackboard Learn. To learn more about the necessary system requirements and what to expect from an online course, click here.

Accessing online courses requires a high-speed internet connection, as the online learning interface for the program (Blackboard Learn) will not function effectively using a dial-up line. The program can run on either a Mac or PC, but we advise that students do not attempt to complete coursework on a tablet alone. The Blackboard system does not allow students to submit assignments or take exams (among other functions) from a tablet environment.

The program will not run with the Norton AntiVirus Software. Students must either disengage Norton while running the online program or delete Norton from your computer and install McAfee AntiVirus Software.

Computer access issues and/or technology failures do not excuse a student from any aspect of the program and is not sufficient justification for dropping the program.

Workload and Time Commitment

Consistent engagement, even in an online format, is key.  Each week students will be provided with some form of learning assessment (reflections, papers, and discussions) on the course content. These assessments must be completed each week to receive the certificate; there are no exceptions. Modules close according to a schedule and cannot be extended; after that period students will no longer have access to that module. Vacation and other planned events, as well as unplanned events/circumstances, do not excuse students from their coursework but with the course being accessible from anywhere with an internet connection you are able to plan around these events; students are expected to complete all work in each module while that module is open. Modules cannot be retaken and/or extended for any reason. It is recommended that students print the module content at the beginning of each module for future reference.

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks for this course.

Orientation

Two weeks prior to starting your class, you will be given access to an Orientation to introduce you to navigating the learning management system.