Division of Continuing Education (DCE) - Atkinson

107 Atkinson Building; Telephone: 416-736-5616; Fax: 416-650-8042

Non-Credit, Non-Degree Programs 2007-2008

The Division of Continuing Education continually introduces new courses and certificates. To receive further information on new offerings and continuing programs please contact our office (107 Atkinson Building), e-mail: DCE@yorku.ca or visit our Web site: http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/.

Certificate Programs (Non-degree credit)

Certificate in Dispute Resolution

Co-sponsored with the School of Social Work, Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies and La Marsh Research Centre on Violence and Conflict Resolution, York University.

This 132-hour certificate program is designed to provide educational and practical skills training to those interested in acquiring knowledge in the growing field of dispute resolution. The program provides core competencies in dispute resolution for those wishing to bring new skills to their existing jobs, and is the first step leading to professional accreditation as a mediator. The program integrates dispute resolution theory and practical skill development opportunities. Successful completion of the certificate program will satisfy the education component of the membership requirements of the ADR Institute of Ontario and the ADR Institute of Canada. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Certificates/Disputefolder/Dispute1.html)

Advanced Certificate in Dispute Resolution

Co-sponsored with the School of Social Work, Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies and La Marsh Research Centre on Violence and Conflict Resolution, York University.

The non-degree credit Advanced Certificate in Dispute Resolution consists of 85 hours of classroom instruction, dispute resolution observation and supervised mediation practice. The program will present participants with a structured and supervised opportunity to apply the theories of dispute resolution "in-the-field". The program explores theoretical constructs of conflict, conflict escalation, and modes of dispute resolution; exposure to and critical analysis of best practices in dispute resolution; skill development opportunities; and development of a model for continued self-education in professional practice in dispute resolution. The program is designed for graduates of the division's Certificate in Dispute Resolution Program and other eligible practitioners who are interested in pursuing advanced-level education and training in the field of dispute resolution practice, so that they can confidently and skilfully offer mediation services to the public, in a variety of settings. The program provides students with a direct link to accreditation and the acquisition of professional designation and membership in dispute resolution associations. Successful completion of the Advanced Certificate in Dispute Resolution will give graduates the educational component needed to apply for the Chartered Mediator (C.Med) designation granted by the ADR Institute of Canada (for more information please check the ADR Institute of Ontario Web site at http://www.adrontario.ca). (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Certificates/ADispute/ADisp1.html)

Certificate in Dispute Resolution Internship

These optional, 100-hour internships are available to graduates of the Certificate in Dispute Resolution Program or those that have completetd at least 132 hours of dispute resolution training at another institution who are interested in practising their newly-acquired skills under the supervision of experienced dispute resolution professionals. Internships are available in four areas of dispute resolution practice: community mediation, family mediation, organizational dispute resolution and bilingual mediation. Interns develop individualized learning plans, in collaboration with the internship provider, which determine the range of activities and specific outcomes for their internship. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Certificates/CDRIntern/Intern1.html)

Certificate in Infant Mental Health

Co-sponsored with the Infant Mental Health Promotion

This 120-hour non-credit certificate program is designed to provide front-line service providers with essential knowledge and practical skills to encourage positive parent-infant interactions and promote optimal developmental progress in infants. The program is directed to those interested in working effectively in the field of infant development, prevention and/or early intervention including work with infants with special needs, and infants living in high-risk environments. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Certificates/IMH/IMH1.html)

Advanced Certificate in Infant Mental Health

Co-sponsored with the Infant Mental Health Promotion

This 98-hour non-credit skills-based program will provide participants with a structured and supervised opportunity to apply theoretical principles in a practical and realistic environment, featuring role-plays, video and written case studies, and peer consultation. Upon completion of the program, participants will have demonstrated their practical understanding of theoretical principles underlying a variety of assessment and intervention strategies, reflected upon the application of a code of ethical conduct to their work with infants, toddlers and their parents, and enhanced their facility in self-care within a difficult area of human service practice. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Certificates/ACIMH/ACIMH.html)

Certificate in Organizational Learning and Quality Improvement for the Developmental and Human Services Sectors

The main objective of the Certificate in Organizational Learning and Quality Improvement Program is to facilitate the development of knowledge and skills to assist organizations in the developmental services and human services sectors to create cultures of continuous quality improvement and to meet accreditation standards for service delivery.

A non-credit "Certificate in Organizational Learning and Quality Improvement" would be awarded to program participants upon the successful completion of 96 hours of classroom-based and online work. This blended delivery format provides opportunities for face-to-face learning and online mentoring and `virtual' small group discussion. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Certificates/COLQI/COLQI.html)

Certificate in Transformational Leadership for Women

Co-sponsored with A Commitment to Training and Employment for Women (ACTEW)

The Certificate in Transformational Leadership is designed as a continuing professional development for women who are in paid management or leadership positions within the non-profit or public sectors, as well as women in volunteer leadership positions within the non-profit sector, who are interested in refining existing skills and developing knowledge and new skills in transformational leadership. The Program, built on a strong foundation of gender equity and anti-oppression principles, will address the unique needs and celebrate the strengths of women leading within the non-profit and public sectors. Utilizing a systemic framework, the Program will focus on a style-based approach to leadership, assisting women to develop personal leadership styles to manage for and through change, and to build vibrant and sustainable organizations within today's rapidly-changing and complex environment. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Certificates/CTLW/CTLW.html)

Professional Development Courses

Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations

This 24 hour non-credit course is designed to assist staff and volunteers of non-profits to prepare a fundraising plan for their organization and to become familiar with a range of strategies and tools to be put to immediate use to successfully face the realities of today's financial climate. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Professional/Fundraising/Fund1.html)

Harm Reduction - Theory, Policy and Practice

Co-sponsored with the School of Social Work, Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies and Field Development, Faculty of Education, York University

This 24 hour non-credit course is designed to introduce service providers, administrators and policy makers to the basic principles, philosophy and application of harm reduction. Harm reduction is a term that refers to a specific set of approaches and corresponding policies that underlie those approaches to reduce risks for people who use drugs and/or engage in behaviours that put them "at risk". Increasingly harm reduction is deemed to be a realistic, pragmatic, humane and successful approach to addressing drug problems and other self destructive behaviours of individuals and communities. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/harmreduction/)

Professional Development Courses/Workshops in Dispute Resolution

This professional development series is designed to assist mediators and other practitioners to develop and refine their skills within specialized areas of practice and management. The series will explore three key areas of specialization: Dispute Resolution in the Workplace; Building a Successful Mediation Practice and Family Mediation.

Building a Successful Mediation Practice

To establish and maintain a successful mediation practice practitioners must have business know-how, marketing skills and administrative expertise. This 39-hour non-credit course will help dispute resolution practitioners develop these skills, design the kind of practice they want, attract a desirable clientele, and lead their business in profitable new directions. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Professional/ProDev_DR/ProDevDRDesc.html)

Advanced Family Mediation Skills Training

This 21-hour non-degree workshop will enable participants to move to a more advanced level when dealing with complex financial and child-related cases in family mediation.

Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills with a coach/student ratio of 1:5, along with receiving videotaped feedback on their role-play(s). The course utilizes the performance-based training model, in which the role-play becomes the learning forum, rather than an extension of the lecture. There will be demonstrations by the instructor during the workshop. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Professional/ProDev_DR/ProDevDRDesc.html)

Assessing and Screening for Domestic Violence

Research suggests that power and control issues that underlie domestic violence may heighten during separation/divorce proceedings and child custody disputes. Mediators and other professionals who work with families involved in divorce proceedings need to be concerned about domestic violence. This 21-hour non-degree credit workshop will assist mediators and other practitioners to develop theoretical knowledge and practise skills in recognizing domestic violence and determining whether and under what conditions divorce mediation is appropriate.

This workshop is also designed to meet the Domestic Violence Training requirements set by the OAFM and FMC for their members. OAFM requires that all mediators who are seeking certification have a minimum of 15 hours of domestic violence education/training. FMC requires that their members receive 21 hours of similar training. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Professional/ProDev_DR/ProDevDRDesc.html)

Family Mediator Certification Preparation

This 21-hour non-credit workshop will provide participants with a review of the family mediation literature and field of practice, an understanding of the correlation between the literature and the credential examination offered through Family Mediation Canada (FMC), and examination requirements and exam writing strategies. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Professional/ProDev_DR/ProDevDRDesc.html)

Me as a Brand

Co-sponsored with Mandrake and NexCareer

This 39-hour non-credit course is designed to empower you to bring clarity and best practices to your lifelong career journey. The course will help define career goals that fit your values, personality, goals and degree. You will be left with a clear pathway, able to take actions that will drive your career in meaningful and rewarding directions. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Professional/Me_as_a_Brand/Me_as_a_Brand.html)

Workshop Series in Political Management

Co-Sponsored with PoliTrain Inc.

This non-degree workshop series is designed to assist individuals who are planning careers in professional politics, non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, and public sector organizations and associations - including governance, elections, lobbying and issues management - by providing them with critical thinking, knowledge and other skills necessary to succeed in their chosen field. The workshop series will help participants advance their professional careers in politics and/or to be more effective in their efforts to lobby decision makers, etc. by generating knowledge in the field, by praising appropriate professional conduct so as to promote ethical and professional standards, and by advancing awareness of democratic values and traditions of fair play. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/Professional/Polit_manag/Polit_Manag.html)

Admission Credential

Pre-University Humanities: Aspects of Canadian Culture
Pre-University Social Science: Canadian Social Issues

These non-credit admission credential courses are offered over 14 evenings and are designed for people who intend to apply as mature students to York University for degree-credit study in the Faculty of Arts, Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies, Faculty of Fine Arts, Faculty of Environmental Studies, or Glendon College. Students who earn a minimum grade of B or better in the pre-University course, will be considered for admission to York University.

To be considered as a mature student, student should: be 21 years of age or older as of the first day of enrolment for the expected undergraduate program; have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years; have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited university or college; not have any recent unfavourable academic performance. For greater detail please refer to the York University Office of Admissions at 416-736-5000. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/PreU/Admis.html)

Academic Preparation

Elementary Mathematics

This non-credit course is offered over 26 evenings and is designed to upgrade students' skills in elementary mathematics. It is useful for students who have been away from mathematics for some time and are in need of a refresher course. Topics to be covered include beginning skills in algebra, analytic geometry, Euclidean geometry, and equation solving, as well as an introduction to trigonometry.

Students already admitted to Atkinson who earn a grade of B or better in this course will gain automatic entrance to AK/MATH 1710 6.00 and will be exempt from taking the preliminary test. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/PreU/Math/MatP.html)

University 100

Co-sponsored with the Atkinson Counselling Centre and the Office of Student and Academic Services.

This 24 hour non-credit course has been specifically designed to help students develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to attain academic success at York University. U100 has been developed to meet the specific needs of students new to Atkinson, as well as the needs of Atkinson students who are experiencing academic difficulty. This course will assist participants to understand their specific learning styles and to develop requisite skills for academic success. The eight sessions have been scheduled to provide support to the participants throughout the semester, and to provide ongoing feedback of their actual classroom experience. (http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/~dce/Programs/PreU/Uni100/Uni1.html)

Preparatory Programs for Professional Association Examinations

Aviation Program

Flight Dispatcher Program

A flight dispatcher plays a pivotal role in the aviation industry in Canada. As an employee of an airline, the flight dispatcher has overall responsibility for flight planning and air safety. With few and very limited exceptions, aircraft belonging to an airline, carrying passengers and operating from a Canadian airport may not depart without the consent of the flight dispatcher. All flight dispatchers must have passed the generic Transport Canada Flight Dispatcher Examination before being permitted to work in flight dispatch.

This intensive, non-degree credit course was designed to assist flight dispatch candidates to prepare for the Transport Canada Certificate Examination.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) for CARS

This intensive 40 hour non-credit course is designed to assist participants to prepare for the Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Examination. Participants will learn the application of the Canadian Aviation Regulations as they pertain to Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.