What courses do I need to complete the diploma program?
The program consists of six online core courses and four in-classroom electives; this provides a blended learning approach to participants. All of the elective courses in the program are part of the OASBO Certificate Programs. Each of the online core courses will be offered each semester. Each course will be ten (10) weeks in duration resulting in approximately 30 contact hours. There are no prerequisites for each course which allows you choice in the sequencing of the program. Courses will follow the University semester system with courses offered September, January and April each year.
For a brief description, click on the course name.
Core Courses (online) |
Electives (classroom based)
In addition to the six (6) core courses, participants must complete four (4) elective courses from the existing roster of University of Guelph/OASBO certificate programs. Participants are required to complete the final examination and obtain a passing grade (minimum 50%) for the certificate courses to be credited toward the diploma program. The courses in the following certificate programs are electives of the Diploma program:
Certificate in Human Resources Management
- Human Resources Administration
- Labour-Management Relations
- Salary Administration and Benefits
- Organization and Management
Certificate in Information & Communication Technology Management
- Managerial Effectiveness for ICT Professionals
- Project Management
- Privacy and Information Management
- ICT within the School Board Environment
Certificate in Pupil Transportation Management
- Managing People at Work *
- Negotiations and Contract Administration
- Business Communications
- Customer Service and Community Relations
Certificate in Freedom of Information and Records Information Management
- Fundamentals of Access, Privacy and Records Information Management
- Design and Delivery of an Effective Freedom of Information/Records Information Management Professionals
- Managerial Effectiveness for Freedom of Information/Records Information Management Professionals
- Training, Evaluating and Sustaining Strategies
*Note-Participants who completed “Managing People at Work” must write the exam and obtain a passing grade (50%) in order for the course to be considered an elective for the Diploma program. Participants who have taken courses prior to 2007 will be given the option to write the exam for the courses that they have completed. Exams will only be offered during the scheduled times that subsequent future courses are offered.
Course Schedule
Date |
Semester |
Core Online Course |
Electives |
| 2010S | September | Introduction to School Board Administration | |
| 2011W | January | Financing of Education in Ontario | |
| 2011S 2011S |
May July |
Legal Governance | |
| 2011F | September | ||
| 2012W | January | Operational Resource Management | |
| 2012S | May | Communications Management | |
| 2012S | July |
Course Descriptions
Introduction to School Board Administration
The Introduction to School Board Administration course will cover a broad range of school business practices to enhance executive management and leadership skills for success in Ontario school business.Financing of Education in Ontario
The Financing of Education in Ontario course will provide a solid understanding of funding models and management of finances to create efficiencies and effectiveness in school board financial operations.
Legal Governance
This course will explore an understanding of relationships in education and their impact on school business operations for strategic decision making within a variety of governance models.
Communications Management
Participants will understand and utilize best practices in communication and information technology for the successful development and implementation of communication plans for staff, community, and the media.
Leadership and Ethics
The Leadership and Ethics course will provide participants with an understanding of leadership styles to address school business practices and engage and lead teams to achieve organizational effectiveness. Participants will explore mechanisms to promote high professional and ethical standards within the school board environment.
Operational Resource Management
Participants will learn to how make strategic use of resources and technology throughout all phases of planning, purchasing and transportation management to increase efficiencies in school board operations.