Frequently Asked Questions - Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations

• What are the five classes? A full description of the syllabus is available online at: Courses
• Are exams given within each course? A self scored quiz is included with each session. Correct answers are provided with each submission. There are no "grades" in the traditional sense.
• Would I go through the program with the same group of people? Yes. That's one of its major strengths, the bond formed within a supportive and cohesive group.
• Are there any points during the year where students have personal interaction with other classmates in San Francisco? Yes. During the middle of the fifth class everyone gathers in San Francisco for a two-day intensive. This aspect of the program is optional and we provide a $400 grant to offset expenses. For those not coming on campus, the $400 can offset tuition.
• I've already started a nonprofit, but am most interested in taking this course for the management and business functions on how to successfully set up our nonprofit. Could this course benefit me? Absolutely. We are preparing a full description of courses and will distribute that shortly. Topics include governance, administration, strategic planning, running meetings, grantsmanship, marketing, and much more.
• What is the time commitment required for each 8 week session? The range varies widely. Students in most credit online classes spend between two and four hours doing the assigned work and communicating with their instructor and fellow students. In noncredit classes the commitment of time will typically be less.
• Books? Course materials? There are no required textbooks. All content has been developed within the class.
• Since this is transition program, would you say it caters to graduate adult learners? This program is focused entirely upon the adult learner. No previous degrees are required.
• What if you have to miss part of a class in the 10-month period...any makeup opportunities? Typically, as with most in-person classes, "missed" assignments can be made up with guidance from the instructor. If you miss an entire class from within the cohort, that will be much more challenging.
• How do the classes work? Are they open to access anytime with a defined number of posts or a specific time for attendance? They are open for a full week (some sessions are open for two). You access them anytime from anywhere and you stay on line as long as you wish. We ask for at least one post in for each question raised during a session, but encourage more.
• If I am unable to take all five classes in succession, can the classes I missed be taken at a later time? Everyone is encouraged to remain committed to, and engaged with, their cohort from start to finish. The continuity is important to develop a strong and supportive network among participants. That said, it may be possible to join a different cohort, in progress. I would put it to the "new" group to determine their openness to that possibility.
• How do you address the risk of a new program? If enrollment does not reach a critical mass, we cannot begin. We have already reached that point so, candidly, I see nothing but opportunity ahead.
• Is the program relevant to government employment as well as nonprofit careers? Absolutely. The government is the ultimate nonprofit organization in the US!
• Does the Law School offer online programs? Not at this time. It's an ABA restriction.
• Does the certificate indicate Cyber College? The certificate is from Golden Gate University. There is no indication that the program was online. Indeed, most in-person programs now have so many online classes within them that the distinction is becoming very blurred.

• What is the fee structure? Tuition for each one of the five classes is $695, a total of $3475 less the $400 Completion Grant awarded in the fifth class.
• Are there financing options available? No payment options are currently available. Payment in full is due prior to the start of classes.
• Is there a way to volunteer for GGU in return for a lesser tuition cost? Or, are there scholarship opportunities for those watching expenses closely? Sorry, no. At the moment payment in full is due prior to the start of class.
• Does GGU offer any scholarships for this certificate? Sadly, no. Not at this time.

• What's the min/max size of the group? If there a registration deadline? Are people already signed up? If so, how many? We will run with anywhere between 8 and 20 students. Registration is available now for the next course series.
• I'm currently a BBA student at GGU. Can this program be taken simultaneously? Absolutely. We take only one class at a time, in sequence.

• Who teaches your classes? The classes are developed and taught by professionals from the nonprofit community.

• What has the reaction from the NP community on this program? Very positive. There seems to be a real need for upgrading the skills and professionalism within large segments of the nonprofit community.
• How are you coordinating with the nonprofit community? We will be forming an advisory committee. In addition, among the activities of the students in the classes will be networking within the nonprofit community for a variety of purposes.
• Do you have non-profit org oversea information? I don't think that is covered as a specific topic but I confident it will be dealt with under a variety of subjects. I know we do spend time discussing the role of Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs).

• When would the trip to San Francisco occur? In the middle of the fifth class.
• Is the any additional cost for two day in person experience? There are no additional charges for the optional in-person days. The $400 completion grant is designed to offset costs associated with travel and lodging for non-Bay area residents.