Skills for Social Change - FAQ

How do I know if I have enough experience to qualify for this course?  
What topics are discussed and how are they delivered?
What is the time commitment?
Can I take this program as a three-credit course towards my university degree?
If I am non-Canadian am I eligible for this course?  
Am I eligible for a scholarship?
What about travel costs?
Can I just pay the tuition fee if I am able to secure alternate room and board?
What are the other options for meals and accommodations?
Can I work part-time while I am studying?
How do I apply for a Coady program?
What are the application deadlines?
What if I have a disability?
What is the food like?
Can I cook my own meals?
What other programs are offered at Coady Institute?

How do I know if I have enough experience to qualify for this course?

The Skills for Social Change certificate is intended to be a learning and sharing opportunity for young community practitioners, activists, allies, and volunteers who are committed to contribute to and being a part of social change. It is a course designed to provide space for collective reflection upon the challenges and curiosities that arise as a result of being engaged in community work. These thoughts can occur as a result of being a volunteer for years within your community or working for community-based organizations or non government organizations, or taking part in an overseas internship. We ask for approximately 2 years cumulative experience but most importantly if you have a passion for community organizing and community development and are eager to explore your role as a change agent with others then we encourage you to apply (preference is given to applicants under the age of 35).

What topics are discussed and how are they delivered?

This program will explore the roots and manifestations of social change, community-based and participatory practices through multiple lenses, personal and community power, people centered approaches to community change and much more.   The assignments will include: development of a reflective learning journal, a group project on a social justice issue and a community action plan. Topics will be explored through facilitated discussions, cooperative inquiry, and individual and group reflective tasks.

What is the time committment?

Session will take place daily Monday to Friday and will provide opportunities to connect with experienced community practitioners from around the world attending certificate courses at the Coady Institute.

Can I take this program as a three-credit course towards my university degree?

This program is being offered as a three-credit St. FX Development Studies 391 - Special Topics course. You must have completed at least 24 university credits prior to taking this program as a three-credit course towards your university degree. Once you are accepted to the program and your prerequisites are approved by the instructor you will be registered with St. FX to receive the credits. There is no extra fee for the three-credits.

If I am non-Canadian am I eligible for this course?

The Skills for Social Change certificate program is primarily designed and targeted toward Canadian and North American youth. Scholarship opportunities are only available to Canadian citizens, landed immigrants or refugees. It has also been the Coady Institute’s experience that youth from overseas countries often encounter challenges in securing a visa to pursue short-term studies. The Coady Institute is eager to engage with diverse groups of youth around social justice issues. We hope to one day be able to offer a similar program in other international locations making it more accessible to non-Canadian youth. For our Diploma and other certificate programs scholarship is available for applicants from the global south.

Am I eligible for a scholarship?

A limited number of scholarships are available to Canadian citizens, landed immigrants or refugees upon acceptance to the program. The scholarship covers all or part of tuition but does not cover accomodation, meals or travel costs. Please submit your application by February 20, 2012 in order to be considered. This support is the result of generous funding from the Canadian International Development Agency and a number of individual and institutional donors. Special scholarship is also available to enable aboriginal youth to attend the course.

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What about travel costs?

Travel costs, whether one-way or return, are the sole responsibility of the participant. You are also responsible for costs related to personal spending money while you are living in Antigonish.

Can I just pay the tuition fee if I am able to secure alternate room and board?

The Coady Institute believes that the learning that takes place during our programs occurs just as much outside of the classroom as it does inside of the classroom. For this reason, we encourage participants to remain in residence to build a community of learning. Accommodations are provided in standard student residences on the St. Francis Xavier University campus. Accommodation consists of a room with a single bed, desk, chair and closet space. Linens are provided and cleaned on a weekly basis. Rooms are centrally heated for the colder months, but are not air conditioned. Washroom and shower facilities are shared with other participants of the same sex. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available in the building. A lounge with TV and games room is available in the residence building. Residences are a 5 to 10 minute walk from the dining hall and classroom block.

If, upon acceptance to the program, a number of participants are eager to secure alternate accommodation, such as camping, they will need to make those arrangments themselves.  Networking with other participants through the SSC facebook page may help.
 

What are the other options for meals and accommodations?

If you choose not to stay with the arranged accommodations and meal package, you will have to make your own arrangements directly. There may be other university residence or meal plan options available. Visit the STFX conference services page concerning residence and meal plan options. Local hotels are available at market rates (approximately $80/night) and a campground is available in walking distance to the university at approximately $30 / night for those who prefer a different level of accommodation. You can also check the Skills for Social Change facebook page to network with other participants.

Please indicate on your special needs form if you prefer to make your own arrangements for meals and accommodations

Can I work part-time while I am studying?

The Coady Institute programs are intensive, experientially oriented professional development programs. Classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Participants are expected to read and work on assignments during some of their time in the evenings and on weekends. The Institute therefore recommends that participants make it clear to their employers (if applicable) that they will not be able to do regular work by email or telephone when they are studying. Given the intensity of the program, it is also not practical for participants to engage in any part-time work while in Antigonish.

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How do I apply for a Coady program?

You must fill out an application form, which can be found on the website at http://www.coady.stfx.ca/education/apply/. Then send the complete application package to:

What are the application deadlines?

The applications deadlines is April 2, 2012 for the May 2012 certificate.

What if I have a disability?

We will make every effort to assist you with your special needs. For more information, visit http://sites.stfx.ca/accessible_learning/

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What is the food like?

Meals are provided for all participants in Morrison Hall, the central dining hall for all StFX university students. A meal plan of 17 meals a week (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) is provided for in your “accommodation and meals” fee.

Morrison Hall serves primarily traditional Canadian fare. Efforts are made to accommodate the tastes and needs of students. The cafeteria houses different stations each serving different meals (for instance the salad bar, pizza station, soup station and international station). If you have special needs regarding meals remember to indicate them on the special needs form you receive with your acceptance package.

Can I cook my own meals?

Because there are no appropriate cooking facilities in university residences, participants are not able to cook their own meals.

What other programs are offered at Coady Institute?

The Coady Institute delivers on-campus, location-based and online distance courses. Campus programs include our internationally recognized 19-week Diploma in Development Leadership, as well as shorter certificate programs. We also offer, in conjunction with St. Francis Xavier University, a Master in Adult Education. You may be interested in maximizing your stay in Antigonish by remaining for a second spring 2012 certificate. For the most up-to-date information, visit http://coady.stfx.ca/education/.
 

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