Details and Fees

The Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability Program
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Application Process

Qualified applicants typically have at least one post-secondary diploma or degree and some experience (corporate or not-for-profit) in at least one of the areas that fall under the Social Responsibility/Sustainability umbrella. However, all applications will be given consideration and we encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds (finance, marketing, communications, human resources etc) to apply. We use a 5-stage application process.

  1. You will apply through our online application portal, including your Learning Objectives, Letter of Application and Resume or CV.
  2. We will review your application and set up a telephone or online (ZOOM) with you.
  3. During the interview, we are very interested in your Learning Objectives and your ideas for a practical, applied Capstone Project.
  4. You will receive an Offer of Admission via Letter through email.
  5. Once you have accepted our Offer of Admission and paid the Reservation fee, you start your learning!

Tuition Fees

Tuition Fees: Tuition is $9,150 (Cdn) if paid in one installment or two installments of $4,750 (Cdn) each, totalling $ 9,500. A non-refundable Reservation Fee of $950.00 is required at the time of Acceptance in the Program to hold your space. This fee is part of the tuition fee. Your first tuition installment is due in June and the second Installment due by April 30th the following year. Fees include all 11 days of onsite education, access to the Learning Management System, monthly Webinars, breakfast, breaks, lunch and some dinners. Travel costs, accommodation and books remain the responsibility of individuals or their employers.

Funding

There are a number of ways we try to keep this program affordable for you.

  • Government Tax Credits (to offset your income tax): This program is eligible for Canadian Tuition Tax Credits and the Canada Training Credit.
  • Government Grant Programs: In Alberta and Ontario the Job Grant Program will cover over 80% of your tuition if you work in a company with under 100 employees and 50% of your tuition if over 100 employees. You must apply for this funding through your company. We can help with the application.
  • Tuition Payment Plans: Pay your tuition in 1, 2 and sometimes 3 payments staged over the 16 months of the program.
  • Bursaries: Through the generous donation of supporters and graduates we have the following bursaries.
    • Best in Governance Bursary Award, Ivy Lumia, CEO is donating a $5,000 bursary each year from 2024 to 2029 to a Canadian participant with demonstrated financial need, from an equity-deserving group and students who are committed to advancing an equitable and inclusive social responsibility and sustainability practice. Apply when you apply for the program. Learn more here.
    • Ron Knowles Bursary Award, in memory of the late Ron Knowles, a beloved Instructor and Mentor to students in the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability. This $1,500 bursary is awarded each year to a student joining the program who is demonstrating financial need. Learn more here.
    • Alumni Bursary Award, this $500 to $1000 bursary is provided by graduates of the program and is based on need and availability of funding. Discuss this award during your application interview.
  • Funding for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Students – St. Mike’s is pleased to partner with Indspire to offer the “University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto award for Indigenous students.” Indspire provides financial support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada to assist them in completing their post-secondary education. Students in St. Michael’s undergraduate programs, the graduate programs in the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, and the Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability are welcome to apply. NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE August 1, 2024. Apply Here: https://indspirefunding.ca/university-of-st-michaels-college/

  • Funding for Newcomers and Refugees – Windmill Microlending /Le Moulin Microcrédits works to reduce poverty, inequity, and labour shortages by offering affordable loans to empower skilled immigrants and refugees to restart their careers in Canada. Our vision is to ensure skilled newcomers are equitably integrated into the workforce while contributing their expertise to Canada’s economic and social success. We are the country’s only national charity providing financial support to new Canadians to achieve their accreditation, licensing, and professional development goals. Funded by both the public and private sectors, Windmill/Le Moulin converts newcomer potential to prosperity. Learn more at www.windmillmicrolending.org

Important Dates

Application Deadlines

Typically we have two intake deadlines for the program. The first deadline is March 31, 2024. Once these applications are processed and if space remains in the program a second intake with a deadline of May 30th, 2024 will occur. We recommend that you apply early.

In Class Attendance

This program is scheduled like an Executive MBA program. You will attend classes on the campus of the University for 11 days over three periods.

Module 1 – Mid Oct., 2024 (Wednesday to Friday) on St. Michael’s campus in midtown Toronto (3 days)

Module 2 – Early May, 2025 (Monday to Friday) on St. Michael’s campus in midtown Toronto (5 days)

Module 3 – Early November, 2025 (Wednesday to Friday) on St. Michael’s campus in mid-town Toronto. This session will be followed by University Convocation on Saturday.(N.B. This date is determined following the setting of the date of Convocation) (3 days)

Assignments

Capstone Project

Students will complete a company focused or personal capstone project under the mentorship of faculty and co-learners. Participants have used this opportunity to create ESG, Sustainability or CSR Strategies for their company, design and implement stakeholder engagement programs or launch community investment initiatives.

Capstone Proposal, Due Date: January 31, 2024

Capstone Project Final Report, Due Date: September 15, 2024

Capstone Project Presentation, Due Date: November, 2024

Assignments

Students will complete two assignments during this program.

Assignment 1 – ESG/Sustainability/CSR Book Review Assignment, Due Date: December, 2023

Assignment 2 – Choose one of the following: 1) ESG/Sustainability/CSR GAP Assessment of your organization (using the B Corp or Embedding Project Frameworks), 2) Completion of 5 International Society of Sustainability Professionals exam preparatory modules, 3) Present a topic in a “Best Practice” Webinar, 4) Complete a Reflection Paper on a Conference. Due Date: May 31, 2024

Online Learning

The program is a blended learning program that uses education’s leading online learning platform powered by Brightspace. This platform is 100% mobile-friendly giving you the freedom to learn anywhere anytime. We also utilize live webinars with Industry Leaders and Alumni to bring your learning alive and practical.

Mentoring

For the duration of the program, you will be assigned a Mentor/Leader who is an experienced practitioner in the field of Sustainability, ESG or Corporate Social Responsibility. We will match your learning goals with an appropriate Mentor. This Mentor will provide you direction and advice as you complete your Capstone Project, Assignments and navigate your way through implementation in your workplace or in your career.

Where to Stay

There are a variety of options for housing during your stay including: Airbnb, Guest Houses and Inns, Bed & Breakfast and Hotels. Unfortunately, University of St. Michael’s College residences are not available during our time on campus as student classes are in session. For More Information on Housing: https://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/hs/temporary