The Directors College – Student Resources

Our signature Chartered Director (C.Dir.) program is offered online, in-person, or hybrid, with opportunities to network and learn among peers. Modules are varied and engaging, combining lectures, interactive working sessions, and case studies. The Board Simulation, unique to The Directors College, includes professional actors to help you apply lessons learned in lifelike simulations.

Flexible programming allows you to plan your learning journey to fit your schedule.

• Modules 1-4 may be taken in any sequence*.
• Modules may be taken both residentially and virtually.
• Attendance at all sessions is required to be eligible for the C.Dir. designation.

Module 1: Accountability and Change

• Focus: Governance roles, responsibilities, and effective board dynamics.
• Activities: Case studies, role-play simulations with actors.
• Highlights: Legal and fiduciary responsibilities, board independence, effective communication.

Module 2: Leadership and Strategy

• Focus: Strategic thinking, planning, and leadership.
• Activities: Strategic planning, CEO succession, stakeholder management.
• Highlights: Board evaluation, CEO relationship, compensation, design thinking.

Module 3: Oversight and Finance

• Focus: Aligning strategic objectives with financial performance.
• Activities: Financial literacy, internal audits, risk oversight.
• Highlights: Board performance scorecards, audit roles, enterprise risk management.

Module 4: Governing Under Complex Circumstances

• Focus: Addressing governance challenges and ethical decision-making.
• Activities: ESG, innovation governance, crisis management.
• Highlights: Emotional intelligence, purpose governance, effective board meetings.

Module 5: The Board Simulation

• Focus: Practical application of all learned concepts in realistic simulations.
• Activities: Board and committee meetings with professional actors.
• Highlights: Real-time feedback, board behavior evaluation, dynamic simulations.

*Module 1 is recommended as the starting course for individuals with limited board experience. Modules 1-4 must be completed before enrolling in Module 5.

For more information on the Chartered Director Program please click here: CHARTERED DIRECTOR PROGRAM

Module Start and End Times

Please note that all times are in Eastern Time (ET).

Please note: For those pursuing the C.Dir. designation, attendance at all sessions is required.

To access the Chartered Director Program Module Calendar, please click here: Calendar – The Directors College

Your course materials are accessible through MacDrive, a McMaster server-based drive. This platform provides a convenient way to view and download materials. Each module will have its own unique drive link. TDC staff will email module participants a secure link to access materials based on the following schedule.

Availability of Course Materials

Modules 1-4: Course materials are distributed in four phases:

1. Pre-reading Materials: Shared 2 weeks prior to the module start date.
2. In-class Materials: Shared 1 week prior to the module start date.
3. In-session Handouts: Distributed during the module.
4. Post-module Materials: Shared after the completion of the module.

Module 5: Course materials are distributed in multiple phases, with the majority being shared 1 month prior to the module start date.

Note: Pre-reading and in-class materials are posted on the same weekday as the module start date. For example, if the module begins on a Wednesday, materials are posted on Wednesdays; if it starts on a Thursday, materials are posted on Thursdays.

Detailed Breakdown of Course Materials

1. Pre-reading Materials
   • Pre-reading materials are made available 2 weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for review. Participants are expected to come to the session having read these materials and prepared for discussion.
2. In-class Materials
   • In-class materials are provided 1 week in advance. These materials offer an overview of the session content and are meant to enhance your understanding. There is no requirement to read them prior to the class, although they are available for those who wish to review them beforehand.
3. In-session Handouts
   • Handouts distributed during the session are designed to support in-class activities and discussions. Their timely release is intentional to align with the session’s objectives.
4. Post-module Materials
   • Post-module materials are shared after the module has concluded. These materials include additional resources such as books, links, and videos provided by faculty and participants.

Access Duration

You will have access to all materials until you pass the exam, except for materials marked with copyright permission dates, which will be indicated on the materials lists. We recommend downloading the materials to your device to ensure indefinite access for future reference.

Accessible Materials/Accommodations

To request module materials in an alternate format, or to make other accessible arrangements, please contact The Directors College staff in advance of your next module.
Email: thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca

MacDrive can be navigated similarly to traditional file folders.

• Clicking on a folder will open its contents, which can be viewed directly in your web browser.
• To return to a previous folder, you can either click the back button in your browser or select the folder name from the “Current Path” menu.
• You can download all files and folders at once by clicking the “ZIP” button. Alternatively, to download individual files or folders, hover over the item and click the down arrow icon to the right of the “Last Updated” column.

New tabs and files will be added prior to and during the module. Any updates will be communicated in the Announcements file located in MacDrive ‘TAB 1“.

Dr. Michael Hartmann
Principal

David Mammoliti
Managing Director – DeGroote Executive Programs

Nancy McQuigge
Operations & Engagement Manager

MaryLynn Cogliano
Program Manager

James Dumbrill
Program Coordinator

Julie Morehouse
Administrative Assistant

In-Person Modules take place at the Ron Joyce Centre, DeGroote School of Business, located in Burlington, ON.  Address: 4350 South Service Road, Burlington ON.

Map and directions

Do I need to book my own accommodations for in-person Modules?
If you are participating in an in-person module, we will automatically book your hotel room for Thursday and Friday night. This hotel reservation will be listed under your name at Courtyard by Marriott, Burlington, ON. You will need to arrange your own travel arrangements to and from hotel.  Here are some options:

Courtyard by Marriott in Burlington, ON

Map and directions

For travel to Burlington ON:

Toronto Pearson Airport Transportation

Hamilton Airport Transportation

Billy Bishop Airport

Go Train (closest station Appleby)

Are meals included at in-person Modules?
All of your meals and snack breaks at in-person modules are included, as part of your registration fee.

Zoom

Virtual C.Dir. Program Modules are delivered via Zoom. Find out how we use the platform, and what you need to know before attending a module virtually:
[degroote_accordion title= "Zoom FAQ"]

What do I need to know before attending a virtual Module, via Zoom?
The virtual classroom operates differently than an in-person classroom. Please read through our Virtual Module Code of Conduct to understand best practices, as a virtual participant.

What version of Zoom should I use?
Due to the interactive nature of our program, we require that you download the most current desktop Zoom client or mobile app appropriate for your device, rather than using the web interface, to ensure you have access to the full suite of features available in Zoom and can fully participate in all aspects of the sessions. As a measure of security, be sure to download only from the Zoom Download Centre and/or the App Store or Google Play. If you are not familiar with Zoom meetings, we recommend that you view some of the helpful resources found here.

Where can I find the Zoom links for each day of the Module?
Zoom links for each day can be found on the right-hand side of the Module homepage in Avenue to Learn.

Do I need a webcam?
Yes. We ask that your camera is turned on, during all module sessions, unless instructed otherwise.

I am new to Zoom. Is there a complete overview available?
Please refer to the Zoom website, directly for more FAQ and instructions. Click here.

Exam Information for the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program

To earn the Chartered Director designation, program participants must pass a multiple-choice exam.

Exam Preparation Tips:

• Index of Materials: This document is your guide to what materials are examinable. Anything marked with an asterisk (*) is not examinable.
• Study Groups: We and program graduates recommend forming study groups. Networking with your classmates and identifying those planning to take the exam at the same time can be beneficial. Form a study group to collaborate and cover the material effectively.
• During the Exam: Answer every question, as there are no penalties for incorrect answers. If unsure, make your best guess. You may use a blank piece of paper to jot down thoughts and make notes of questions to revisit. You can navigate to different questions during the exam.

Exam FAQs

When is the exam period? The Directors College offers the C.Dir. exam period twice a year – typically in January and June. The upcoming exam periods, please visit C.Dir. Exam – The Directors College

You may choose one day within the five-day period to write your exam. You have up to 14 months to write the exam after completing Module 5. If not completed within that time frame, you are no longer eligible to obtain your designation and will need to restart the program.

Do I need to register to write the exam? You do not need to register for the exam. The Directors College will reach out to you with an email and SurveyMonkey link that allows you to select your preferred exam date.

Can I select my exam date or is it assigned? Because the exam is online, you will have the option to select your own exam date during the allotted exam period.

Can I choose my start time? All exams are written between 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET unless there is a special circumstance or accessibility accommodation request to write at a different time.

Why can’t I write on the weekend? McMaster University staff and support teams need to be available to you in case of assistance, so we run the exam during university hours, Monday to Friday.

How long is the exam? The exam is 3 hours long. You will be given additional buffer time to read through the instructions and test your technology prior to the 3-hour exam time starting.

How many questions are there? There are 150 multiple-choice questions.

Is the exam open-book? The exam is not open-book. You are not allowed to have any materials or references/notes with you while you write.

What materials are examinable? Examinable materials are listed on the Index of Materials document for each module. This can be found in Avenue to Learn, under Content > Module Materials. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are not examinable.

Are there practice questions? Practice questions are available through quizzes in your Avenue to Learn material portal. They are available after each respective module and can be found in the Module’s Assessments tab. For your convenience, they have also been compiled into one ‘course’ called C.Dir. Program Module Quizzes.

Is the Module 1 Reference Binder examinable? The Module 1 Reference Binder Tabs 1-9 are examinable, but the appendix (Tab 10) is not.

Are the case studies examinable? No, the case studies are not examinable.

I am in a study group, and we attended our modules at different times. Some of our sessions and materials, even those marked with an asterisk on the Index of Materials, are different. Why is this and which one is correct? Over time, course content evolves. Documents, presentations, and sessions, in whole or in part, may be altered, moved, redistributed, or removed to better serve your learning outcomes. This means that a small portion of the examinable content may be located differently for those who attended modules at different times. The correct set of materials and Index of Materials for you are the ones that you received when you attended.

How is the exam delivered and proctored? The C.Dir. exam is delivered through Avenue to Learn and is virtually proctored by Respondus.

What is Respondus? Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system. This means that during the exam you cannot have other applications or tabs open. For the purposes of the C.Dir. exam, the webcam function is also enabled for another layer of monitoring.

Does Respondus software work on all computers? The Respondus software will work on Windows (10, 8, 7) or Mac (MacOS 10.12 or higher).

Do I need a webcam? Yes, the exam will be virtually proctored and therefore a webcam is required.

Can I use an iPad to write the exam? Yes, you may use an iPad, but if you have the option, we highly recommend using a standard laptop or computer for best functionality.

Can I use a blank piece of paper to make notes? If you’d like to jot anything down during the exam, you may have a blank piece of paper with you to write on. We ask that you show the blank paper and speak into the monitor “I’m making a note” or something to that effect before doing so. This way, if the movement is flagged, The Directors College review committee will know what you were doing.

Do I need a calculator? Calculator use should not be necessary, but there is a virtual calculator within the Respondus toolbar should you wish to use it. You may also use a handheld calculator (not your cell phone).

What if I need a washroom break? If you need a washroom break, please speak into the monitor to say you are doing so before leaving.

What happens if there is a technical/wifi issue during my exam? If you experience technical difficulty during the exam that prevents you from proceeding, please send an email (High Importance) to avenue@mcmaster.ca and Cc thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca with the subject line: TDC Exam. If your internet cuts out briefly and you are required to exit the exam partway through, you will be able to re-launch the exam and everything you completed up until that point will be saved.

Can I skip ahead/go back to questions? Yes, during the 3-hour period you can skip ahead/go back. Nothing is locked in until you submit the exam or the time runs out.

How long after the exam will I get my grade? You will typically receive your grade within 2-3 weeks, via email from a member of The Directors College team.

What mark do I need to pass? 70% is the minimum mark required to obtain your C.Dir. designation.

What is the pass rate? 94% of writers pass the exam on their first attempt.

If I fail, can I try again? If so, is there a cost? If you fail your first attempt, you will be able to write the exam during the next exam period at no cost. Exams can be re-written up to three times after the initial attempt.

Who will have access to my online proctored exam session? Only authorized McMaster faculty or staff have access to view video and audio recordings of your assessment along with personal information such as your name. Authorization is granted on a course-by-course basis and is restricted to the following personnel:

• Your course instructor(s) and teaching assistant(s)
• Proctor(s) authorized by your Faculty
• Avenue to Learn administrators
• Staff responsible for the adjudication of allegations and appeals of academic misconduct pursuant to the Academic Integrity Policy or the Student Appeals Procedures

How much is the Module registration fee?
The in-person module registration fee is $5,280, which covers all program materials, hotel accommodation for two nights, and all meals and breaks at the hotel for the duration of the module. The virtual registration fee is $4,480. Registration fees are subject to change.

When is payment due?
Payment must be received at least 30 days before each module begins. We accept payment by credit card and cheque.

Am I eligible for a tuition tax receipt?
If you (not your organization) paid your Module fees at The Directors College, then you are eligible to request a T2202A form from McMaster.

Please note that tuition tax receipts are issued based on modules taken in a calendar year, not paid for in a calendar.  For example, if you pay for a January module in December, that request must be submitted for the year in which the module is taken. We will reach out to all in-flight participants in January, to find out if you would like to request a tuition tax receipt. Receipts are issued by McMaster University in February.

How do I request an invoice or receipt?
If you require an invoice or formal receipt, please send an email to dsbfin@mcmaster.ca that includes your name, address and the module name(s) and date(s).  For tax receipts, please make your request by November 1.

What is the transfer/cancellation policy?
View the transfer/cancellation policy, here.

My title/job/email/bio has changed. How do I update my information?
It is important to keep your information up to date, including your contact and biography. To update all of your information, login to your TDC profile and remember to press “Save Changes” before exiting.

Are there scholarship opportunities?
For the latest scholarship opportunities, click here.

Where do In-Person Modules take place?
In-Person Modules take place at the Ron Joyce Centre, DeGroote School of Business, located in Burlington, ON.  Address: 4350 South Service Road, Burlington ON.

Map and directions

Do I need to book my own accommodations for in-person Modules?
If you are participating in an in-person module, we will automatically book your hotel room for Thursday and Friday night. This hotel reservation will be listed under your name at Courtyard by Marriott, Burlington, ON. You will need to arrange your own travel arrangements to and from hotel.  Here are some options:

Courtyard by Marriott in Burlington, ON

Map and directions

For travel to Burlington ON:

Toronto Pearson Airport Transportation

Hamilton Airport Transportation

Billy Bishop Airport

Go Train (closest station Appleby)

Are meals included at in-person Modules?
All of your meals and snack breaks at in-person modules are included, as part of your registration fee.