Participant Handbook

Welcome to the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program

Given the increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and often ambiguous operating environment most organizations find themselves in today, the need for qualified, collaborative and agile directors has never been greater.

You will embark on a unique learning experience that covers not only formal rules and practices, but also the individual and collective behaviours associated with high-performing boards. The Program also provides ample opportunity to network with participants from various sectors; participants with diverse expertise and experience.

At The Directors College, you don’t just learn it; you live it.

Upon completion of the Program, you will join an impressive roster of C.Dir. alumni, spanning across Canada, and beyond.

Meet The Team

The Directors College Team is here to help you succeed, every step of the way.

For all program and administrative inquiries, please send an email to thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca or call (905) 525-9140 and we will direct it to the appropriate team member.


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

Module Overviews

The Chartered Director Program is comprised of five modules, offered both virtually, and in-person.

Module 1: Accountability and Change
Module 2: Leadership and Strategy
Module 3: Oversight and Finance
Module 4: Governing Under Complex Circumstances
Module 5: The Board Simulation

For a summary of Modules 1-5, click here. To view upcoming module dates, click here.

Virtual module sessions run from 5:00pm EST on Wednesday until 5:00pm EST on Saturday, with the exception of Modules 3 and 4 which begin at 10am EST on Thursday.

In-person module sessions run from 3:00pm EST on Thursday until 5:00pm EST on Saturday. Timing is subject to slight changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to general questions about the Chartered Director Program are available here.  For answers to more specific questions about your Program journey, see below:


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.

Avenue to Learn

All Module materials are available online, via McMaster’s learning management system, Avenue to Learn (A2L). For more information about A2L and how you will use the platform throughout your journey, review these frequently asked questions:


How do I access Avenue to Learn?
Avenue to Learn can be accessed here: http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/

How do I log in?
Once on the Avenue to Learn landing page, clicking on “Login” in the upper left corner will bring you to the Mac ID Login page where you will enter your MacID and password, and click “Submit”. Remember that your MacID needs to be followed by “@mcmaster.ca” in order to successfully login.

Once I have logged in, how do I access my pre-readings and in-class materials?
Under “My Courses”, click on the module you have registered for. The pre-reading materials will be in the “Content Browser” pane (alternatively, you can click the “Content” tab in the upper left corner for a different view). Clicking on “Pre-Reading Materials” will display the sessions and corresponding materials. Please note, not every session has pre-reading.

When are pre-reading materials available?
Pre-reading materials are typically available two weeks before the module begins. You will receive an email notifying you when modules are live in A2L.

How do I download/print materials?
To download, click on “Content”, select the appropriate tab and click the “Download” button which will package all of the materials in that tab into a zip file and place them in your device’s Downloads folder. Alternatively, each document can be downloaded or printed individually when it is open on your screen by clicking on the “Download” or “Print” icons at the bottom of the material page.

I’m having difficulty logging in. Who do I contact?
If you’re having difficulty logging in, please send a high importance email to info@thedirectorscollege.com so one of our team members can assist you. In some cases, we need to reach out to an A2L representative, but in most cases, we will be able to walk through the issue with you.

Can I change my password?
Due to the nature of the MacIDs that are assigned for C.Dir. Program, you do not have individual control over your password. You may request that your password be reset (if it has been shared or compromised for instance) but you will not be able to choose the new password yourself. To request a password reset, please email info@thedirectorscollege.com.

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:

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.

Chartered Director Exam

After completing all five modules, every participant has a 14-month window to write the C.Dir. Exam. The exam is offered twice a year (January and June) and is comprised of 150 multiple choice questions. The exam is virtually proctored, online and is three hours in length. Find out more about the C.Dir. exam, here.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct was created to give guidance on The Directors College values. It outlines the ethical process, commitment, and behaviours for developing a culture of responsibility within our community of directors. Read the Code of Conduct, here.

Maintaining Your Designation

Chartered Directors (C.Dir.) are required to have a minimum of 15 hours per year of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), totaling 50 hours within 3 years, starting within 1 year of receiving your designation. Refer to upcoming events and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter and be sure to add thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca to your safe senders email contacts to stay informed of CPD opportunities.