FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
- How much does the Chartered Director Program cost?
- What is the payment schedule?
- How do I arrange payment if my program fees are paid by my employer or a third-party sponsor?
- What is the policy to withdraw my registration or transfer to a different module?
- What is the withdrawal/refund schedule?
- What is the transfer schedule?
- Is tuition for The Directors College tax deductible?
- What is the policy in the event of inclement weather?
- How can I request accommodations for a module(s)?
The Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program
General Information
How much does the Chartered Director Program cost?
Virtual Registration Fee: The fee is $4,480 per module and includes all sessions over the scheduled module, program materials, support tools, and the proctored exam.
In-Person Registration Fee: The fee is $5,280 per module and includes all sessions over the scheduled module, hotel accommodation for two nights, meals, program materials, support tools, and the proctored exam.
Cancellation and transfer penalties – Participant cancellations and transfers must be received in writing.
Cancellation and Transfer Policy Effective until January 31, 2025
| Time | Cancellation penalty | Transfer penalty |
| More than 31 days notice to the module start date | $300 | n.a. |
| 30 to 14 days notice | 50% | $300 |
| Less than 14 days notice | 100% | 100% |
| No notice | 100% | 100% |
NEW Payment and Transfer Policy
Effective February 1, 2025, a 50% deposit of the module fee is required within 30 days of receiving confirmation of enrolment in a selected module. The remaining 50% of the module fee is due within 60 days of the module start date.
Full payment is preferred upon confirmation of enrolment in a selected module.
What is the payment schedule?
| Payment Due Dates | Module Fee |
| Within 30 days of receiving confirmation of enrolment in a module | Minimum 50% of the module fee |
| 60 business days’ notice before the module start date | Remaining 50% module fee |
| Less than 59 business days’ notice before the module start date and/or no notification | Withdrawal/Refund schedule applies |
How do I arrange payment if my program fees are paid by my employer or a third-party sponsor?
TDC must be notified of the third-party sponsor to prepare invoices. You will be asked to provide a deposit that will be refunded to you upon receipt of your sponsored payment.
TDC will update your registration status based on the sponsorship details. Please send notifications to thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca, Subject line: 3rd party sponsorship.
What is the policy to withdraw my registration or transfer to a different module?
Participant requests to withdraw from a module, or to transfer a paid registration to a different module must be emailed to thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca. For transfer requests, participant registration will be transferred to the next scheduled module offering following the same delivery format, unless otherwise requested by the participant (i.e. participant will accept the transfer to either an in-person or virtual session). One transfer request will be permitted for a module. Requests for transfers received 30 days or less before the module start date will not be considered. In such cases, the standard Withdrawal/Refund Schedule will apply.
TDC reserves the right to cancel a module based on low enrolment, facility issues, or other mitigating circumstances. Participants will receive a full refund (100%) of paid module fees for a cancelled module.
What is the withdrawal/refund schedule?
Participant requests to withdraw from a module must be emailed to thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca.
| Time |
Refund Amount* |
| More than 60 business days’ notice before the module start date |
100% of the paid module fee |
| 59 to 30 business days’ notice before the module start date |
50% module fee |
| Less than 29 business days’ notice before the module start date and/or no notification |
0% |
*Refund amounts apply to third-party payments for module fees paid in full. Refund amounts apply to deposits for pending third-party payments.
What is the transfer schedule?
Transfer requests are accepted for registrations paid in full (100%) only. Transfer requests must be emailed to thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca. One transfer request will be permitted for a module.
| Time | Transfer Fee |
| 30 (or more) business days’ notice before the module start date | An administration fee of $150 will be charged for approved transfers. The transfer is not finalized until the administrative fee is paid in full. |
| Less than 29 business days’ notice before the module start date and/or no notification | No transfers are permitted. |
Is tuition for The Directors College tax deductible?
Registration fees paid by individuals, not companies, for The Directors College designation programs are eligible for tuition tax receipts. Receipts are available upon request by sending us an e-mail by November 1.
What is the policy in the event of inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, The Directors College follows the guidelines set out in our Inclement Weather Policy and Procedures. Participants will be notified via email by program staff of any module cancellations. The Directors College is not responsible for any travel or incidental costs incurred by the participant.
How can I request accommodations for a module(s)?
Our team is dedicated to ensuring that all participants have the necessary support to succeed in the program. If you require accommodations for a module, we recommend you contact us at the start of the program. You can reach us via email at thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca. We will contact you directly to discuss your specific needs.
The Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program
Where are The Chartered Director Program sessions held?
In-person modules are delivered at the Ron Joyce Centre – DeGroote School of Business – Burlington, ON. We also offer modules virtually.
How do I get from the airport to the session?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the session. The Directors College does not endorse or guarantee any particular travel company or means of transportation as we are not affiliated with any particular travel company. Information on potential options will be provided to registrants.
When do the modules begin and end?
Virtual module sessions run from 5:00pm EST on Wednesday until 5:00pm EST on Saturday, with the exception of Module 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.
Is attendance mandatory at all sessions?
For those participants who intend to pursue the C.Dir. designation, attendance at all sessions of all modules is mandatory. If you have a special situation that you feel may warrant an exception to this policy, please advise The Directors College that you would like to make an official request for an exemption to this policy. All such requests will be examined on a case-by-case basis and you will receive notification of the outcome of your request.
How long does it take to complete the C.Dir. Program?
Candidates must complete all five modules within an 18 month period to be eligible for the C.Dir. designation. After completing all five modules, you will have 14 months to write the C.Dir. exam.
Current students can complete the program as quickly as our program calendar permits (normally 3 to 8 months, depending on the selected start date). Modules 1–4 may be taken in any order; Module 5 must be taken as the fifth and final course of the program.
If you have a special situation that you feel may warrant an exception to this policy, please email The Directors College to make an official request for an exemption to this policy. All such requests will be examined on a case-by-case basis.
When do participants complete their C.Dir. examination?
After completing Module 5, participants have a 14-month window to write the final exam. The exam is offered twice a year and is delivered over the course of 5 consecutive business days in both January and June. Participants may select which date they would like to write during that time. The exam is closed-book and proctored virtually.