Graduate Certificate in Public Relations - Corporate Communications

at Fanshawe College - London Campus Canada

Business Fundamentals - Entrepreneurship is a one-year Ontario College Certificate program.  This customized program is designed specifically for the novice entrepreneur and will provide graduates with the knowledge required to plan, start and manage their own small business.  Through the program curriculum, students explore alternatives for starting a business, such as franchising and taking over the family firm, as well as financing options.  The Business Fundamentals -Entrepreneurship program gives students insight into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and assist students in acquiring the skills for long-term management of the business and their development as entrepreneurs.  Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students prepare a comprehensive business plan intended to help students launch their own business upon graduation.

Learning Outcomes:
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Identify factors that have an impact on an organization's business opportunities.
• Explain the impact of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics on an organization's business initiatives.
• Use current technologies to support an organization's business initiatives.
• Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
• Perform basic accounting procedures and financial calculations to support the operations of an organization.
• Describe marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Outline the functional areas of a business and their inter-relationships.
• Create a business plan that meets the comprehensive information requirements of the business and its prospective financiers and partners.
• Apply credit acquisition and management techniques appropriate to small business enterprises.
• Evaluate the business environment to understand the risks and opportunities specific to business ownership.

This program is structured for individuals with previous BIM experience who are looking to expand their knowledge in a rapidly growing sector of the AEC industry. Courses will explore current industry topics such as, BIM Implementation and Procurement, BIM Management and Workflows; BIM Integration (Clash Detection; Reality Capture) and Collaboration using BIM tools among many other relevant items. These courses will provide the student with greater insight in the world of BIM and Integrated Practice methods for the construction sector.

Learning Outcomes 

• Develop an implementation plan for Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in the Architecture, Engineering, and/or Construction industries.
• Formulate strategies for leadership and personnel management, and apply team building skills in an interdisciplinary setting to develop collaborative design and construction solutions.
• Analyze BIM processes and execute appropriate BIM management techniques to facilitate Integrated Project Delivery from project conceptualization to facilities management.
• Conduct project risk analysis using BIM and IPD processes to optimize project outcomes for all stakeholders.
• Deploy BIM computer platforms to create virtual building information models and generate presentation elements.
• Integrate various suites of BIM applications into project design, construction, and facilities management to improve the transfer of information between different disciplines and during all phases of a building's life cycle.

The Public Safety Fundamentals (PSF) program is a one-year preparatory studies certificate program designed to provide opportunities for students to experience post-secondary public safety studies in a supportive environment. The program provides a pathway for those students interested in pursuing a career in the field of public safety, mature applicants returning to school, and applicants who are seeking further information prior to making a public safety program choice. The PSF program is delivered in two 15 week terms offering combined in-class, blended and online courses, and incorporating experiential learning.

The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to build a strong knowledge base in fundamental public safety skills relevant to, and in preparation for, their chosen public safety program. Skills in communication, human behaviour, law and ethics, physical fitness, sensitivity training and knowledge of specific public safety disciplines (e.g., Justice, Protection & Policing, Legal) will prepare the student for entry level employment in public safety related fields or for future studies in public safety career programs. This certificate programs focus is to instill an appreciation of the professional roles, responsibilities and academic requirements of public safety disciplines. In the program, students will develop skills and strategies they can use to master the challenges of post-secondary education and those found in the workplace. Students will also participate in self-assessments of aptitudes and skills, labour market assessments, job search techniques and strategies, and the writing of employment search correspondence and resumes. The concept of professional portfolios will be introduced.

In the first level of the program, given the foundational nature of the program, the curriculum will focus on fundamental skills in areas such as strategies for college success, communications, practical math, computer basics, human behaviour and ethics. In the second level of this program, students will be required to select and follow one of the School of Public Safety program streams such that the students second level studies aligns with their School of Public Safety (SoPS) diploma program goal.

The following program streams of study are available:
Justice, Protection and Policing: Designed for students interested in pursuing a justice, protection or policing career program in the School of Public Safety.
Legal: Designed for students interested in pursuing a legal career program in the School of Public Safety.
Fire: Designed for students interested in pursuing a career in fire sciences.
Students interested in pursuing a career in emergency telecommunications may choose either the Legal or Justice, Protection and Policing program stream for Level 2.
Students who successfully complete the program may receive additional consideration when applying for admission to public safety and other career programs.
Important Note: Students need to be aware that the preferred designated preparatory program for the Paramedic Program is the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop an education and career plan within the range of field of public safety professions, including the preparation of resumé and cover letter;
• Identify major theoretical models associated with the study of human behaviour to explain their potential impact on public safety;
• Evaluate various aspects of the changing society and the impact of these changes on personal and social responsibility for citizens and public safety workers;
• Select and use relevant and appropriate terminology when communicating with other public safety providers;
• Apply concepts from one of the following areas of scientific study in order to demonstrate relevance to a field of public safety: chemistry, anatomy, biology, ecology, climatology, computer science;
• Identify current policies, procedures and legislation in Canada's legal system as pertains to the field of Canadian Public Safety;
• Compare and contrast the professional roles of a specific public safety stream.

Digital Communication Management is a two-semester Ontario College Graduate Certificate program that is intended to prepare students to deliver messages in today's increasingly connected media environment. It is designed for students who want to expand their skills in the production and management of social media, media communications, video and audio production, photography, web and digital design.

Graduates will be able to leverage these skills in content strategy and curation, as well as user experience and design to develop significant opportunities for employment in almost any sector that wishes to engage or educate an audience.

International Business Management is a one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program, completed in two four-month levels (laptop required). Students will develop the skills to effectively investigate, analyze, manage and direct most aspects of international trade. Students work with real businesses, helping small and medium exporters capitalize on global opportunities, as preparation for various careers in the ever-expanding global economy. Professors have relevant and practical expertise in international trade, investment, marketing, finance and business management. Graduates will receive an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in International Business Management and, upon meeting Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) criteria on two major projects sent for external grading and transfer of credits to FITT, a Diploma in International Trade from FITT will be issued. Graduates who complete the required work experience in international business and meet other FITT criteria can subsequently apply to receive the Certified International Trade Professional designation (CITP).

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Conduct an environmental scan to evaluate the impact of world issues on an organization's international business opportunities.
• Conduct, evaluate and present market research to support an organization's international business decision-making.
• Manage the preparation of documents and the application of procedures to support the movement of products and services in the organization's global supply chain.
• Evaluate the impact of statutory and regulatory compliance on an organization's integrative trade initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategies to negotiate effectively within various cultural environments and to address the impact of cultural differences on an organization's integrative trade initiatives.
• Develop and present an international marketing plan, and evaluate sales strategies that support an organization's integrative trade initiatives.
• Identify and interpret relevant international financial documents, and evaluate financial strategies that support an organization's integrative trade initiatives.
• Analyze the impact of an organization's integrative trade initiatives on its human resources management strategies, policies, and practices.
• Develop and present an international business plan.
• Manage the implementation and evaluation of team projects by applying project management principles
• Recommend strategies to support principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics associated with an organization's integrative trade* initiatives and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Select and apply current technologies to support an organization's integrative trade* initiatives.

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resources Management) program is a four-year, honours level degree with a mandatory co-op work term between Levels 7 and 8.  Students will study core fundamentals of business including business strategy, management, accounting, leadership and marketing in addition to the specialized human resources management courses, including performance management, human resources planning, talent acquisition, employee and labour relations and compensation and benefits administration. All nine CHRP course credits required for professional licensing bodies are included in this program.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Use the interdependence of various functional areas of business (i.e. financial, marketing, operations, human resources) to achieve organizational success in domestic and international environments.
• Develop strategies that will achieve organizational goals through integration of business methodologies that assess costs, benefits, risks, and opportunities, and that utilize current and emerging technology and trends.
• Enhance business opportunities by incorporating external variables into various business decision models.
• Assess the unique business needs of organizations of various sizes, public sector, private sector, and not-for-profit firms.
• Evaluate professional, ethical, and legal codes of conduct.
• Research, analyze, and critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of sources to support business decisions through effective problem solving, critical thinking, logic and reasoning.   
• Communicate information, arguments, and analysis accurately and reliably for the message, audience, and purpose.
• Perform effectively and efficiently within groups or teams, demonstrating leadership, team-building, conflict resolution, negotiating and influencing skills.
• Design personal learning plans and integrate lifelong learning strategies into current and future development goals.
• Assess resource allocation decisions that influence sustainability practices and drive economic, social, cultural, and environmental stewardship.
• Analyze domestic and international business opportunities within an international context.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate projects and programs, using project planning principles and tools.
• Assess the overall financial performance of an organization.
• Apply management-level decision-making and strategic planning skills.
• Evaluate strategic human resources policies, procedures, and programs related to the following areas:  staffing (recruitment, selection, retention, human capital strategy) and performance management; orientation, training and development; diversity initiatives; health and safety; disability management; finance; employment legislation, basic contract law and privacy laws.
• Research and support the development of compensation and benefit plans that assist the organization to achieve its business goals.  
• Develop mechanisms, including policies, procedures, and programs, to foster positive employee relations, to mediate disputes/grievances in unionized and non-unionized environments, to facilitate arbitration, and to negotiate collective agreements.
• Evaluate Human Resources plans to ensure alignment with organizational goals and responsiveness to current and future labour market conditions.
• Manage training and organizational development and change initiatives including workforce design, development, and employee engagement initiatives, to support organizational effectiveness.
• Establish and manage systems and processes to collect and safeguard Human Resources information.   
• Analyze and evaluate required numerical and financial data for projecting the impact of human resources plans.  
• Assess workplace health and safety practices to: ensure practices meet legislative requirements, analyze risk to the health and safety of employees, and determine appropriate preventative measures.
• Assess how and why human resources programs, policies and procedures differ among countries, and the limitations that will be experienced by human resources managers who have transnational responsibilities.

Co-operative Education
This four-year honours degree program requires completion of one mandatory co-op work term. More information about Co-operative Education can be found at www.fanshawec.ca/co-op

The Social Service Worker (Fast Track) program provides an opportunity for university graduates (Psychology, Sociology or Social Work related) and community college Community Studies diploma graduates to complete the requirements for graduation from the Social Service Worker program in three levels (ten months). Graduates from the Social Service Worker program are eligible for admission to The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and must be members of this regulating body to use the professional title "Registered Social Service Worker".

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Develop and maintain professional relationships which adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
• Identify strengths, resources, and challenges of individuals, families, groups, and communities to assist them in achieving their goals.
• Recognize diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families, and communities to promote accessible and responsive programs and services.
• Identify current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, and/or economic systems and their impacts on service delivery.
• Advocate for appropriate access to resources to assist individuals, families, groups, and communities.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners.
• Develop strategies and plans that lead to the promotion of self-care, improved job performance, and enhanced work relationships.
• Integrate social group work and group facilitation skills across a wide range of environments, supporting growth and development of individuals, families, and communities.
• Work in communities to advocate for change strategies that promote social and economic justice and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination.

The Paralegal program is designed to provide students with the specialized knowledge and skills required to work as licensed Paralegals in Ontario. It is designed for those seeking licensing in accordance with the Law Society Act and under the Law Society of Ontario to become a practicing paralegal and for those who wish to upgrade their skills and broaden their areas of knowledge and expertise in authorized areas of practice.

Provincial legislation requires Paralegals to be licensed to practice in the areas of Small Claims Court, Provincial Offences, Summary Conviction Offences and Administrative Tribunals in Ontario. This program has been accredited by the LSUC and designed in accordance with LSUC curriculum requirements and core competencies and provides training in those areas in which a Licensed Paralegal may legally practice.

There is an extensive field training component of 120 hours to provide students the opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience in a legal environment.

Learning Outcomes 
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyze and synthesize the fundamental elements of Canadian and Provincial governments, legal systems, and court structures, including principles and laws related to permitted areas of practice and rules for procedure and evidence in each court or tribunal.
• Articulate and adhere to the general principles of law, legal ethics and business practices, specifically related to paralegal rules of practice.
• Utilize the applicable structure, process, and jurisdictional authority of courts and administrative tribunals to successfully resolve disputes and appeals within the permitted scope of paralegal practice in the legal system.
• Develop and assess strategies which adhere to established principles of ethics and codes of conduct, and enhancement of professional competence.
• Select, evaluate, and compose effective advocacy techniques, including oral and written legal presentations, using accurate legal terminology.
• Employ effective human relations, interpersonal, and intervention strategies in alternate dispute resolution to assist in resolving conflicts.
• Select appropriate and use diverse legal research tools to research, interpret, analyze, synthesize, and update cases, legislation, and legal literature, and write persuasive, accurate, legal documentation and memoranda using appropriate legal citation.
• Apply legal research findings, the legal problem solving method, and ethical and practice guidelines to analyze case studies and client scenarios.
• Develop an effective case management strategy for court, administrative tribunals, or other representation and execute it efficiently.
• Analyze and evaluate the limitations on representation for paralegals and conduct all work within areas of permitted practice.
• Utilize information technology resources and current industry computer software.
• Manage a paralegal practice and operate a small business, including client service, communication, and accounting principles, in compliance with the Paralegal Rules of Conduct, the ethical and professional responsibilities of Paralegals, and the principles of effective business management.

The Interactive Media Development - 3D Visualization Program at Fanshawe College is an intensive three-year advanced diploma focusing on the tools and techniques necessary to gain employment in the fields of visualization and emerging interactive technologies. The goal of the program is to provide students with the professional, technical and artistic skills necessary to create innovative visualizations, prototypes and info-graphics.

Students will develop 2 and 3 dimensional design skills by studying a curriculum focused initially on the core principles of visualization technologies and interactive media. Foundation courses including image and motion design, interactive production, project management, and visual communication will provide the basis for understanding sophisticated technologies such as virtual and augmented reality.

Throughout the second year, students will study more advanced concepts of visualization including 3D modeling, game engine simulations, visualization statistics, generative art and user experience design. In the third year, students will continue with advanced visualization studies with emphasis on an integrative capstone project (individual or group) or a client based applied research project internship.

An integral part of the 3D Visualization program at Fanshawe College is its relationship to the local community. London, ON has a vibrant and growing interactive media industry. Professionals from this community include business leaders and entrepreneurs, creative directors, interactive designers, programmers, game designers, and producers who will play an important role by providing mentorship to students through critique and guest lectures.

Graduates of this program will find entry-level positions in the visualization industry as interactive designers and programmers, 3D specialists, prototype and visualization designers.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Complete both individual and collaborative interactive media projects effectively.
• Select and use best practices and tools to design and develop dynamic, rich-media content.
• Assess the requirements of a complex interactive media project.
• Develop, budget, plan and professionally present a complex interactive media project.
• Design a complex media project (interface, navigation, graphics, text treatment) using best practice design and development principles, and applying conceptual and theoretical frameworks.
• Build effective and dynamic complex Web sites and/or mobile applications.
• Identify and analyze ethical and professional issues arising in an online environment.
• Apply research and conceptual skills to propose optimal solutions for mobile/multimedia/Web development problems.
• Select and use creative and critical thinking techniques in the effective design, development and implementation of a complex interactive media project.
• Evaluate the financial, technical and artistic success of a complex interactive media project
• Analyse and implement augmented and virtual reality technologies in the creation of 3D visualizations.
• Assess and evaluate 3D visualization hardware and software for implementation in interactive installations.
• Design complex data, 3D and rich media assets for integration into augmented and virtual reality presentations.

The Visual Effects and Editing for Contemporary Media program is an Ontario College Graduate Certificate program designed to prepare creative and disciplined students for a career in the Post Production industry. The program focuses on professional techniques, terminology and software used for video and audio editing, motion graphics, 3D animation, compositing and Visual FX. Students will improve their Post Production knowledge and skills through individual and group assignments, practical instruction, independent learning, tutorials and research. The program includes an opportunity for client services, internship within the post industry across Canada, as well as self-directed portfolio projects.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Create complex visual effects utilizing professional compositing techniques such as Chromakey, Motion Tracking, Rotoscoping & Matting.
• Apply advanced Post Production concepts while working collaboratively in the industry.
• Analyze and critique professional projects using proper terminology.
• Operate Post Production industry standard computer software and hardware.
• Combine and manipulate audio, video, graphics and animation elements.
• Manage and organize large amounts of media, files and documents on digital devices.
• Model, render and integrate 3D elements into video projects using professional techniques.
• Trouble shoot and problem solve video and computer issues during the creation Post Production projects.
• Edit and mix audio elements for use in video productions.