Education
Course Descriptions
Credit Union History and Philosophy
The course furnishes students with an understanding of what sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions by covering the operating principles of credit unions, the origins of cooperative credit, the historical development of credit unions in Europe and more specifically in the United States, and the formation of state, national, and international credit union organizations.
Credit Union Marketing
The purpose of this course is to further students’ knowledge and understanding of how goods and services are marketed with special attention to marketing techniques related to credit union products and services. From this course, the students will gain more confidence in analyzing marketplace and competition, promoting his/her organization’s products and services, and in preparing, implementing, and evaluating a strategic marketing plan.
Credit and Collections
The objective of this course is to develop knowledge of credit granting and collection techniques. It provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the extension of credit for all types of businesses, including credit unions. From this course, students will gain an understanding of the sources of consumer and commercial credit, regulations governing credit, and the management of such credit.
Business Law
Gain a broader understanding of the legal environment of business and legal systems in the U.S. Prepare yourself to better understand the legal situations you deal with as a credit union executive. Topics include administrative law, torts and crimes, contracts, wills, estate, trusts, and elder law, business organizations, corporate securities regulation and investor protection, personal property and sales, real property, real estate transfers and liens, loan and financing transactions, creditors’ rights and debtors’ relief, payments and transfer of funds, and consumer and environmental protection.
Human Resource Management
This course is designed to provide students with a knowledge of office administration principles and practices. From this course, students will gain an understanding of the management of personnel -- information which is invaluable in working more effectively with supervisors, peers, and other employees.
Credit Union Management
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of management issues and organizational behavior and to apply this knowledge to the management and operation of credit unions. From this course, students will acquire managerial skills and gain an understanding of the fundamentals of good management and of how organizations are structured and function.
Financial Management
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of topics critical to the financial well-being of the credit union. It reviews necessary financial management policies including the funds management and capital policies, financial statement analysis, budgeting, investments, lending, internal controls and the corporate credit union network. Students can use this knowledge for ensuring the financial stability of their organization and its members.
Risk Management and Insurance
This course covers general issues in credit union risk management and insurance, and their application to credit union management. You’ll learn how to identify, analyze, and manage the loss exposures to your credit union with loss control techniques or insurance. With such knowledge, you will be better able to protect your credit union’s assets.
Consumer Lending
Students will learn the skills necessary to demonstrate that lending decisions are based on sound analysis of the applicant’s credit history and current financial capabilities. Students will learn the importance of governing policies and procedures, and how these relate to the core values and overall mission of the organization.
Training, Development and Problem Solving
This course will provide both conceptual and practical information for developing training programs that meet strategic and tactical needs. Time will be spent on the step-by-step process of training procedures, from initial needs analysis through the evaluation of the training’s effectiveness. Students will also discuss how organizations approach strategic planning and how the Human Resources function can influence the strategic plan.
Organizational Culture and Motivation
Students will learn how to achieve dramatically better performances from those they supervise or manage. People are people, and the principles of motivating and rewarding great performances are universal. Students will learn how changes in behavior (providing feedback needed to make jobs more challenging and rewarding) and even changes in the work environment can dramatically improve employee’s productivity.
Strategic Business Management & Leadership
Effective management and leadership are essential for the ultimate success of every credit union. This course provides an opportunity to study the writings of authors who have dedicated their lives to understanding management and leadership. You will learn how executives of major organizations are preparing for the future, what skills the “experts” believe will be required for the future, and how to prepare yourself to move into progressively challenging leadership roles. This course will help managers prepare their credit unions to thrive and survive in a competitive world.