FAQ

On this page you will find frequently asked questions about our national open continuing education programs. Attending an Info Event or Open Day is another great way to learn more about a program and gain insight into the courses.

General Questions

These questions concern all of our national open programs.
Can I apply without a university degree?

Rochester-Bern’s continuing education programs are generally aimed at individuals with a university degree and professional experience. In exceptional cases, professionals with equivalent degrees or several years of professional experience may be admitted (admission sur dossier). The decision is made in consultation with the program management.

What are the alternatives in the event of a conflict of dates?

Students who unfortunately cannot attend class due to illness or an important date conflict have the option of completing their module block with the next class. The final diploma will then be issued accordingly only after completion of this module block.

Can I maintain my workload during the course?

Our continuing education is a part-time course of study. The majority of our students work full-time alongside their studies.

How much time do I need for assignments/preparation?

The preparation effort usually amounts to half a day to a full day and the knowledge transfer to 1-2 days per module. Depending on prior knowledge and learning speed, the individual workload may be reduced.

Can I also attend individual module blocks?

As these are self-contained courses, the module blocks cannot be attended individually. In principle, all modules must be completed one after the other. However, it is possible to join the course late and to make up modules not attended with the next class. This occurs in consultation with the program management.

Is the attendance in the courses mandatory?

The modules are successfully completed if at least 80 percent of them have been attended. Absences exceeding 20 percent of the module times must be compensated so that the corresponding ECTS points can be recognized.

What happens if I don't pass an applied assignment?

Within three weeks after completion of a module, a performance record must be submitted. The topic as well as the type of exam will be announced by the respective lecturers. You will receive the grade at the latest before the start of the next module. A written evaluation of your exam will be provided. Each performance assessment must be completed with at least a grade of 4.0. Performance assessments graded as unsatisfactory may be repeated once. Students who fail a performance assessment twice will be dropped from the program. In this case, the program fee will not be refunded.

CAS Board of Directors

What is the value of certification?

In recent years, the demands placed on board members have risen sharply. By participating in our program, board members can invest in their knowledge and skills in a targeted manner. Upon successful completion, participants receive both a “CAS in General Management” and the title “Certified Board Member” from Rochester-Bern. These certifications stand for quality: The participants take the mandate with its rights and duties seriously, have refreshed and expanded their knowledge in the course of study, and have been awarded for it.

Does Rochester-Bern broker positions for board members?

Each individual module is completed with a knowledge transfer assignment. The scope of the assignment is limited to 5-6 pages. This is a practical application case (e.g. create risk map for the company where one is board member). After the module, students have three weeks to complete the assignment. Graduates of the program report taking about one to two days each to complete the assignments.

How do the applied assignments look like?

As a business school for continuing education at the university level, we do not actively place students on boards. We equip the board members with the framework and tools they need to obtain new positions. Through active exchange in class, and participation in the alumni/-ae organization “VR-Circle”, we create networking opportunities and increase the chance to get positions for board members. The Alumni/-ae- Platform (starting July 2023) will further promote the exchange among graduates and enable an exchange of contact details and the publication of open mandates.

CAS SME-Management

Why should I attend the CAS SME-Management?

This continuing education offers a balanced mix of theory and practice with a focus on cutting-edge topics such as (digital) transformation, change management and sustainability. In doing so, our students receive a strong practical transfer based on settings with discussions and workshops. With best practices from different industries, you will benefit from an interactive exchange with proven SME experts and can thus expand your cross-industry network.

CAS Leadership & Inclusion

What makes this CAS different from other leadership courses?

Our study course not only provides leaders with a better understanding of their own leadership personality and common leadership tools, but also approaches to strengthening a diversity-enhancing culture that engages all employees in a diverse workforce.

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Any questions left unanswered? Our team is happy to answer them.