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.
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.
Our continuing education is a part-time course of study. The majority of our students work full-time alongside their studies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Board of Directors” 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.
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.
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 will further promote the exchange among graduates and enable an exchange of contact details and the publication of open mandates.
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.
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.