Explores - Champlain College

Woodbury CollegeHas Become the Woodbury Institute of Champlain CollegePhotographs by Stephen Mease (top, left) and Kathleen Landwehrle (right, center)Among the many assets thatWoodbury brings to ChamplainCollege are two innovative master’sdegree programs. (See “ChamplainLaunches New Graduate Programs”on page 6 for information on theCollege’s other graduate programs.)Each draws on Woodbury’sstrengths in providing highlyrelevant, career-focused education—dovetailing well with Champlain’slongstanding mission.Master of Science in Mediation &Applied Conflict Studies (MSM):This skills-based program is designed both forpeople interested in becoming professionalmediators as well as for those who wish todeal more effectively with others on the job,in their communities, and in social settings.The course emphasizes the constructive useof conflict and the peaceful resolutionof disputes.Master of Science in Law (MSL):The focus of this program is on helpingprofessionals who are not lawyers think andact confidently in the legal dimensions oftheir work, prevent needless litigation, andwork productively with legal counsel whennecessary. Course work demystifies the lawas students accrue valuable legal knowledgethey can apply to careers in varied fields.Nonprofits at the Next LevelNonprofit organizations have a profound impact on the quality of lifein Vermont—in virtually every important arena, from educationand the environment to economic development, human services,agriculture, the arts, and myriad causes. According to one estimate, nearly3,000 nonprofits are based in the state. In addition to the vital work that theseorganizations carry out, the nonprofits involve thousands of individuals inmeaningful work as employees, volunteers, and board members.It was with this critical sector of the workforce in mind that the WoodburyInstitute of Champlain College recently secured a $4,000 grant from NationalLife of Vermont to support the innovative Nonprofit Certificate Program.Created in 2008 through a collaboration among the Woodbury Institute ofChamplain College, Champlain College’s Workforce Development Center,and Marlboro College, the certificate program addresses a need for improvededucation and training among individuals working in the nonprofit sector. Theprogram consists of 10 days of workshops delivered over a four-month periodin spring and fall of 2009, focusing on the critical management and leadershipchallenges confronting the nonprofit sector today. Workshops combine the bestof face-to-face learning with discussion among colleagues and faculty via onlinelearning portals as participants refine skills and deepen knowledge in such areasas strategic planning, financial planning, and fundraising.The generous contribution from the National Life Group CharitableFoundation, Inc., will fund enrollment in the Nonprofit Certificate Programfor 10 nonprofit workers/residents of Washington County, home to thecorporation. —Staff reportChamplain View | Spring 09 23