Individual Online Classes

2 Weeks (40 hours) Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which spans facilitation, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, adjudication, and litigation. Participants in this course will explore the history and goals of mediation, and the elements of the mediation process. This course examines the role of a mediator and delivers an overview of the skills necessary to successfully mediate.  

2 Weeks (40 hours) There are a number of options for resolving conflict that clients can choose from. The Dispute Resolution Assessment training course describes many avenues for dispute resolution and discusses the importance of understanding the range of options available for both non-adversarial and adversarial dispute resolutions. This information is crucial for assisting clients navigate the most appropriate method[s] for their particular situation.

2 Weeks (40 hours) In the Workplace Dispute Resolution training course, the participants examine the sources and dynamics of workplace conflicts. Participants lean to identify the sources and dynamics of conflict in the workplace, with an emphasis on minimizing power imbalances in interpersonal workplace conflict. This course examines the issues of the impact of organizational culture on employees, diversity in the workplace, harassment policies and the various methods of resolving workplace conflict including coaching, negotiating, and mediating with special emphasis on difficult work situations. Finally, participants evaluate conflicts, their sources, the parties, the relationships between the parties, and the legislative and regulatory environments to best implement organizational and workplace conflict management principles.

2 Weeks (40 hours) Family mediation is challenging work requiring a commitment to the development of professional skills and practice, an ability to reflect upon and enter into critical analysis of performance and an ability to produce professional documents to tight timescales. Family mediation requires personable, articulate and assertive individuals who have good listening skills and practical experience of working with individuals and couples. The impact of a separation and divorce on all people involved, including children, can be difficult. Students will learn about the impact on families and how they must be carefully approached. The Managing Family Dynamics training course will teach students about the structure, function, and roles within a family system as it relates to the family mediation setting.

2 Weeks (40 hours) Family Mediation is practiced by Lawyers and Non-Lawyers. It is fundamental that all Mediators understand the legal options and issues that arise during a family separation. While Mediators do not provide legal advice; it is important to be aware of the implications of Support and Property, Custody and Access. In the Family Law for Non-Lawyer Mediators training course students will learn how to draft a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement; when a Family Mediation has concluded. Students will also learn about the importance of collaboration practice and options for a Family Mediation.

*This course fulfills 21 hours of the specialized mediation and related training education requirement for the Q.Med designation (40 total are required) and is accredited by The ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and The ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO). Live Session Schedule -- Tuesdays and Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30 PM EDT-- Mediators want to provide services that all clients with diverse abilities and exceptionalities can fully and safely participate in.  Mediators must be aware of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and non-dominant cultures so that clients are empowered and able to participate meaningfully and actively. Successful mediators can connect with a diverse client base. They ensure an inclusive process by developing insight as to when and how their own biases affect their neutrality; attuning to their clients' strengths, needs, and vulnerabilities; and utilizing active listening skills to improve rapport and clients’ sense of belonging. This course will employ reflection assignments and case studies from both popular culture and the instructors’ anecdotal professional experiences. The course will examine skills conducive to facilitating mediation processes that incorporate justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI-B) principles. Required textbook: "Conflict Across Cultures: A Unique Experience of Bridging Differences Paperback – Illustrated", Nov. 2 2006, by Michelle Lebaron (Author), Vanashri Pillay (Author).

-- Live session times: 6:30 - 9:00 PM EDT/EST, Tuesdays and Wednesdays -- Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which spans facilitation, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, adjudication, and litigation. Participants in this course will explore the history and goals of mediation and the elements of the mediation process. This course examines the role of a mediator and delivers an overview of the skills necessary to successfully mediate. This course introduces you to the concepts, skills, and techniques needed to mediate disputes: determining whether mediation is appropriate, guiding the process, managing emotions, and using communication skills. Mediation is a practical method for helping people resolve their conflicts and attain mutually satisfactory outcomes. You will mediate simulated disputes involving parents, children, extended families, in-laws, neighbours, and step-parents. Emphasis is on skill development through simulated mediations assisted by OAFM-accredited family mediators. This course is accredited for 16 hours of training required by Family Mediation Canada (FMC) for the Cert.FRM designation. Required Textbook: The Family Dispute Resolution Handbook, 6th Edition + USB – (Print – $130)

*This course fulfills 21 hours of the specialized mediation and related training education requirement for the Q.Med designation (40 total are required) and is accredited by The ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and The ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO). Live session times: Tuesdays 6:30 – 9:00 PM EDT, Wednesdays 6:30 – 9:30 PM EDT (mandatory) -- Participants will be introduced to advanced issues encountered throughout a family mediation. By defining the roles and stages of the mediation process, participants will begin to apply mediation theory and skills to the mediation process through role-playing, discussions, and reflective journaling. Participants will be exposed to the ethical principles and codes of conduct and ethics relating the field of mediation. Finally, participants will learn the components to drafting a Memorandum of Understanding and a Separation Agreement. Advanced Family Mediation goes into detail about how problem-solving strategies can be supported to facilitate communication and to make decisions relevant to resolving a family dispute. Required Textbook: The Family Dispute Resolution Handbook, 6th Edition + USB – (Print – $130)

-- Live session times: 6:30 – 8:30 PM EDT/EST, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (mandatory).-- The genesis for family law in Ontario is England. To understand family law in the province of Ontario, it is necessary to understand the legal system’s evolution within English-speaking nations. This course will discuss and provide a detailed overview of family law in the province of Ontario. Marriage & divorce will be discussed with specific reference to the Marriage Act, the Constitution Act 1867, the Ontario Children’s Law Reform Act R.S.O 1990, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act 2017, and the Family Law Act R.S.O 1990. This course is accredited for 15 hours of training required by Family Mediation Canada (FMC) for the Cert.FRM designation. Required textbook: Canadian Family Law 9/e (print or digital $85- $136)

-- Live session times: 6:30 – 8:30 PM EDT, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (mandatory) -- Understanding the structure and dynamics of a family is important to the practice of family mediation. This course will discuss family systems theory and highlight the impact separation and divorce can have on the family unit–specifically, the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional implications on children and the parents. Students should gain insight into the renegotiated family unit and learn about the impact this life change can have on all relationships involved. Students will learn how to reinforce positive reciprocal relationships through the practice of mediation. This course is accredited for nine hours of training required by Family Mediation Canada (FMC) for the Cert.FRM designation. Required Textbook: The Family Dispute Resolution Handbook, 6th Edition + USB – (Print – $130)

It is fundamental that all arbitrators understand the legal system; Students will be provided with an overview of tort law and contract law, and how it relates to the arbitration process. The legal test of “balance of probabilities” will be examined The rules of evidence will be introduced including admissibility, the role of the Charter of Rights and Freedom in excluding certain types of evidence, and the standard of “balance of probabilities.” In the Administrative Law online arbitration course students will demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to apply the principles and law relevant to the settlement through arbitration of disputes, by participation in online discussion and role plays. (4 hours mandatory Role Play)

Students will gain an understanding of the questioning, cross-examination, and redirect of witnesses. The difference between an inquisitorial and adversarial approach to evidence, subpoenas, drawing negative inferences, affidavits, expert witnesses, and other types of evidence. In the Law of Evidence in Canada online arbitration course students will learn about legal precedent and the role of legislation and case law in reaching a decision as well as how to record evidence, note writing, and properly managing exhibits and evidence. The students will also learn the basics of writing an arbitration award in both points based and narrative based structure.

In the Conducting an Arbitration Hearing online arbitration course students will gain detailed insight into the structure of an arbitration hearing and understand the formal process. They will apply the ADR standard of practice and be coached on how to oversee an arbitration hearing that respects the philosophies of impartialness, collaboration, dealing with power imbalances, and confidentiality. This course includes a major mock arbitration hearing. Students will be required to attend and must write and submit a decision regarding the hearing. (3 hour mock Arbitration Hearing)

The Laws and Ethics online arbitration course will focus on ethical compliance and obligations for Arbitration and compliance regarding regulations and codes of conduct in Canada. The purpose of this course is to teach the fundamentals of the Code of Professional Conduct from the Canadian Bar Association and the Code of Ethics from ADR Canada, to provide an overview of the importance of transparency, disclosure, and rules which are important for arbitration to maintain legal legitimacy and to discuss arbitrator-client conflicts of interest, complaints process, competency and credentialing of Arbitrators in Canada. The role play will focus on practical issues that arise in arbitration such as preliminary objections, objections to jurisdiction, and dealing with common ethical dilemmas to develop students to be able to perform the duties of an arbitrator without any apprehension of bias or conflict of interest. (3 hours mandatory Role Play)

--Textbook required: All materials provided.--Youth mental health facts/definitions, Youth development, signs of negative mental health in youth, risk factors, addiction/substance use, and technology/social media. This course thoroughly investigates the wide spectrum of Youth Mental Health and Addiction.  Students will discuss mental health facts and definitions and study their application in relevant case studies.  To further understand the spectrum of youth mental health students will also dive into recognizing the impact of the teenage brain and youth neurological development.  Students will also participate into an exploration of associated risk factors, addiction/substance abuse and the  overtone of youth technology and social media to solidify their understanding of this demographic.

--Textbook required: All materials provided.-- Bias and Stigma, Social Determinants of Health, Health Equity, Aboriginal peoples, Culture and religion, and LGBTQ+ This course will examine the details involved with impacting Canadian mental health today. With mental health issues drastically on the rise, it is imperative that we understand the wide spectrum of elements that contribute to the development of mental health.

--Textbook required: All materials provided.--Depression & anxiety disorders, Bipolar Disorder, and personality and  - impulse control disorders. Mood Disorders involve disabling disturbances in emotion. From the sadness of depression to the elation of mania. Mood disorders are often associated with other psychological problems, such as panic attacks, substance abuse, and personality disorders. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an advanced understanding of the state of research and controversies in the area of depression by examining primary empirical and review articles from leading researchers in psychology and psychiatry.  Students will also explore anxiety, its associated experience, coping mechanisms and potential treatments, in addition to focusing on cognitive, social, and biological theories of etiology and treatment.

--Textbooks required: all materials provided.--Psychosis, Dissociative Identity Disorder, PTSD, and mental status exams. Trauma related and psychotic mental health disorder are examined in this course through discussion ad application case studies. This course is designed to introduce students to the current standard used in diagnosing mental disorders, DSM-IV-TR. Students will learn the components of the mental status examination and clinical inquiry necessary to collect sufficient data to utilize the DSMIV-TR effectively. Mindful of the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of each person, students will be challenged to approach the evaluation of individuals with mental and emotional disorders in a holistic fashion. The course will address differential diagnosis and associated disorders of the primary diagnoses in the multi-axial system with a focus on psychosis and disassociation.  

--Textbook required: all materials provided.--The Aging Process training module will explore the social, biological and psychological aspects of aging.  Social theories of aging will be explored. Students will explore the functional changes of aging, common illnesses related to aging, and the relationship between aging and quality of life. Diversity in aging will be explored from a cultural and religious perspective. Psycho-social issues facing aging population will be explored including:  relationships with children, sexuality and love, retirement. A brief orientation to death and dying is discussed.

--Textbooks required: all materials provided.--This course will equip you with the knowledge to differentiate between a normally aging brain and one undergoing abnormal change. You’ll explore risk factors that may influence cognitive function and understand the potential consequences of decline. The course will also provide you with strategies caregivers can use to help older adults maintain their cognitive abilities.

--Textbook required: all material provided. --This course will show you how to navigate the important aspects of end-of-life care for older adults. You’ll learn about advanced care planning, including the role of substitute decision-makers, and how to identify and report elder abuse. The course also dives into medical options like palliative care, hospice care, and medical assistance in dying (MAID).

--Textbook required: all material provided.--This course explores the multifaceted impact of aging on various aspects of life. You’ll look at how aging affects nutrition, sleep patterns, and physical activity, and discover strategies to promote well-being in each area. The course also addresses pain management, ageism, and the challenges of communicating with older adults, especially those living with dementia.

--Textbook required: all materials provided.--This course will guide you through the evolving landscape of senior living options. You’ll explore the concept of “home” for older adults and review various housing options like aging in place, assisted living, and co-housing. You’ll also learn about navigating transitions in care. This course will also cover resources available to seniors as well as legal aspects like wills and resident rights. Finally, you’ll explore how the culture of long-term care is changing to prioritize resident well-being and advocacy.

--Textbook required: Check program page for details.--Transitioning from being one of the team to leading the team is a significant change, not only in roles but in thinking. In the Strategic Leadership training course you will explore ways to manage the transition to HR Business Partner, or having to administer the HR Function, and prepare for ongoing responsibilities by developing business acumen, strategic planning capabilities, and a personal leadership style that will work with your diverse group of employees.

--Textbook required: Check program page for details.--Recognizing the importance of pay and benefits to employees, in the Compensation, Benefits and Other Rewards training course you will discover the connection between employee motivation and compensation. You will learn how to create a competitive, equitable pay structure that is linked to the other HR functions and influences employee behaviour in the desired direction. You will explore using a variety of monetary and non-monetary benefits to enhance your compensation system, and prepare to show employees how to use certain benefits and recognize the value they are receiving.

--Tetxtbook required: Check program page for details.--Finding and hiring the right person for any job requires cooperation between HR and department managers, creating up-to-do job descriptions, promoting the position in the right places, and using effective, compliant selection methods to ensure the person can do the work and will fit in with the people and environment. These days, branding your company as a great place to work and using various social media platforms can assist you in finding and attracting the best person for the job. Once the job offer is accepted, your ability to create a positive impression of the organization extends to the orientation period, where you onboard employees to your workplace culture, and ensure they are adequately trained for their duties and the environment.

--Textbook required: Check program page for details.--   Successful conflict resolution training facilitates difficult conversations. With the skills and knowledge of conflict resolution, new supervisors are better able to positively engage with their teams and other coworkers whether the mandate is to deliver difficult news, to express constructive criticism or to answer negative comments. This course will help organizations improve psychological health and safety and create an overall positive work climate by reducing unnecessary stress in the workplace and increasing support for mental health. It will introduce labour legislations, which involves unions, with considerations for unionized and nonunionized organizations.  

--Textbook required: Check the program page for details.--   In the Learning, Performance and Development training course, you will train to build human capital in your organization and will assess current and future needs for talent. You will learn how to plan, execute, and evaluate training programs and take steps to ensure the training transfers to the workplace. As a way to increase motivation and satisfaction, you will assist employees with career planning and help them diagnose and plan their development experiences.  You will be able to create a valid, effective performance management system, by creating useful tools and approaches, and either using them yourself, or training others how to use them correctly, so useful feedback can be provided to employees.

--Textbook required: all material provided--All policy is inherently and unavoidably political. Policy is seen as having certain incontrovertible characteristics. It is purposive. It is a decision to pursue a particular course of action and to achieve a specified goal. It is outcome focused; policy decisions consider both ends and means. Policy may involve action or in action, policy must be more than mere political rhetoric. The main goal of the course is to help you think systematically, critically, and creatively in giving policy advice to decision makers in the public sector. The specific objectives of the course are to: help you understand how a problem is identified and defined in the public realm; develop your skills in crafting policy options for addressing the problem; expose you to a variety of qualitative and quantitative tools that will help you select a particular policy option for the problem; and, guide you in persuasively communicating policy advice with multiple and diverse publics in written and verbal form.

--Textbook Required: All materials provided.--Policy in Practice delivers the essential toolkit to the public sector. Public Servants are adept at tackling complex policy challenges, from concept to delivery. This complexity means that an increasingly broad range of skills is required if you are to be effective in government. This course will add new tools to your toolkit, sharpen your existing skills, and unleash your policy leadership potential. Who is it that practices Policy? It is rare that any one person, or even any one organisation, is responsible for the identification of a particular problem, the generation of an original solution, the development of a specific proposal and the creation of the necessary support required to see a new policy implemented. These multiple layers of ‘policy making’ allow for a wide range of individuals and organisations to participate in the policy process. While the skills and knowledge required to contribute to different elements of the process may differ, an awareness of other participants is likely to be of use to all involved, if only to ensure that they develop the necessary relationships to ensure that their contribution is supported by others.

--Textbook required: all material provided.--Conflict is inevitable in our day to day lives, relationships, our workplace and family. However, it is also ubiquitous in decision making impacting public policy and politics! Cities are not signing international treaties, nor do they have embassies around the world. However, cities and municipalities can certainly engage in all kinds of negotiations, reach agreements, and influence public policy & politics. Cities form networks, engage in dialogue with counterparts, facilitate public diplomacy, share best practices, and encourage collaboration between private and public entities. This course will discuss the importance of diplomacy as a tool of good governance and how it can serve public policy discourse.

--Textbooks required: All material provided.--Governments depend on the policy advice they receive to help inform their policy decisions before putting it into action and informing the public and/or relevant actors and stakeholders. In an environment where ministers are bombarded with complex information, such as managing mental health strategies, affordable housing plans, tax cuts, environmental consultations, budgets, crisis communications, high profile project setbacks [Billion Dollar LNG project in Prince Rupert] from a range of sources with varying degrees of credibility and influence, a trusted adviser is of paramount importance!! Such an individual, who can hold the title of Policy Advisor or Analyst [and who we want to target this course towards], provides timely and comprehensive advice that simplifies complicated and technical information, and balances good information with political strategy.