What does CLSC stand for?
The Community
Leadership and Social Change Diploma
Who is this program for?
Do you care about
your community and want to make a difference? Are you a community volunteer who
enjoys working in a collaborative way with others? Do you want to be a leader
in creating social change to create a safe, healthy, equitable, and sustainable
world? Are you looking for an educational experience that works with your
already-busy life? Then this program is for you!
How did the CLSC come to be?
The Diploma
program started with our Community Capacity Building (CCB) Citation Program.
The CCB Citation started in 2007 and over the years, students have expressed a
strong desire to continue on in their work to earn a diploma. We are very proud
to be offering the only program of its kind in Canada.
What do you need to take the program?
1. One of
the following:
- a BC
Secondary School Graduation (Grade 12) or equivalent
- OR
Mature Student status
- OR
completion of the Community Capacity Building Citation Program
2. For
students whose primary language is not English, one of the following:
- Test
of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): paper=560, computer=220, internet=83,
- OR
English Language Assessment (ELA)=145
- OR International
English Language Testing System=6.5 overall, and no score less than 6
- OR Canadian
Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)=70
- OR Pearson
Test of English (PTE Academic)=56
- OR Capilano
University EAP 100 and 101 with a minimum B+ grade in each course
3. A
letter of interest (200-400 words), written by you, that explains the
following:
- why
you are interested in this program
- what
your career goals are and how this program will help you achieve them
- how
your experiences have prepared you for success in this program
4. Successful
completion of a pre-application interview with one of the program faculty
5. Evidence
of an active role as a volunteer in the community
How much does the program cost?
The cost for your course is based on the
number of credits your require. This program is 60 credits. There are also a
number of small fees included in the final cost of your program. These include
the application fee; registration fee; UPass (for full
time students), and student union fees. For more complete and up-to-date
information, visit
Fees and Finances.
Can I get any help financially?
Yes, there are a number of bursaries and
loans available. Contact us to find out more information about how to apply.
I work part-time. Can I take this program?
Yes. We designed this program to suit
people who are also trying to balance work, volunteering and families. You will not be required to attend a
class every day, particularly if you are enrolled part-time.
If you have flexible hours, work weekends
or evenings, and/or work part-time, you will be able to work while you learn!
I don’t live in North Vancouver. Can I take this program?
You can definitely take some of our
courses off campus and start working towards the diploma from elsewhere in the
province. At this time, it is not possible to complete the Diploma without
attending some classes at our North Vancouver campus, but we’re working on
making it more accessible to students in our other regions
Two required courses – CCB 100 and CCB
105 – will be offered at a community location in Vancouver on Wednesday
evenings. Several other courses will be offered either online or over a few
intensive weekends. The remaining required courses will be offered at Capilano
University, North Vancouver Campus, during the weekday. In addition to required community
volunteering, two service learning courses provide students with an opportunity
to gain credits volunteering in their own community. These courses will include
faculty support, coaching and specific thematic seminars, both on and off
campus. A Capstone course can also be used to earn credit and undertake a
specific community project in your local area.
I have kids. Are there any supports for me if I am taking this program?
Yes, there are. Ask us for more
information.
Can I get credit for other courses I’ve taken and will the work I do here be transferable?
You may be given credit for electives taken
in most Capilano Programs. Some of our diploma courses are transferable to other institutions and we are working hard to make more of them transferable across B.C.!
When does the program start and when would I graduate?
Courses start in September and January.
There are 60 credits of required courses, which can be taken either full time
or part time. Your graduation date will depend on when you started and how many
courses you take at any one time.
What will I learn?
Courses cover foundation skills,
leadership, facilitation, digital tools, research, program planning and
management, business writing, and local government administration. There is
also a significant “service learning” component, which offers students a chance
to explore areas of interest to them while having a positive impact in their
community. You can find a list of the required courses
here.
Will I be able to get a job with this Diploma?
We hope so! We have worked with leaders
in our community to develop courses that will provide you with the practical
skills, information, and resources to make you the strongest, most effective,
most employable community developer
you can be.
In this program you will develop working relationships with staff,
management and volunteers in various community organizations in your community. You will
also have an opportunity to learn more about how the sector works in BC and
network with local community service providers.
Successful graduates may
find employment as program
or volunteer coordinators, fundraisers, settlement workers, health promotion
workers, and more. Students will develop a personal
pathway to leadership in community development that could involve transferring
to a degree program, working in the non-profit sector, being active as leaders
in their community or working independently as project consultants. The
CLSC Diploma is all about growing your community and your opportunities.
How do I apply?
It’s not too complicated, but there are a few steps. Follow these and ask questions if you need to:
- Call or email and let us know you’re interested.
- Set up a pre-application interview time.
- Once approved, complete your Capilano application form. You can do this in one of three ways:
- Complete the
online application form:
- Complete any necessary financial assistance forms
- Register for your CLSC courses
- Start coming to classes!
Is there someone I can talk to, to get more information?
Yes, definitely! We want to talk to everyone who is thinking about taking the CLSC Diploma, so that we can help you learn if it’s the right program for you. To ask a question or set up an interview, please email Diana Twiss CDO Program Coordinator at
dtwiss@capilanou.ca or call at 604-990-7885.
How to apply for CapU Residence?
Applications for Academic Year 2018/19 will open on March 1, 2018. Apply by the March 31, 2018 deadline to receive priority consideration.
You must be enrolled as a full-time student (9 credits) at Capilano University at all times while living in the residence community. Students who do not plan to enroll in full-time studies during the term(s) for which they are applying will not be considered. Prospective students interested in living in residence during the Spring 2018 must receive admission to the university prior to applying. If you have additional questions, please contact
housing@capilanou.ca.
For additional information, please visit CapU residence page.