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The following Frequently Asked Questions will provide an overview of questions learners might have about the Certificate of Attendance in Professional Development for Teaching.
A Certificate of Attendance acknowledges that an individual has participated in a set of activities at McMaster University that does not meet the requirements of an academic program as there is no evaluation of learning. Such activities are designed to meet the interests and objectives of individuals who may want to acquire general knowledge or training for career related purposes, but who neither require nor seek any form of professional or academic recognition. As such a Certificate of Attendance is not categorized as being at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Anyone at McMaster with an active MacID may earn the Certificate of Attendance (e.g., undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, sessional and part-time instructors, faculty, and staff).
No formal registration is required to complete the Certificate of Attendance. You can access the modules at any time through the Learning Catalogue and complete the requirements at your own pace. Once you have completed the requirements, you will submit the necessary documentation for review via the Certificate of Attendance Checklist and Submission Form.
Previously completed Learning Catalogue modules can count towards the Certificate of Attendance if:
- the modules are on the list of module options for the Certificate of Attendance
- you have completed and saved your responses to the two reflection questions at the end of each module to submit as proof of completion.
You will need to submit your reflection question responses for FIVE modules from the list of options, as well as one completed culminating assessment as proof of completion through the submission form. Please refer to the “Structure” tab for more information.
There is no cost to complete the Certificate of Attendance.
You can complete the Certificate of Attendance as quickly or slowly as you like (whether that be over days, weeks, or years), as long as the Certificate of Attendance is still being offered. It is anticipated that it will take approximately 7.5-10 hours to complete the requirements for the Certificate of Attendance.
Individuals will complete the submission form, which will include a place for them to upload / submit their reflections (for FIVE modules) and culminating assessment. The MacPherson Institute will evaluate submissions on a complete / incomplete basis. If complete, their Certificate of Attendance will be issued.
After the MacPherson Institute has confirmed that all the requirements have been successfully submitted via the submission form, your Certificate of Attendance will be prepared and emailed to you at the end of the academic term during which you completed it.
At McMaster, a Certificate of Attendance simply acknowledges that an individual has participated in a set of activities. There is no evaluation of learning. You will not receive feedback on the work you submit. Rather, your Certificate of Attendance will be assessed on a complete / incomplete basis.
No, the Certificate of Attendance will not be reflected on any official transcript.
Please feel welcome to reach out to mi@mcmaster.ca with any questions you might have about the Certificate of Attendance in Professional Development for Teaching.