2011 Continuing Education Program Unveiled for Regional Summits

The vision of the Summit Continuing Education Program is to support the professional development of Thought Leaders, Collaborators, Associates, Alumni, Mentors and Advocates in the Companion Animal industry. The Summit CE Program provided Certificates of Merit to delegates of the 2010 Regional Summits in collaboration with the City of Calgary ecucation and professional development staff.

 

In 2011 the program was expanded to integrate contributions from industry leaders at the Ontario SPCA, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada, Apex Publishing, Canadian Kennel Club, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and SocialStruct Advisory Group as well as from the commercial sponsors of the Summit programs such as Western Financial Insurance Company, Procter and Gamble Total Petcare and others.

Among the enhancements to the program are the following proposed elements:

The establishment of a LinkedIn Group to support registered participants with recognition for their career experience and CE credits.

The establishment of a system of credits to recognize peers as they move along their path in professional development:

• Leadership role in a Community program - 1 Credit
• Attendance at a Regional Summit - 2 Credits
• Attendance at an International Summit - 3 Credits
• Challenge Exam if offered (75% score or better) - 3 Credits
• Challenge Essay (70% score or better) - 5 Credits
• Experience - Up to 20 Credits as determined by the Awards Commitee

The establisment of a system of badges which recognizes CE credits and industry experience with Summit designations: 

• Collaborator - 2 Credits
• Associate - 3 Credits
• Alumni - 6 Credits
• Mentor - 12 Credits
• Advocate - 24 Credits

 

The establishment of prerequisites for conveying a Certificate of Merit:

• Register in the Summit CE program on LinkedIn
• Delegate at a Regional or International Summit
• Challenge Exam (not offered in 2011)

Challenge Essay (offered in 2011):

• Provide essay of 800 - 1,500 words and right to publish with credit to source
• Provide in electronic format (MSWord or PDF)
• Executive Summary - 20 marks
• Discussion of evidence in support of your conclusion - 20 marks
• Discussion of views contrary to your conclusion - 20 marks
• Presentation of your conclusion - 20 marks
• Writing style, illustrations, clarity and quality of rhetoric - 20 marks

 

The 2011 Certificate of Merit will be awarded to each challenger presenting an essay that achieves a score of 70% or more in one of four subject areas:

• Industry trends
• National codes of Conduct
• Breeder codes of Practice
• Future of the Humane Movement

 

The 2011 Adjudicator is Mike Dover, SocialStruct, 416.305.9080 or mike.dover@petlynxmail.com