General Questions

1. Who should consider enrolling in the online certification program?

The Black Liberation and Just Transition Institute is designed for the following individuals over the age of 18:

• BIPOC Individuals with Ties to Freedmen Settlements or Black Historical Communities: Those who currently live or have lived in these communities.
• Active or Aspiring Advocates: Individuals involved in or interested in engaging with Climate Justice, Environmental Justice, Black Liberation, or Just Transition initiatives.
• Learners Focused on Social Justice Topics: Those who want to deepen their understanding of Black Liberation, Just Transition, Environmental Justice, and Climate Justice.
• Career Advancers: Professionals aiming to enhance their skills, further their careers, or acquire specialized knowledge relevant to their field.
• Career Transitioners: Individuals looking to switch to a new career or industry who need certification to gain relevant expertise and showcase their qualifications.
• Recent Graduates and Current Students: Those seeking additional credentials to complement their academic background and boost their job prospects in the relevant field.
• Industry Professionals: Experts who want to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in their field to maintain a competitive edge.
• Lifelong Learners: Individuals with a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth who wish to acquire new skills and knowledge in a flexible, accessible format.

2. What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the program?
   • Most courses require a basic understanding of certain concepts or skills, while others are designed for beginners. Check the course details for specific prerequisites.
3. What are the Terms and Conditions of taking a course?
   • See Terms of Use here.
4. Is there an orientation for participants?

Yes, we offer orientation to help you get started smoothly. The orientation typically includes:

• Introduction to the Learning Platform (Tovuti): A walkthrough of how to navigate the learning management system (LMS), access course materials, and use various features.
• Program Overview: Detailed information about the course structure, time required, including TCLP’s vision and an overview of Black Liberation and Just Transition.
• Technical Support: Guidance on troubleshooting common technical issues and how to contact support if needed.
• Resources: Information on available resources, such as the policy toolkit, library access, academic support, and community forums.
• Getting Started Tips: Best practices for managing your time, staying organized, and engaging with course content effectively.

Application and Enrollment

5. How do I enroll in the certification program?
   • Enrollment can be completed online through our website. Simply complete the application form, follow the instructions, select the programs you're interested in, check the box to agree to the terms and conditions and submit the application.
6. What if I change my mind and no longer want to take the course?
   • To officially withdraw from the course, you’ll need to notify us through the Tovuti LMS platform.
   • Once you withdraw, your access to course materials and resources will be terminated according to our policy.
   • If you decide to return at a later date, you may need to re-apply to the certification program.

Tuition and payments

7. What is the cost of the certification program?
   • The certification program offered by The Chisholm Legacy Project is available at no cost to participants.

Participation and Expectations

8. When and how often will the course meet?
   • The Tier I courses are self-paced, so there are no scheduled meeting times. You can access the course materials and complete the coursework at your own convenience. This allows you to progress through the course based on your personal schedule and availability.
9. What should I do if I’m away from the course for a few days?
   • Since the courses are self-paced and spans up to 6 months, you can take breaks as needed without affecting your progress. When you return, simply log back into the course platform to catch up on any missed content. Review the course materials and assignments to get back on track. If you have specific deadlines or milestones, make a plan to manage them accordingly. If you need additional support or have any concerns about catching up, feel free to contact our support team for assistance.
10. How do I interact with other participants enrolled in the course?

You can interact with other participants enrolled in the course through several features and tools available on our learning management system (LMS):

• Discussion Forums: Participate in course-specific discussion forums where you can post questions, share insights, and engage in conversations with your peers.
• Group Projects: Some courses include group assignments or projects that require collaboration with fellow participants. This is a great way to work together and build connections.
• Live Sessions: Join live webinars or virtual meetings where you can interact with other participants in real-time.
• Messaging and Chat: Use the built-in messaging or chat features to communicate directly with other participants for group work or informal discussions.
• Study Groups: Form or join study groups within the course to collaborate on assignments, review materials, and support each other’s learning.
• Social media and Networking: Some courses offer external social media groups or networking opportunities to connect with other participants outside of the LMS.

These tools are designed to enhance your learning experience and facilitate meaningful interactions with your peers. If you need help navigating these features, refer to the course orientation or contact our support team.

11. What happens if I don’t complete the course?

If you don’t complete the course, several things might occur depending on the timing and reason for not finishing:

• You will not receive the course certification or any associated credits. Completion is required to obtain these credentials.
• Your access to course materials and resources will be terminated upon the end of the course or withdrawal.
• If you wish to complete the course at a later time, you may need to re-enroll.
  • Some courses may offer the option to retake the course or continue from where you left off.
• If you face challenges completing the course, we encourage you to reach out to our support team. They can provide guidance or help you explore options such as extensions or additional resources.

12. How much time is expected to complete a course?
    • Tier I: Apprentice Certificate – Online Training for approximately 18 hours (1-3 months)
    • Tier II: Practitioner Certificate – Action Planning & Implementation (3-6 months)
    • Tier III: Maven Certificate – Impact (6 months - 1 year)

Program/Course Structure

13. What is the duration of the certification program?
    • The duration of the certification program varies depending on the course. Typically, it ranges from a few weeks to several months. The specific timeline is outlined in the program description.
14. What materials or resources will I need for the program?
    • All necessary materials and resources are typically provided online. This includes access to course content, readings, and any required software.
15. Will there be live classes or is the program self-paced?
    • In Tier I courses are self-paced, allowing you to complete the coursework on your schedule within a 6-month period.
    • Tiers II and III may include live sessions or webinars.
16. How do I get access to the course materials?

Once you are accepted in the course, you’ll gain access to the course materials through our learning management system (LMS). Here’s how you can access them:

• Login to the LMS (Tovuti): You will receive login credentials via email after enrollment. Use these credentials to log in to the LMS platform.
• Navigate to Your Course: Once logged in, go to your dashboard or course list and select the course you’re enrolled in.
• Access Course Materials: Within the course page, you’ll find all the materials you need, including lecture notes, reading materials, videos, and assignments. These are typically organized in modules and are periodically updated.
• Check for Updates: Regularly check the course announcements and updates section for any new materials or changes.

If you encounter any issues accessing the materials, need additional help or feedback, please contact our technical support team for assistance.

17. How long do I have access to the course materials?
    • Access to course materials generally continues for a set period after the course ends, such as 6 months or a year. Specific details are provided in the program’s terms and conditions.
18. What are the differences between the 3 certification levels?
    • Tier I: Apprentice Certificate – Online Training (1-3 months)
      • Training:Approximately 18 hours of intensive online training through a series of modules.
      • Engagement: Discussion forums to build peer networks.
      • Evaluation: Assessments of understanding throughout each course:
    • Tier II: Practitioner Certificate – Action Planning & Implementation (3-6 months)
      • Complete Tier 1
      • Develop Action Plan: Develop a community Action Plan based on Apprentice level training.
      • Implement Action Plan: Implement activities outlined in the Action Plan created on the Apprentice level.
    • Tier III: Maven Certificate – Impact (6 months - 1 year)
      • Complete Tier 1
      • Complete Tier 2
      • Impact: The impact on the community resulting from the implementation of the Action Plan.

Orientation will be provided at each level of the program to ensure you have the necessary information and support to succeed.

19. Will these courses be administered remotely?
    • Yes, Tier I - Apprentice Level courses are administered entirely online through remote training. This allows for flexible and convenient access to the course materials and assessments.
20. Will there be an in-person certification component?
    • For Tier II and Tier III levels (Practitioner and Maven), the certification process will include both online and in-person activities. This blended approach combines the convenience of online learning with the benefits of face-to-face interaction.
21. How many courses can I enroll in simultaneously?

The current practice is to allow access to one course at a time to ensure that you can fully focus on and complete each course successfully. However, if you wish to take multiple courses simultaneously, please reach out to our support team for further assistance and to discuss your specific needs.

• Practice: Typically, you’ll start with one course to get acclimated and ensure you’re able to handle the coursework effectively.
• Requesting Multiple Courses: If you are interested in enrolling in more than one course at a time, you can submit a request to our support team. Please provide details about your current workload and how you plan to manage multiple courses.
• Review and Approval: Each request for enrolling in multiple courses will be reviewed to ensure that you have the capacity to handle the additional workload. We’ll provide guidance based on your individual situation and the program’s capacity.
• Additional Support: If approved, we may offer additional resources or support to help you manage your studies effectively.

Scoring and Grading

22. How will I be assessed during the program?
    • Assessments vary by program but typically include quizzes, assignments, projects, and exams. Your progress will be evaluated based on these components, and feedback will be provided.

Course Completion

23. Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the program?
    • Yes, upon successful completion of the program and meeting all requirements, you will receive a certification that can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
24. What type of certificate will I receive once completing the course?

• Tier 1: Apprentice Certificate – Online Training (1-3 months)
• Tier 2: Practitioner Certificate – Action Planning & Implementation (3-6 months)
• Tier 3: Maven Certificate – Impact (6 months - 1 year)

25. How will my certificate be delivered to me?
    • Certificates will be added to your Tovuti account and sent via email.
26. Will the names of certificate-holders be published online?
    • If a public listing is available, you will have the opportunity to control the visibility of your information. We prioritize your privacy and will ensure that any public listings are in line with your preferences.
    • We may provide an option for certificate-holders to be verified through a secure online system where you can share your certification status with potential employers or other interested parties.
    • If you have specific concerns or questions about the visibility of your certification, please reach out to our support team for further details.

Technical Requirements

27. What are the technical requirements for the certification program?
    • Please review the technical requirements.
28. Can I still earn a certification if I don’t have internet access?
    • Please email support to discuss your needs.
29. Are there modifications for audio and visually impaired users?
    • Yes, we strive to make our online certification programs accessible to all users, including those who are audio or visually impaired.

Here are some of the modifications and accommodations we offer:

• Accessible Course Materials: Our course materials are designed to be compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies. This includes providing text alternatives for images, captions for videos, and clear, structured content.
• Customizable Display Options: We offer adjustable text sizes, color contrasts, and other display options to accommodate different visual needs.
• Captioning and Transcripts: Closed captions and transcripts are available for audio materials to ensure accessibility for users with hearing impairments.
• Assistive Technology Support: Our learning platform is compatible with various assistive technologies, including screen readers, voice recognition software, and other tools designed to aid users with disabilities.
• Accommodation Requests: If you have specific needs or require additional accommodation, please reach out to our support team before enrolling. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure a successful learning experience. If you have any specific requirements or if they are not reflected, please inform us so we can make the appropriate arrangements to meet your needs.

Misc Questions

30. What support is available during the program?
    • Our support team is available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have in addition to technical and content support. Contact us via email or through the LMS for assistance.