FAQ's About the Certificate Program

How do I start? What should I do first?

If your schedule permits, you should start with the "Foundations" two-day workshop, or class, which is usually offered in the fall. Otherwise, the first thing you should do is attend any professional development workshop. (The workshops are not sequential so you can choose the titles that seem most appropriate for you.) You will experience our workshop format, have the opportunity to network with others in the festival and events industry, meet some of the program staff, and learn about the applied requirements for the Certificate.

I just want to attend a professional development workshop, or two. Can I do that without being in the whole certificate program?

Absolutely. The workshops are designed to provide access to timely topics for individuals who want to attend occasionally, as well as those pursuing the entire Certificate of Completion.

I am already working in the Festival & Event Management industry. Why do I need a Certificate of Completion from this UO program?

Perhaps you do not need such a certificate. You might be best served by attending selected workshops that cover topics of direct benefit to you.

Do I need to be admitted to the University of Oregon?

No.

Do I need to "apply" to begin work on the Certificate of Completion?

No. There is no formal application process.

Is there a time limit for finishing all of the requirements for the Certificate of Completion?

No. You will be awarded the Certificate of Completion when you have finished all of the requirements for the three areas of applied, theoretical, and professional development. Most participants take fourteen to twenty-four months to complete all of the requirements.

I would like to obtain the Certificate of Completion, but I am already doing work in this industry, so why do I have to do more as part of the applied portion?

You probably can design a practicum and special problems project that builds on work you are currently doing. This will allow you to develop learning objectives for yourself that can add another dimension to your current work. The Certificate of Completion in Festival & Event Management is designed to provide you this type of professional development and enrichment. Dr. Gaylene Carpenter, Arts and Administration Director, and Academic Coordinator Advisor for those seeking the certificate, can help you identify appropriate and constructive learning objectives.

Can the two-day "Foundations of Event Management" workshop count for both the theoretical requirement AND one of the six required workshops?

No. If the two-day "Foundations" workshop is taken to satisfy the theoretical requirement, then it only counts for that purpose. If, however, you take the AAD 420/520 Event Management class on campus to satisfy the theoretical requirement, then the two-day workshop becomes additional and may be counted as one of the six required workshops.

FAQ's

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