Professional Development Advisory Committee

A select group of credit union professionals is providing direction for the association's education, training and networking capabilities. The advisory group was founded in the spring of 2002 on the premise that training is most effective when driven by clearly defined needs and objectives. The advisory group currently consists of 8 credit union representatives who were chosen on the basis of demonstrated leadership, interest in professional development and regional location of their credit unions.

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Board and Volunteer Training

Training on board and volunteer duties and responsibilities is available through NJCUL's Department of Education & Training at no/minimal charge to member credit unions. This training is especially critical when your credit union has experienced volunteer turnover, has systems issues, or there is a need for updated information. Please contact NJCUL for more details.

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National Certification Programs

Five certificate programs geared to each level of the credit union, staff (STAR), middle management (MERIT), senior management (CCUE) and volunteers (VAP and VLP) have been developed through CUNA and are locally administered through NJCUL. Each certificate program is written by experts at CUNA and specifically geared for credit unions. The certificate programs are self-study and certain courses may even be applied to college for credits.

Volunteer Achievement Program (VAP) is designed to meet the educational needs of both the new and experienced volunteer. An innovative program, VAP provides separate Learning tracks for Board, Credit, and Supervisory Committee members. Certification is achieved when three core modules, History and Philosophy, Financial Reports, and Managing Risk, are completed in conjunction with three required modules in a specific track. Many volunteers complete additional modules and achieve higher recognition. Two other tracks, Technology and Credit Union Services is also available.

Volunteer Leadership Program (VLP) offers training for the more experienced volunteer. Topics cover a wide range of subjects including teamwork, leadership, CEO performance, recruiting, developing and retaining volunteers, and asset-liability management.

Staff Training And Recognition Program (STAR) is a module-based certification program designed specifically to enhance the skills of "member contact" employees. The program includes three required core modules, Credit Union Orientation, Member Relations and Security. Upon completion of the three core modules, students choose learning tracks which include Member Services, Consumer Lending, Advanced Lending, Credit Union Accounting, Credit Union Sales, Technology and Loan Officer. To become nationally and locally recognized, students must complete the core modules plus a learning track.

Management Enrichment Training Program (MERIT) provides management and future management candidates with the knowledge and ability to confidently and effectively lead your credit union. The MERIT program consists of twenty-four modules. To become certified, six modules must be completed. With each additional six modules taken, participants will achieve higher honors. Topics vary and include training in leadership, communication skills, asset-liability management, conflict management, strategic planning, and more.

Certified Credit Union Executive Program (CCUE) is designed for credit union leaders who want to achieve the hallmark of national professional recognition. Candidates work through an intensive, ten-course, college-level program geared toward credit union managers and those aspiring to credit union leadership. The program is self-study with locally supervised examinations. Participants learn advanced credit union management and operation techniques. Under certain circumstances college course work may be transferred for credit toward the CCUE designation.

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