Energizing the Co-operative Brand, and the Next Steps On the Co-op Education Journey

The International Centre for Co-operative Management is full steam ahead! We have a robust schedule of events lined up, and the deadline to submit to our graduate programs is fast approaching.

Read on to learn more about our upcoming virtual international symposium, our world renowned Master's program, and other exciting opportunities!

International Symposium: Co operative Identity and Energizing the Co-operative Brand [Links fixed]

Building on the momentum of the second United Nations International Year of Co-operatives (2025), this free and online symposium will focus on bolstering the co-operative sector's connectivity, reputation, and engagement.

Engaging talks, panels, showcases and case studies will run across May 19 - May 21, 2026. In addition, a pre-symposium workshop will take place on May 14.

Anchored in alignment with the co-operative identity, the event tackles brand image and its intersections with marketing, communications, and culture. With over 40 speakers from 11 countries, this symposium is an essential and comprehensive gathering of researchers, practitioners and leaders in the co-operative and credit union space.

Click here to learn more and register to these events!

See below for a summarised schedule:

All times are in ADT timezone, with time zone conversion linked in the detailed program. AI-powered voice to text interpretation is provided by Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada, in French, Spanish and Portuguese. You can register for the symposium now!

Don't delay! Apply today to secure your seat in our 2026 graduate cohort

The core of our Centre are our graduate business program offerings:

Master of Management, Co-operatives and Credit Unions (MMCCU) (3 years)
Graduate Diploma in Co-operative Management (16 months)
Certificate in Co-operative Management (10 months)

Our online, part-time programs cater to professionals currently or aspiring to be in a management or leadership position in a co-operative, credit union, association or mutual (or those servicing or supporting co-operatives). Students, faculty and researchers are drawn from around the globe and from a diverse range of co-operative backgrounds, enriching the learning community with their experience.

Applications remain open until May 31 or until full.

Click here to learn more today! Or email erin.hancock@smu.ca to ask any questions.

Check out these opportunities in 2026!

May 30-June 7 - Co-op Study Tour to Mondragon, Spain (WAITLIST) - More here

Aug 23-28 - Co-op Law Summer School Master Class, Croatia - More here

Aug 22 - Co-op Law School free hybrid workshop - More here

Sep 13-18 - CanadaDE Credit Union Leadership Program, Canada - More here

Oct 26-30 - Transformative Co-op Leadership Masterclass, Canada - More here

Plus:

Research and Publications - More here

Co-operative Case Studies - More here

As always you can learn more about all of our programs and activities by attending an online information session!

Sign up to CEARC's newsletter!

Our sister organisation, the Centre for Excellence in Accounting and Reporting for Co-operatives, was created because the co-operative business model is not adequately served by the same approach to accounting used by investor-driven firms and research and dialogue was needed.

CEARC produces the International Journal of Co-operative Accounting and Management (IJCAM) which accepts submissions all year round.

Click here to learn more and check out the latest CEARC newsletter here!

Thanks for reading!

Learn more about how you can advance your co-operative/

credit union education journey at managementstudies.coop

Schedule a call with Erin Hancock, Education Manager, today by clicking here.

International Centre for

Co-operative Management www.managementstudies.coop

cme@smu.ca | @CoopMgmt

The International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary's University is located in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded and never surrendered territory of the Mi'kmaq. The Mi'kmaq have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. It is covered by the 18th Century Peace and Friendship Treaties. We are Treaty People.