Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the program
Questions about admissions
Questions about tuition
Questions about registration
Questions about the program
How will the program integrate classical Jewish teachings and best practices from industry and the academy?
Using primary and secondary sources, students will explore each of the following issues in the context of their own leadership work:
- How do definitions of leadership as they have emerged over the millennia in classical Jewish texts and in actual Jewish communities compare with contemporary teachings on the subject?
- Is there such a thing as a natural leader? Are leaders born or made?
- What role does humility play in effective leadership?
- What are the benefits and downsides of collaboration in the context of organizational leadership?
- What are the ethical challenges faced by those who hold positions of leadership?
- Is there a difference between Jewish and secular responses to the ethical dilemmas of leadership?
- How do Jewish and general teachings on leadership development and succession planning compare?
How is this program different than other programs, such as at Wexner Center, Mandel Center, Selah Program or Jewish Communal Leadership Programs?
Most Jewish leadership programs focus on Jewish literacy or general leadership skill development. Often they target individuals who have already assumed Jewish leadership positions or who seek a graduate degree. The Northwestern-Spertus Certificate in Jewish Leadership actively and deeply weaves together classical Jewish thought, texts, and experiences with professional best practices for a unique and valuable program. The Certificate in Jewish Leadership is designed for professionals with three to five years of experience who work in Jewish organizations and who want to develop the skills necessary to lead their organizations into the 21st Century.
How long will the program take to complete?
The program is designed to be completed in about 6-7 months. You will move through the program as a cohort with the other students in your class. You should take the courses in the sequence provided.
Who are the faculty?
As of November 2012, we are still in the process of hiring faculty. However, faculty will come from Northwestern University and the Spertus Institute. Most have PhDs or other terminal credentials in their fields of expertise.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is one of the most unique aspects of the program. Each student is assigned a professional mentor who has extensive senior-level experience in Jewish leadership positions. Mentors work closely with students to identify areas for professional growth, to discuss particularly challenging professional issues, and help to weave the classroom learning with professional application.
Who are the mentors?
Mentors are drawn from a pool of seasoned Jewish professionals, many of whom have worked with Spertus graduate students in other mentoring relationships. Each student is assigned an individual mentor, based on the student’s particular needs and goals.
Questions about admissions
How do I apply to the program?
Download the application for The Certificate in Jewish Leadership: Northwestern University and Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies from our admissions page. Use Adobe Reader version X to complete it. Save a copy to your hard drive for your records and email it to: tcjl@northwestern.edu. Please attach a resume with your submission. This application will be reviewed by an Admission Committee of Northwestern University and the Spertus Institute Faculty and Administration. You will receive an e-mail response with an admissions decision generally within 10-15 business days. Cohorts are limited to 20 students. Applications are due no later than March 2, 2012.
Questions about tuition
How much does the program cost?
The total cost of the program is $4,500. For your convenience, you may pay this in two installments upon registration. Note: There is no application fee.
Can I pay by credit card or check?
Yes, you may pay by MasterCard, American Express or Discover. We also accept checks. However, we do not accept Visa for payment.
Can my organization pay by purchase order?
No, we can only accept credits or checks.
Questions about registration
How do I register for the modules?
Upon acceptance to the program, we will ask you to complete a course registration form for the first three (3) courses. At that time you must pay either 100% of the tuition ($4,500) or 50% ($2,250). If you only pay 50%, you will not be able to register for the last three modules until you pay the remainder. There are no refunds for this program once you attend a module. However, you may petition to have your enrollment changed to another cohort—if/as available— in extreme circumstances.
What if I can’t take a module? Can I get a refund for that module?
No, there are no refunds. The program fee is $4,500. While we allow you to make 2 payments, there are not separate fees per course. However, in extreme circumstances, we may allow you to take any courses that you cannot complete with another cohort—if/as available.
What if I sign up for modules but need to drop the entire program before I start a single course?
You may drop the program and receive a refund, minus $50 processing fee, if you request to drop the module BEFORE the first meeting. After the first meeting you will be committed to pay the entire $4,500.
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