Online Certification in Appreciative Inquiry

Develop your capacity to identify and leverage strengths, talents, and possibilities with Appreciative Inquiry (AI).

Grounded in evidence-based practices, and the latest science of strength-based change, Appreciative Inquiry turns the old idea of organizational change on its head. Rather than starting with a focus on what is wrong in your organization, AI invites you to ask what is working and how you can scale up successes. For over 30 years, AI has been used around the world to: 

• Increase profits, while at the same time improving the world.
• Show businesses the bigger picture, including their place in the world from a sustainability point of view.
• Allow employees to be more creative and to have more buy-in with the company’s strategic plans.
• Improve efficiency and output due to the revitalized commitment and enthusiasm from both employees and management for the company’s mission.
• Engage entire communities in creating improvements in their region.
• Work across all types of organizational sectors, from for-profit to the social sector.

In our world of continual disruption, AI provides a framework and practical tools to navigate change in a way that brings out the best in everyone. Step into your capacity to be a positive change leader today! 

Learning Outcomes:

Through this certification program, you learn the foundations of Appreciative Inquiry and define and design your own AI application with the help of expert coaches. You will learn the tools and techniques that will help you and your organization:

• Leverage Core Strengths
• Engage the Whole System
• Accelerate Positive Growth

You will also build competency in these five core AI leadership skills increasingly in demand in today’s ever-changing world:

• Intentional Inquiring
• Future Focusing
• Solutions Seeking
• Asset Appreciating
• Inclusively Involving

What you need to know:

• The course is designed for individuals across organizations who are working to lead change formally or informally at the individual, team, or systems level.
• The program is entirely virtual – participate from anywhere you are in the world!
• The program is 15 Weeks in total, designed in a series of three 4-week sessions (outlined below), with a 1-week break in between sessions.
• Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a professional certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Practitioner from the Cooperrider Center at Champlain College.
• There will be one 1-hour zoom meeting per week. Students are requried to attend at least 9 out of the 12 zoom meetings. 
• On some of these zoom calls, you will be connecting with not only instructors and each other, but also leading industry experts who will share lessons and wisdom learned from years working in the field.
• Expect to spend 8-10 hours a week on learning materials and applications.
• In addition to pre-recorded, on demand lectures from Drs. Lindsey Godwin and David Cooperrider, you will also be provided with weekly learning materials and hands-on application opportunities to bring AI to life in your world.
• All required resources (articles, videos, books, chapters, etc.) are provided as part of your tuition.
• As part of the program, you will receive a 1-year subscription to the AI Practitioner Journal. 
• This course qualifies for 10 CEUs.

Session Dates and Topics:

• Oct 7 – Nov 1, 2024: Session 1 – Foundations in Appreciative inquiry & Strengths-Based Change
• One week break (Nov 4-8, 2024)
• Nov 11-Dec 13, 2024: Session 2 – Appreciative Inquiry Applications for Change Leaders (one week break between Nov 25-29, 2024)
• Five week break over winter holidays (Dec 16, 2024 – Jan 17, 2025)
• Jan 20 – Feb 14, 2025: Session 3 – Designing & Delivering Positive Impact with Appreciative Inquiry

About the Cooperrider Center at Champlain College

The David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry is the global hub for connecting people to learn about, apply, and amplify Appreciative Inquiry. Appreciative Inquiry is a framework for discovering and accelerating individual and organizational strengths to generate value.

Refund Policy

• Withdrawal up to two weeks before the start of the course: 100% refund
• Withdrawal between two weeks before and 3 days before the start of the course: 50% refund or transfer registration in full to another person.
• Withdrawal within 3 days of the start of the course: No refund.

Questions? Contact the Cooperrider Center at appreciativeinquiry@champlain.edu.