The Program

Western CUNA Management School is sponsored by the thirteen western state leagues of the Credit Union National Association in cooperation with Pomona College.

Students attend the school for three two-week terms over consecutive summers. The university- level faculty is made up of distinguished professors, attorneys, high level credit union professionals and consultants. To promote the learning experience, students live in Pomona College dormitories and take their meals in its dining halls.

In addition to the three annual sessions, students complete a written project between each term: Project I, an analysis of the student's credit union, and Project II, which involves strategic planning for the credit union's future. Students also take a comprehensive examination at the end of each school year.

Year 1
During the first summer, the program focuses on modern management practices and principles. Each class is designed so that what is taught will directly relate to the student's own credit union. Subject areas include:

• Strategic Management
• Financial Analysis
• Organizational Behavior
• Economics
• Business Law
• Human Resources Management
• Communications
• Supervision and Leadership
• Legal and Ethical Standards

Year 2
In the second summer, students undertake an in-depth study of the functional and operational aspects of credit unions, especially their role in the financial marketplace. They also explore in-depth topics covered in Project I. Subject areas include:

• Current Issues in CU Management and Operations
• Money and Financial Institutions
• Key Ratios and Financial Statement Analysis
• Asset/Liability Management
• Peer Analysis and Forecasting
• Credit Union Law & Regulations
• Negotiation Strategies
• Marketing
• Business Development
• Management and Leadership
• Internal Controls
• Public Speaking

Year 3
During the third and final year of the school, the curriculum leads students through a computer simulation of a credit union’s finances to help them plan for the future of their own credit unions. In addition, students participate in a thorough analysis of issues raised in Project II. Subject areas include:

• Strategic Issues in CU Management and Operations
• Financial Simulation
• Legal Issues in Personnel Administration
• Politics & Political Action
• Technology and Delivery Systems
• Business Ethics
• Service Quality
• Managing Human Resources
• Public Speaking
• Credit Union History and Philosophy
• Credit Union Systems and Alliances

© 2008 Western CUNA Management School