Civic Governance and Innovation Certificate

Program Overview

Designed specifically for employees of municipal and regional governments in British Columbia, the Civic Governance and Innovation (CGI) program utilizes case study analysis and applied projects to investigate how local governments can innovate and embrace risk-taking. As local governments prepare to confront pressing challenges such as technological advancements and climate change adaptation, collaboration among municipal employees, elected officials, and the public becomes essential in finding effective solutions.

In this program, participants will acquire skills in evidence-based decision-making and learn to analyze diverse ideas for improved public outcomes. Additionally, the program addresses how socio-demographic and economic diversity affects public engagement and service delivery.

Program Structure

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Part-time
• Delivery: Hybrid (combination of online and in-person courses)
• Duration: 23 years
• Location: Abbotsford Clearbrook Centre
• Tuition: Approximately $6,500 (including fees and texts; specific costs may vary based on time taken to complete the program)
• Start Dates: January, May, September

Please note that tuition is subject to change without notice, and textbooks are not included in tuition.

Entrance Requirements

Individuals may enter the program without prior university credits. The course CIVI 200 (Evidence-Based Decision Making) serves as a prerequisite for other courses within the program, but it does not have any prerequisites.

This program complements other provincial professional training programs in local governance and public administration. Students who have completed Municipal Administration Training Institute (MATI) or equivalent courses from other institutions may enhance their prior learning while pursuing the CGI certificate.

Program Outline

The 18-credit certificate program consists of six courses that evaluate aspects of political culture, innovation, and best practices in local governance. For an overview of course descriptions, please refer to the UFV Academic Calendar.

Required Courses

The certificate program mandates the completion of six courses offered on a rotational basis:

• CIVI 200 | Evidence-Based Decision Making
• CIVI 202 | Civic Governance in British Columbia
• CIVI 302 | Changemaking in Local Government Systems
• CIVI 311 | How Cities Work
• CIVI 312 | Risk Tolerance and Capacity Building in Local Governance
• CIVI 400 | Capstone Project in Civic Governance and Innovation

All courses in the certificate program earn university credit through UFV and may qualify for transfer credit at other universities.

Employment Opportunities

Local government represents one of the largest employment sectors in nearly every BC community. Employees in local government play a crucial role in bridging political decision-making with public demands for a wide array of comprehensive and professional services that are increasingly pursued through innovative public engagement strategies.

Local governments are also at the forefront of addressing dynamic changes in society, including demographic and technological shifts influencing employment and communication, as well as challenges posed by climate change.

Most local government employees are recruited for their technical skills without additional training in local governance processes. The Civic Governance and Innovation certificate program aims to address this gap by fostering greater flexibility, risk acceptance, and innovation in public engagement.

Target Audience

Individuals who may find value in this program include:

• Government managers focused on health and social policy development and program administration
• Senior government officials and managers
• Public works maintenance personnel
• Water and waste treatment plant operators
• Urban and land use planners
• General office support staff
• Landscape and horticulture technicians
• Developers, urban planners, and engineering consultants
• Real estate board and Chamber of Commerce professionals

Additional Information

To acquire necessary course textbooks, students may utilize the UFV Bookstore's textbook search tool, selecting "CIVI - Civic Studies" as their area of study.

This program aims to empower students with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in evolving governance environments, preparing them to meet the challenges of contemporary local government.

Degree Overview:

The Civic Governance and Innovation (CGI) certificate program at UFV is designed for professionals in BC's municipal and regional government sectors who wish to enhance their understanding and engagement in innovation and change management within local government structures. The program's primary objectives include:

• equipping participants with advanced skills and knowledge for navigating complex issues facing local governments, ranging from technological advancements to environmental adaptation
• fostering collaborative approaches to public service delivery
• developing effective communication strategies for diverse stakeholders
• cultivating risk-taking and innovative mindsets within local government settings

Program Outline:

Structure & Schedule:

• Format: Part-time
• Delivery: Hybrid (combination of online and in-person courses)
• Duration: 2-3 years
• Location: Abbotsford (Clearbrook Centre)
• Start dates: January, May, September
• Course requirements: Completion of 6 courses offered on a rotational basis

Modules & Descriptions:

CIVI 200 - Evidence-Based Decision Making:

equips participants with critical analysis skills for evaluating data and informing evidence-based decision-making processes

CIVI 202 - Civic Governance in British Columbia and the Fraser Valley:

delves into the historical, political, and social context of local government structures within the province

CIVI 302 - Changemaking in Local Government Systems:

explores strategies and tools for fostering innovative practices and overcoming organizational inertia

CIVI 311 - How Cities Work:

provides an in-depth examination of urban governance structures and their impact on local decision-making processes

CIVI 312 - Risk Tolerance and Capacity Building in Local Governance:

cultivates risk-management strategies and fosters individual and organizational capacity for addressing complex challenges

CIVI 400 - Capstone Project in Civic Governance and Innovation:

culminates the program with a research project addressing real-world challenges in local government, drawing on knowledge and skills gained throughout the program

Additional Learning Experiences:

• Webinars
• Workshops

Careers:

• Employment opportunities: Local government, non-governmental organizations, public works sectors, water and waste management, urban planning, real estate, and more
• Benefits for potential employers: Improved employee engagement, increased innovative capacity, and enhanced risk management capabilities

Other:

• Tuition: Approximately $6,500, including fees and textbooks (subject to change)
• Financial assistance: CIVI courses may be eligible for Board of Examiners scholarships
• Entrance requirements: Open to students with or without prior university credits; CIVI 200 serves as the prerequisite for other courses
• Textbooks: Available through UFV Bookstore

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver