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If you’re new to agricultural lending and want to learn more about the process – you should CUIC 346

Published Date: Jul 28, 2021

CUIC 346: Agricultural Lending is an ideal course for credit union employees who are interested in or new to an ag lending position, or a branch manager who wants a better understanding of this role. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the many considerations involved in the agriculture lending process, including information gathering; the analysis and evaluation of the farm operation; the risks associated with agriculture lending; the approval process; and delinquency controls.

According to CUIC 346 facilitator, Gene Pielechaty, past participants have found this course to be particularly helpful in the areas of financial analysis and risk assessment. They also value the helpful hints and tools provided throughout the course, such as the calculation of the recommended limit for a line of credit facility.

This course is recognized as an elective credit towards achieving the industry-recognized Associate of Credit Union Institute of Canada (ACUIC) designation, awarded jointly by The Credit Union Institute of Canada (CUIC) and Dalhousie University.

Register for the Cohort!

This course cohort is only offered once per year in the fall, so don’t miss your chance to join this year’s upcoming cohort in September. Cohorts are an engaging and collaborative learning experience where you will get to interact with the facilitator, as well as other credit union employees.

Course facilitator, and former credit union CEO, Dr. Richard Vaillancourt is passionate about the benefits of learning through a cohort and says:

“Learners are fulfilled with their participation and new learnings as they become more knowledgeable and confident. Cohorts also offer flexibility to participate from wherever the learner is, at whatever time they wish. I really believe there is value in cohort programs and it is fantastic that learners can now start a cohort in September and complete it before Christmas.”

The cohort runs for 12 weeks and provides learning that can be applied directly back to the job. The cohort is comprised of:

Weekly, asynchronous modules

Learners will be responsible for reviewing a module each week from the course study guide that can be completed asynchronously, at their own pace.

Facilitated, online, peer-to-peer discussion each week.

Throughout the program, learners will have access to a subject matter expert in the in the weekly discussion area. Here, they can interact with the facilitator or their credit union peers. Each week, faculty will post a series of questions about the weekly module. These are designed to help learners practice, explore and apply what they are learning. The faculty allow a week for learners to respond with their answers, then will post the response. Participation is worth 10% of the final mark.

Formal assignments

There are two, case-study based assignments that must be completed by each learner. These are submitted to faculty for marking and are worth 40% of your final mark.

Final exam

Each learner must pass the final exam for their CUIC course with a minimum of 60%. The final exams are written and administered by Dalhousie University are worth 50% of your final mark. There are 100 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 120 minutes.

CCUA Campus login is required. To request an account email clientsolutions@ccua.com.