Certificate Requirement

To attain a Certificate in Event Management from The George Washington University School of Business, students must successfully achieve the following :

  1. Complete four core courses and three electives within two years of enrollment in the first course.
  2. Complete a minimum of 100 hours of practicum experience.
  3. Prepare and submit an event portfolio.

Upon successful completion of the entire Program (seven classes), portfolio, and practicum hours, students receive a professional Certificate in Event Management from The George Washington University School of Business.

Program Policies
1. Open enrollment policy. There are no requirements for enrollment in this program. Choose specific courses, or the entire certificate program.
2. All courses include a brief mastery quiz to assist students with evaluating their level of performance at the conclusion of the course.
3. All in-class courses include a student workbook.
4. You may substitute an in-class presentation with a distance learning course, however,
no refund will be granted.
5. All financial obligations to George Washington University must be met to receive a certificate.
6. Class Withdrawal / Refund: If a student withdraws from an in-class course seven days before the first day of class, refund is 100% of tuition minus a $35 withdrawal fee. If a student withdraws from an in-class course within seven days prior to class or after the start of class, no refund is granted. Distance learning courses are non-refundable.
7. Portfolio and Practicum hours should be separate. This means hours used for your practicum cannot be from the same event you are doing for your portfolio if the portfolio is part of your current job. Also, we request that students NOT use their regular/current jobs as hours for the practicum. This is because we want students to experience more than one facet of event planning and management to get a more rounded view of the discipline.

Admissions
To be admitted to the Event Management Certificate Program, students must have completed the equivalent of a high school diploma. International students must have a TOEFL PBT score of 550 or a TOEFL CBT score of 213. There is no application form, but there is a Program Affirmation form and a $65 non-refundable fee for all students planning to complete the required course work and other requirements to attain a certificate

Students can pay the fee online. The affirmation form should be submitted to:
8181 Professional PI, Suite 140 Landover, Maryland 20785.

PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES

What is a portfolio?
It is the documentation of an actual event which you have planned from beginning to end. You must have an understanding of the research, design, planning, coordination and evaluation processes including administration, marketing, and legal, ethical, and risk management issues. Sections 2 - 9 (listed below) may not exceed five double-spaced 8 1/2" by 11" pages per section. Total pages for sections 2 - 9 combined may not exceed 40 pages. Photographs, illustrations, floor plans, would be in addition to this number and must be included in Section 10: Appendix. The Appendix may not exceed 25 pages. The total portfolio, excluding Table of Contents and Portfolio Affirmation and Release Form may not exceed 65 pages. Pages you wish to protect should be in a clear plastic sleeve (not required, but recommended). Portfolio candidates will lose 1 point for each page over the page limit indicated above.

Portfolio grading is based on a possible total of 150 points. Student must earn 70% (or 105 points) to pass. Students who score less than 70%/105pts will have an opportunity to re-submit their portfolio with corrections (original grade sheet must be included with the re-submission of the portfolio). Portfolios must be re-submitted within two weeks of receipt of the returned portfolio.

*Requests to have portfolios reviewed prior to submission will not be granted.

Practicum. Practicum Summary Sheet and Practicum forms for each Practicum activity must be the first forms inside the portfolio. If the Practicum Summary Sheet is not included or the total number of Practicum hours indicated is less than the total number required for graduation (currently, 100), the entire portfolio will be returned to the student for re-submission.
 
Section 1. (4 pts) Table of contents listing the documents in the portfolio with page numbers.
 
Section 2. (6 pts) An Executive Summary describing the overall event through an introductory statement.
 
Section 3. (20 pts) Research: Describe your research process. What tools were utilized to gather research material? Who was involved in the research process? In the appendix include the following items and refer to how they were utilized in the body of this section. Include a needs assessment and feasibility study for producing the event i.e., Why, Who, When, Where, What, How and the SWOT Analysis.
 
Section 4. ((10 pts) Design: The creative process for designing the event based upon your conclusions from the needs assessment and feasibility study. Discuss what tools you utilize to create the design element. In the appendix include photos and samples of materials (as appropriate).
 
Section 5. (30 pts) Planning: Discuss the process for planning the event based upon the organizational framework. Discuss how you utilized the following items and put the actual documents in the appendix; organizational chart, production, budget and chart of accounts, time line (critical path) and list of vendors (NOTE: If these items are longer than one page put the whole document into one sleeve).
 
Section 6. (35 pts) Coordination: Discuss the process for coordinating the event by how you developed and utilized the following item; a detailed production schedule, script (if applicable), vendor agreements, site and floor plan. Include the actual documents in the appendix. (NOTE: If these items are longer than one page put the whole document into one sleeve).
 
Section 7. (10 pts) Evaluation: Discuss the process for evaluating the event and the conclusions and recommendations resulting from this event evaluation. Discuss what benchmarks or key factors where utilized as evaluation markers. Discuss if an evaluation instrument was used or if not, why not. Discuss the development and implementation of the evaluation instrument. In the appendix submit actual evaluation instruments and results.
 
Section 8. (15 pts) GAP Analysis: Discussion of overall problems and oversights, GAP Analysis, that resulted in each area of this event process and make recommendations for eliminating these in the future utilizing Best Practices.
 
Section 9. (10 pts) Personal Essay: A personal essay describing your development process throughout your Event Management career. Using the five phases of event management discuss what you learned during the development of this event that will help you become a better event professional. List areas where improvement is needed, and also, your general plans to continue your future education to improve your practice.
 
Section 10. Appendix: An appendix that includes a letter or letters from your superior(s), client(s), or other important stakeholders documenting your involvement in the event. Include photos, diagrams, illustrations, slides or video of the event.
 
Section 11. Affirmation: A statement that affirms the information contained in the portfolio represents your original work. Affirmation statement should by signed and dated by student.
 

Affirmation language
“I affirm that the information contained in this portfolio represents my original work, except where such items belong to the event or event organizer (such as a conference program, photos taken by the organization’s photographer, etc.). Any use of other people’s property is indicated by attribution.”

  • IF NO AFFIRMATION STATEMENT IS ATTACHED TO THE PORTFOLIO IT IS AN AUTOMATIC
    RE-SUBMITT/FAIL.

How Should The Portfolio Be Presented?
The professional portfolio must be submitted in a three ring black binder with a clear vinyl pocket on the cover. In the cover, insert an 8 1/2" by 11" sheet of white paper with the following text:

PROFESSIONAL EVENT PORTFOLIO
Submitted By
Name
Address (Return address, the portfolio will be mailed to)
The George Washington University
Event Management Certificate Program
Date

Each section of the portfolio must be separated by clearly and professionally labeled tabs. Collateral materials (photos, letters, floor plans. Programs, etc.…) must also be included in the portfolio package.

Tips

  1. Set a specific schedule for producing your portfolio and stick to it. Waiting until the end of your course of study is not wise.
  2. Work closely with your instructors to make certain you are including the appropriate information. Ask before you proceed.
  3. Make certain you carefully proof your work. The best portfolios are on reserve in the office of the Associate Director and may be reviewed by appointment only.

*Portfolio examples are online as well.

If you need help with portfolio content, please feel free to contact the portfolio advisor at empfolio@gwu.edu.

Submission date:
Portfolios may be submitted at any time (please allow a minimum 12 weeks for grading). However, to be eligible for graduation, the submission date is, May 1 (no exceptions). The conferring of certificates and the graduation ceremony will take place annually at the end of our summer session. Portfolios should be submitted by registered mail with delivery receipt to:

GW Event Management Certificate Program
International Institute of Tourism Studies
2201 G Street, NW
Funger Hall- Suite 301
Washington, DC 20052

Graduation
The conferring of certificates and the graduation ceremony will take place annually at the end of our summer session.

Click on these icons to view sample portfolios.

PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO

Appendix
Please view the sample above. If you need additional help with the portfolio content, feel free to contact the portfolio advisor at empfolio@gwu.edu.

Getting Your Practicum Started:

  1. Call to set a schedule with the site supervisor. Do not wait weeks as the opportunity may no longer exist.
  2. Keep the appointment, commitment or agreement. If you cannot be present at scheduled time, or complete the assignment, please contact site supervisor immediately.
  3. Do not in any way interfere with the supervisor's relationship with his or her client. Do not offer suggestions, talk, or make any comment to the supervisor's client without permission. Be sensitive.
  4. Dress appropriately for duties. If not sure, ask. Bring a change of clothes if necessary. If changing, please ask in advance where you may do so. Wear comfortable and safe shoes at events. Change footwear if necessary.
  5. Do not expect to be fed. In general there is to be no eating or drinking on site. Please ask your supervisor if provision for breaks and food are being made when you are to be on site for a long period of time.
  6. Bring paper and pen to make notes. Be sure you have the name and phone number of the site supervisor.
  7. Maintain a sense of ethics at all times:
  8. Do not discuss confidential information with anyone.
  9. Never contact the supervisor's clients or vendors without the supervisor's permission.
  10. Do not distribute your own personal business cards without permission of the supervisor.
  11. Do not say anything negative. Comments should be reserved for discreet classroom discussion or for the supervisor privately.
  12. Report any problems to GWU-AQE Customer Service immediately (301) 583-8427 or 877 498-4477.
  13. Approach each experience with an open mind. You are building your own library of experiences and there is something to be learned from each function. Even seemingly negative experiences can be a source of growth.
  14. Although each certificate student must complete a minimum of 100 hours of practicum, there is no limit to the total number of hours a student may complete. As time, energy, and availability allow, students may gain an unlimited number of experiences.

Tips for Practicum Success

  1. Show appreciation to the site supervisor for participating in this program. Write a personal note of thanks at the completion of your participation.
  2. Ask the site supervisor about proper dress code for your duties.
  3. Refrain from "teaching,". Instead "conduct research" by asking questions, but do not interfere with anyone's work.
  4. Do not forget to request a letter of reference and bring all forms to give to the supervisor.
  5. Ask (if appropriate) the site supervisor to continue in a mentor role for you as you pursue your studies.
  6. Be observant and take notes.

Pre-Work for Practicum Assignment

    Answer the following questions prior to reporting to your practicum. Use your answers as discussion triggers for your first meeting with your site supervisor. Keep this for your personal reference.
  1. Why did you select this field for your practicum?
  2. What are your Event Management career goals at this time?
  3. How can this practicum experience further your career goals?
  4. What are three skills you hope to improve by observing your site supervisor?
  5. What is your overall goal for this practicum experience and how will you work with your site supervisor help achieve this success?


    6. Please visit the following links for the various forms you may need.
    Note: Duplicate These Original Forms As Needed

PRACTICUM SITE SUPERVISOR REPORT

SAMPLE LETTER OF REFERENCE
Practicum Summary Form