Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the IPSL: Political Acumen Master Class online?
  • ​Yes, it is 100% online and always has been since the first program in 2017.
• Who are the mentors on faculty? 
  • ​The IPSL Master Mentor faculty come from a distinguished cadre of former Canadian provincial, national and municipal  politicians and bureaucrats,  top academics and media experts. For full profiles go to: Mentors
• What is the program schedule?
  • Starting in January 2021 for 12 weeks, a new module will open each week featuring a mentor panel conversation on the topic. All the live panels take place on Fridays from 10 - 11:15am pacific time.
• How do the mentor panel conversations work?​
  • Each module begins with a live master mentor panel that lasts for 75 mins. These panels are informal conversations between 3 mentors sharing stories about their experiences relating to the topic that week.
• Can I ask questions during the live mentor panel conversations?
  • Yes the mentor panels are interactive and the audience can ask questions  through a chat function. There is also an opportunity to send in advance questions.
• What happens if I can't make the live panels?
  • ​All mentor panel conversations are recorded and available within 24 hours in the Resource Room.
• What's in the Resource Room?
  • ​Each of the 13 modules has a dedicated Resource Room where you will find the MP4 recording after a session has completed, short podcast interviews, a program E-Handbook, articles to download and links to other resources that have been curated to provide perspectives and further information on each topic.
• When does the next program start?
  • ​Season #5 of IPSL: Political Acumen Master Class starts January 6th, 2021.
• How much does the course cost?
  • ​The IPSL: Political Acumen Master Class is regularly $1495 per person.  For Season #5, we have reduced the price to $995 per person to acknowledge economic challenges and budget constraints that have been caused by Covid-19.
• How do I reserve my spot?
  • ​Simply fill in the request form on this page and we will get in touch when registration opens in October 2020.
• What are the full program dates?
  • The program begins on January 6th and the last live mentor panel conversation takes place on March 26. All registered participants have access to all program materials for an additional 6 months until October 2021.
• How long is the program?
  • The program material is delivered weekly over 12 weeks with access to recorded materials and the Resource Room for an additional 6 months.
• How much time should it take to complete the course?
  • ​It depends on how much additional study of Resource Room materials you choose to do but participants should expect to spend about 2 hours per week on the program including time spent watching the mentor panels. 
• Who would benefit from taking this course?
  • ​Public Sector Leaders from all backgrounds, experiences, and educational levels will benefit from participating in the IPSL: Political Acumen Master Class. Program content is relevant to Federal, Provincial and Municipal leaders across Canada.
• How do I access the course?
  • ​You will be given log in access to the program website with all course materials.  Access is available 24/7 throughout the program. Email information to access each live mentor panel conversation will be sent weekly.
• How long will I have access to the program materials?
  • ​Season #5 program participants will have access to all materials until October 2021.
• What technology do I need to access the course?
  • ​You will need an internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone - cell phone, Tablet, Mac or PC computer.  We recommend Chrome as your browser.
• Can I take the course with a group?
  • ​Yes, our alumni tell us that taking the program with other colleagues enhances the learning opportunities from the mentors. Everyone hears different things.​
• Do you offer coaching/mentoring support during/after the program
  • ​Coaching and mentoring support is an excellent way to further embed your learning and get the most out of the program. Several of our Master Mentors offer their coaching/mentoring services for a fee. You can find them HERE .
• What’s the best way for me as a senior leader to support my staff as they take the course?
  • ​A good way is to attend with them so that you can lead the group through a quick conversation after each session. If you can’t attend, you can still put time aside at a weekly meeting to share real world/current stories and examples about each topic.