Signature of an Agreement Between FSA ULaval and the Mission Laïque Française

Monday June 6th, 2022

From May 8 to 10, 2022, FSA ULaval representatives travelled to Rabat, in Morocco, to attend the Congrès de la Mission laïque française (MLF) (website in French only). In addition to the topics addressed and discussed, the meeting was also an opportunity to officially sign an agreement that had been in effect since 2020.

Training for a broad network

In 2019, Julie Higounet, head of the Mission laïque française’s professional development division, approached Frank Pons, who was then Director of the FSA ULaval – National Bank Corporate Centre, to discuss training opportunities. The idea was to take advantage of FSA ULaval’s expertise in management to develop a training program for members of the MLF’s network who hold a management position, but with no prior studies specific to this field.

In 2020, an agreement was entered into between the Faculty and the MLF to implement this program. Due to the pandemic, however, the parties were unable to sign the agreement. The training program was nevertheless offered for period of 5 years (2020 to 2025). It consists of a customized, 8-month program given online to the management teams of French educational establishments located outside of France. The program covers various administrative science topics, such as:

• management skills;
• human resources management;
• digital technology and team management;
• accounting;
• marketing;
• crisis management and organizational change management.

Results that speak for themselves!

As it was offered online, the training program has already welcomed participants. Two cohorts of 30 participants each, respectively beginning in September 2020 and September 2021, have completed the program. Where the cohorts being filled to capacity are a sign of the program’s success, so are the comments received.

As the 3rd cohort is currently open for registrations, there is no doubt that this program provided FSA ULaval with extensive outreach of its expertise among global partners.

The Mission laïque française celebrates its 120th anniversary!

The FSA ULaval team did not travel to Morocco merely to sign the agreement, but also to attend the Congrès de la Mission laïque française. These 3 days were an opportunity for them to discuss and learn with other institutions about issues of intercultural management, digital teaching techniques and French linguistics. This meeting also commemorated the MLF’S 120th anniversary and its efforts to support the education of Francophone youth around the world.

The event was also an opportunity for FSA ULaval to give out leadership certifications to the individuals from the 2 completed cohorts who were in attendance.