2021 College of Commissioner Science
Join us next year
December 10, 2021
in the Great Trail Council
You are invited to the Friday Night Social
All college participants are invited.
What: College of Commissioner Science Social .
A time for fellowship with college participants.
Spouses/Significant others are welcome to attend.
Place: Panini’s Bar & Grill
Website and menu: https://paninisgrill.com/locations/stow/
4200 Steels’ Point Drive, Stow 44224
(Enter from traffic light at intersection of E. Steels Corner Rd. & Bridgewater parkway –– across from McDonald’s)
Date: Friday, November 12, 2021
Time: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. –– Social
(dinner not provided, but everyone may order from the menu.
Dress: Business Casual (this is a non-uniformed event)
No RSVP required
Here is your online copy of the program
2021 College Program for the web.pdf2021 Great Trail Council College of Commissioner Science
The college on November 13, 2021, will be a live-in-person event hosted by the Great Trail Council in Stow, OH. This page has your links to online registration, prices, directions, hotel accommodations, college and dean contacts, program reciprocity, our Keynote Speaker and his presentation, and course listings with abstracts and learning objectives. Courses offered in the years before this college are listed at the bottom.
Page updated: October 6, 2021
Saturday, November 13, 2021
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Doors open with continental breakfast at 7:15 am.
The GTC Commissioner College in 2021 will be organized with an all-new national curriculum revised in 2021 for our Bachelors and Masters program. Our curriculum is organized in each college by our deans. If you have a question please contact the appropriate Dean below.
The College of Commissioner Science
is a continuing education experience in a college environment designed to help commissioners keep up to date with the newest training materials and problem-solving techniques to better help units deliver a quality Scouting program. All Commissioners should attend this nationally recognized program. There is a four-year cycle to this program; Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate Degrees can be earned. All can benefit from courses offered by the continuing education college.
Prerequisite: Basic Commissioner Training. You may access this training online at my.scouting.org.
Commissioners from all councils are welcome to attend.
Why do Commissioners Need the College?
The mission of the commissioner is to help the unit succeed and the way to accomplish this mission is through education and practical learning experiences. Just as every Scout deserves a trained leader, every unit deserves a trained commissioner!
A trained commissioner is an effective commissioner. Nationally-created training and resources are being updated on a routine basis throughout 2021. Therefore, to stay up to date, commissioners should view continual learning as an important part of their entire scouting lives.
Even though updated training materials are available on the BSA Commissioner Training web page, holding a college gives commissioners the opportunity for interaction with other commissioners, and a better understanding of the material during a group discussion.
The college provides an in-depth knowledge of the essential aspects of the commissioner’s duties and responsibilities. The final result is a stronger and more knowledgeable commissioner corps serving units.
The College offers you the opportunity to:
Learn the information essentials to provide the best service to scouting units
Enjoy fellowship amongst the commissioner corps
Reinforce and expand on the lessons learned during previous training
Receive updates on commissioner service and scouting
See you in Stow on Saturday, November 13, 2021.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Bruce Boyle
Territory Commissioner
National Service Territory 9
will join our faculty, give a keynote, and offer courses. If you haven’t heard Bruce speak, you will enjoy his insight and wisdom.
Bruce Boyle's Biography
Click here to read more about our guest of honor.
Bruce Boyle earned his Eagle Scout rank and bronze palm in 1967 in Newport News, VA. He was presented the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award in 2016. He currently serves as the National Service Territory 9 Commissioner.
He is married to his wife Karen for 40 years and they have two sons Patrick and Michael both who have earned their Eagle Scout rank in 2000 and 2002 respectively.
Bruce has served scouting at the unit, district, council and area levels including Scoutmaster, District Chair, Council Vice President, Council Executive Board, Council Commissioner, Council President, Area Vice President Finance, Area Vice President Marketing and Area Commissioner. He has been awarded the Scoutmaster Award of Merit, the District Award of Merit, the OA Vigil Honor, the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope. He is a James E. West, 1910 Society, Founders Circle and Second Century Society member.
He has earned the high adventure triple-crown award attending Philmont, Northern Tier and Sea Base as an adult advisor. He has served on the National Jamboree subcamp staffs for the 2010, 2013 and 2017 National Scout Jamborees and also served on the 2019 World Jamboree International Service Team.
He earned his Wood Badge beads in course C-24-99, Hawkeye Area Council and has served on staff for six courses including Course Director for Muskingum Valley Council C4-467-12.
Bruce’s scouting career has taken him across many locations both as a youth and an adult leader including the National Capital Area Council, Chattahoochee Council, Colonial Virginia Council, Hawkeye Area Council, Buckeye Council, Crossroads of America Council, Muskingum Valley Council and Simon Kenton Council.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from the University of Chicago. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Reserve.
His 40 year business career has been in financial management primarily with manufacturing companies. Prior to his retirement he was the Chief Financial Officer for a private equity group in Indianapolis, Indiana. Previous CFO positions were at Raytheon Appliances, Inc., Wayne-Dalton Corp., Smart Papers, LLC and Flight Options, LLC.
Here is your online copy of the Keynote Presentation
Keynote Address: Building Relationships - Rebuilding Units
Great Trail Council COCS 20211113.pdfDriving Directions to the Great Trail Council Service Center & Accommodations
4500 Hudson Drive
Stow, OH 44224
Stow, OH 44224
Find directions, send them to your phone by clicking on the map.
Looking for a place to stay near the council service center?
Hilton.com direct link4331 Lakepointe Corporate DriveStow, OH 442240.8 miles330.945.4160estimate: $85
by Hilton Stow AkronHilton.com direct link4097 Bridgewater ParkwayStow, OH 442241.4 miles330.835.6400estimate $110
by Marriott Akron StowMarriott.com direct link4170 Steels ParkStow, OH 442241.2 miles330.940.1450estimate: $96
2021 Course Schedule
Faculty subject to change.
For more information about each degree and each course click on the Program descriptions below.
2021 final course schedule.pdfWho may attend the college?
Prerequisite: Basic Commissioner Training. You may access this training online at my.scouting.org.
Anyone from any council is welcome to this college put on by Great Trail in Stow Ohio.
Degree Requirements and Reciprocity Guide.pdfReciprocity Statement
You may register for one of the following four college tracks: Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate I and II, and Continuing Education. The document below shows the prerequisites and requirements for each degree. and includes information on earning the Doctor of Commissioner Science Knot award. This is a national standard to which we adhere.
Click to reveal document details
Statement of Course Work Reciprocity:
The College of Commissioner Science accepts a Commissioner's course work from any Boy Scouts of America College of Commissioner Science provided that an official transcript is made available.
The College of Commissioner Science will credit courses from another Council to be applied towards a College of Commissioner Science Degree if prior approval has been obtained from the current Dean of the College of Commissioner Science.
Classes taken at a University of Scouting that are not listed in the B.S.A. National Curriculum (http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/commissioners/training.aspx) will not be accepted for credit.
The college will also honor Commissioner courses taken at the Philmont Training Center. (Please submit a transcript to the College of Commissioner Science Registrar.)
Degree Recognition:
The College of Commissioner Science will continue to recognize degrees earned from other Boy Scouts of America College of Commissioner Science and Philmont Training Center College of Commissioner Science degrees provided that an official transcript is made available.
Award Recognition:
The College of Commissioner Science will honor all Commissioner Arrowhead, Commissioner Key, Distinguished Commissioner, and the Commissioner Award of Excellence in Unit Service, and the Doctor of Commissioner Science Awards.
The COCS Bachelor Program
Dean Mark Messerly, Great Trail Council (MarkMesserly@hotmail.com)
The Bachelor Program consists of courses numbered between 100 and 299, that will augment your commissioner basic training. Basic training should be completed before beginning the bachelor program. The courses cover some of the same topics but they are all covered more in depth and with more student interaction. All courses are newly revised in 2018.
Click to reveal course details
Prerequisites:
Current registration as a Commissioner
Current BSA Youth Protection Training Certificate
Completion of “Commissioner Basic Training.” You may access this training online at my.scouting.org.
Course Requirements: Completion of seven courses of instruction, at least five of the courses at the Bachelor's program level.
Courses Offered:
The courses below and faculty are subject to change.
BCS 107 Journey to Excellence
Faculty: TBD
Course description:
JTE is the BSA’s tool for helping leaders plan their program, monitor progress, and assess their Scouting success. Scouting success takes many forms, and JTE success employs a “balanced scorecard” as a result. The standards enable both large Scout units and small ones to succeed — as long as they provide good Scouting to youth. In addition, The JTE scorecard provides commissioners with information that enables them to give the greatest possible help and support to the unit.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Explain the value of the unit’s use of Journey to Excellence.
Relate the use of JTE to help the unit recognize the benefit of building their program around the Journey to Excellence criteria.
Identify resources to help improve Journey to Excellence performance in the unit.
BCS 106 Coaching Leaders
Faculty: TBD
Course Description:
In this course, a commissioner will become familiar with the new Coaching model and how to use it to better serve their units.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Recognize the importance of coaching
Employ coaching methods to address different situations
Evaluate options for resolution
BCS 109 The Essential Element (A Servant’s Heart)
Faculty: TBD
Course Description:
In 1970, Robert Greenleaf introduced the term “servant leadership.” He wrote an essay titled “The Servant as Leader” that was later expanded into a book. That book is a very influential management text that launched the servant leadership movement. However, the concept is thousands of years old and stems, at least partly, from religious teachings on leadership.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Define the characteristics of servant leadership
Understand a servant’s heart
Apply this concept in unit service
BCS 117 The Commissioner and the Unit Key 3
Faculty: TBA
Course Description:
This course examines the roles of the Unit Key 3 and how a commissioner works with and coaches each.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
IDENTIFY the roles of the unit Key 3.
UNDERSTAND the need to CREATE a working bond between the unit Key 3 and the unit commissioner.
BCS 114 Understanding and Communicating with Today’s Leaders
Faculty: TBD
Course Description:
We, as commissioners, need to understand the differences in relating to the generations involved in scouting and inclusiveness. As commissioners, we can embrace the differences and similarities to make the scouting program stronger. A lack of understanding across generations can have detrimental effects on communication and relationships. In this session, we are going to focus on how these new generations are affecting the BSA and how the BSA can target Gen Xers and Millennials.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Identify the characteristics of generations within Scouting’s leaders.
Understand the differences in relating to generations involved in scouting
Embrace the differences and similarities to make the scouting program stronger.
BCS 116 Collaborative Assessments
Faculty: TBD
Course Description:
This course examines and discusses the need for collaboration in assessing the unit’s strengths and needs to build a Unit Service Plan with the unit leaders and record progress in Commissioner Tools in working toward their goals.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Understand the importance of the Collaborative Assessment
Develop and utilize a Unit Service Plan
Assess and record results of the Unit Service Plan in Commissioner Tools
BCS 201 The Commissioner and Cub Scouting
Faculty: Gregory Upole
Course Description:
The purpose of The Commissioner and Cub Scouting is to focus on retention. It is designed for new and seasoned Commissioners to learn more about and understand Pack level challenges and have an in-depth knowledge of the program's ins and outs. Section content will include Recruiting, Membership, Program, and relating/teaching information to the Pack Leaders.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Identify the methods, challenges, and goals of recruiting and membership
Identify/describe facets of the Pack program
Teach/coach Pack leaders regarding these subjects
The COCS Master Program
The Master Program offers more advanced courses, numbered from 300 to 499. These courses will be most beneficial to an experienced or an administrative commissioner. Again many of the topics are familiar but are explained in more detail with more student interaction. All courses are newly revised in 2018.
Click to reveal course details
Prerequisites:
Current registration as a Commissioner
Current BSA Youth Protection Training Certificate
Earned Arrowhead Honor.
Completion of Bachelor's Degree or have been awarded the Commissioner's Key
Course Requirements: Completion of seven (7) additional courses of instruction (total of 14), at least seven of the courses at the Master's level.
Courses Offered
MCS 302 – The Charter Renewal process
Faculty: Dave Harman
Course Description:
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
MCS 305 Resolving Critical Unit Issues
Faculty: Patty Payne
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to hone the commissioner’s skills in assessing units, determining their strengths and weaknesses, and in developing plans to improve the functioning of the unit. When collaborating with the unit Key 3, the commissioner may be able to help identify critical issues and keep the unit from becoming an “At-Risk” unit
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
• Identify when a unit has a critical issue
• Work thru process to develop action
• Provide practical experience in solving issues
MCS 306 Mentoring Skills
Faculty: Chip Reed
Course Description:
Mentoring is a long term relationship in which one individual supports and guides the personal or professional growth and development of another. Mentoring is an essential skill of a commissioner and this course will provide tools for commissioners to use when mentoring others. This course will also explore the similarities and subtle differences between mentoring and coaching.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
• Recognize the role of a mentor
• Understand mentoring methods
• Discuss building the mentoring relationship
MCS 309 Good Commissioners Need Both Head and Heart
Faculty: Terry Polzin
Course Description:
This course will discuss how the servant leadership concept is carried out in service to units using a commissioner’s head and heart.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
• Define the role of a commissioner relative to the unit’s leadership
• Learn how to engage units to identify unit needs
• Understand unit culture
MCS 313 Onboarding New Commissioners
Faculty: Chip Reed
Course Description:
In this session we will discuss the importance of onboarding commissioners into their new position and talk about who is responsible for making sure that onboarding happens. We will also discuss the onboarding process and how it is to be completed.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
• Explain why we onboard commissioners
• Discuss what is included in onboarding process
• Know who is responsible for onboarding
MCS xxx Course to be named later
MCS 358 Addressing Unit Challenges Through Roundtable
Faculty: John Hogan and Ray Barlett
Course Description:
Roundtable is the one place, virtual or in person, where every unit leader and volunteer should be each month. It is an event where many district and council resources will be accessible, and as a commissioner, you know your district’s operating committees and are well-positioned to provide much needed linkages.
The “big picture” is that effective roundtables help units become more successful and efficient.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
• Recognize when units may need additional resources.
• Discuss resources that are available to support unit service.
• Understand how to help units resolve their challenges and roadblocks.
MCS 460 - Scouts with Special Needs - The Commissioner's Role
Faculty: Chris Scott
Course Description:
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
The Doctorate Program
The Doctorate Program consists of the courses, numbered from 500 to 699, that are required to write an approved thesis or complete an approved project. In addition, there are some advanced courses available for the very experienced commissioner. All courses are newly revised in 2018.
Click to reveal course details
Prerequisites:
Current registration as a Commissioner
Current BSA Youth Protection Training Certificate
Completion of Master’s Degree
Have been awarded the Commissioner’s Key
Course Requirements: Completion of 10 additional courses of instruction (total of 24) at least five of the courses at the Doctorate or Continuing Education program level. Courses may not have previously been counted toward other college degrees.
Thesis or Project: It is recommended that the topic of a project or thesis be directly related to unit service. There may be specific circumstances under which a topic related to another area of Scouting would be appropriate. Local councils have the authority to approve topics related to another area of Scouting when selecting one directly related to unit service isn't appropriate or practical. The council commissioner or designee may authorize an alternate topic. This can be on any topic related to Commissioner Service.
The topic must be pre-approved by the college of commissioner science committee.
Complete the thesis/project using the approved format as determined by the college.
The topic and final paper must be approved by the doctoral review committee.
All segments (proposal, proposal acceptance, thesis/project completion, thesis acceptance ) of the degree must be approved by the college of commissioner science
Commissioner Performance: Serve for at least one year on the college of commissioner science staff (instructor or support staff), or work with training support for commissioners for at least one year.
Courses Offered
Courses Offered
DCS-501 Selecting Your Project or Thesis Topic
Faculty: David Rice
Course Description:
This session assists doctoral candidates in selecting their project or thesis concept.
Course objectives:
Identify what constitutes a good topic or focus area.
Distinguish between a project and thesis.
Describe DCS Degree and Knot requirements
DCS-502 Limiting the Scope of the Topic
Faculty: David Rice
Course Description:
Doctoral candidates explore various procedures to reduce their topic to a workable size. A suggested approval process will also be shared.
Course objectives:
Select a specific project / thesis topic.
Complete S.M.A.R.T. analysis for a selected topic
DCS-503 Developing Your Project or Thesis
Faculty: David Rice
Course Description:
This session covers the project or thesis outline and a variety of suggestions for writing and revising the report.
Course objectives:
Identify the main parts of a project report / thesis.
Develop a first draft outline.
Identify methods of gathering information.
Give examples of common writing errors to be avoided when writing the project report or thesis
DCS-504 Project Thesis Open Workshop Forum
Faculty: David Rice
Course Description:
This Q and A open forum provides doctoral candidates an opportunity to review completed projects and theses instilling confidence that this task is attainable.
Course objectives:
Describe challenges / solutions faced by Doctors of Commissioner Science.
Evaluate other possible topics for project or thesis.
Discover possible solutions to concerns during Q and A period
Presentations of Doctoral Thesis
Those candidates ready will present their thesis in this session.
The COCS Continuing Education Program
The Continuing Education curriculum was created to encourage those with a doctorate to continue to learn new topics, and for those who hold a master degree but do not aspire to complete their doctorate. Students in the Doctoral 2 Track typically attend the Continuing Education Courses. Courses are numbered from 700 to 899. Courses from the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate levels may be utilized.
Click to reveal course details
Courses Offered
DCS 506 – Coaching for Administrative Commissioners
Faculty: TBD
Course Description:
Coaching is about relationships. It is the ability to listen, to observe, to share, to support and to engage in a way that will help others solve their own problems, grow as individuals and attain their full potential. Coaching is the art of helping others arrive at their conclusions through their own analysis of the situation and facts
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
• Understand the principles of effective coaching.
• Discuss the fundamental elements of coaching for and by administrative Commissioners.
• Examine coaching’s role in building strong relationships within the Commissioner team.
CED-716 Conflict Resolution for Commissioners
Faculty: Andrew Paisley
Course Description:
Conflict arises from differences. It occurs whenever people disagree over their values, motivations, perceptions, ideas, or desires. Sometimes these differences look trivial, but when a conflict triggers strong feelings, a deep personal need is at the core of the problem, a need to feel safe and secure, a need to feel respected and valued.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
• Analyze the source and cause of conflict
• Identify tools to help mediate conflict
• Learn to apply the tools specific situations
CED 713 – Advancement for Scouts with Special Needs – The Commissioner’s Role
Faculty: Chris Scott
Course Description:
Virtually every unit will experience having a youth who has disabilities. This course will provide Commissioners with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can provide an Advancement program which provides these youth with the Scouting opportunities to succeed.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
DCS 516 – Succeeding With the Unit Service Plan
Faculty: Bruce Boyle
Course Description:
The Unit Service Plan is the roadmap to unit success. With appropriate guidance the commissioner staff can provide significant unit assistance. The district administrative s will need comprehensive data to set the course for unit success across the district.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Understand the Unit Service Plan from the district point of view.
Discover the many sources of detailed unit performance information.
Understand the relationship of the district committee and unit success.
Discover methods to confirm unit performance over time.
MCS 304 – Commissioner Service for Units At Risk
Faculty: David Rice
Course Description:
Early detection and systematic problem-solving is critical to support units when they encounter problems which may prevent them from functioning effectively. This class will provide the commissioner with ways to identify these units and to discuss the processes needed to support the unit’s move toward performing as an effective scouting unit.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Define units at risk
Explain the processes of support
Identify the responsibilities of commissioners
DCS 514 – Building Meaningful Relationships
Faculty:
Course Description:
Commissioner service is all about relationships. This session suggests ways in which commissioners may go about building and maintaining positive relationships with those they serve. It also discusses possible pitfalls that can undermine relationships.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Develop a top ten list that people seek in a positive relationship.
Explain one way to measure relationships.
Explore possible pitfalls to avoid - actions or inactions that can put stress on relationships.
Explain how to rebuild a stressed relationship
Courses offered in 2017 to 2020?
Did you attend in the past and want to be reminded what courses were offered? Check out these links.
2017 College Courses.pdf2018 course schedule.pdf2019 final course schedule.pdf2020 course schedule.pdf