Frequently Asked Questions- FAQs

What is a professional development course? Professional development courses are courses that help increase your knowledge in a specific subject area to boost your resume, renew your license, help you in your job, increase your marketability, or for general interest. These courses do not apply toward a degree.

Why should I take a professional development course?

The professional development courses we offer will increase your skill level, expertise, and marketability. Additionally, we offer courses that are based on the interests that you express to us in regards to time, location, and subject matter that are the most recent forms of information.

Who can participate in Professional Development courses?

Most of our professional development courses are open enrollment therefore, anyone can take our classes. However, we do offer recommendations for some of our courses.

Can I apply this training toward my degree?

No. Professional development courses are non-credit classes.

How do I enroll in courses?

You may enroll online, over the phone, by mail, or in person. We encourage you to register a minimum of (7) seven business days prior to the course to guarantee materials are available for the first day of clas

• Online: Click on the Register Now link under the course you would like to register.
• Phone: Call 216-687-6957.
• Fax: Complete the registration form and fax it to 216-687-9309.
• Mail: Complete the registration form and send it to:
• Cleveland State University
  Monte Ahuja College of Business
  1860 E. 18^th St., BU 328
  Cleveland, OH 44115
• In Person: Monte Ahuja College of Business-BU 328

How do I get more information on a course?

Choose the Learn More link, call 216-687-6957, email prodev.business@csuohio.edu, or stop by our office in the Monte Ahuja College of Business, BU 328.

What if the class I want is not listed?

Call 216-687-6957, email prodev.business@csuohio.edu, or stop by our office in the Monte Ahuja College of Business, BU 328.

What if I would like to see courses offered at a different time or location? 

Call 216-687-6957, email prodev.business@csuohio.edu, or stop by our office in the Monte Ahuja College of Business, BU 328.

What does the cost include?

Costs for courses include snacks, parking, and course materials.   

When is my payment due?

All payments are to be paid in full before the first day of class. To make a payment you can pay at initial registration or call 216.687.6957. 

What forms of payment do you accept?

• Credit Card via phone or in person
• Faculty/Staff development: This is offered to all CSU Faculty & Staff who meet HR requirements. In order to use your Faculty/Staff development benefit, please complete the Staff development form. The original Staff development form should be sent to Treasury Services and a copy should be sent to the Professional Development Center via in person, mail, fax, or email.
• Company Purchase order

Can my company pay for my class?

Yes. We can invoice your company or they can use a company credit card to pay for the class. However, all payments must be received before the first day of class. If the course is a custom training course for a corporation, terms are 50% up front and the remaining balance is due upon completion.

Can I pay by installments?

Yes, however you must have the course paid in full before the first day of class. To pay by installments, call 216.687.6957.

Is there financial aid available?

No. However, there are several websites you can visit that offer scholarships. Additionally, some employers will pay for your course(s). Check with your Human Resources department.

 Can I use my FAFSA money for a Professional Development course?

No. FAFSA aid can only be used for degree seeking courses (credit courses).

 What is open enrollment?

Open enrollment means that registration is open to everyone. There are no restrictions or requirements.

 What should I bring to class?

Please bring a pen and paper if you would like to take notes.

 What should I expect when I get to class?

Your first class you will be welcomed by a member of our staff who will provide your materials and answer any questions you may have.

Can I get continuing education or professional development units for these courses?

Yes. Our professional development courses offer CEU, PDU, BELTSS, or HRCI credit. They DO NOT offer academic credit.

 Do you offer HRCI, BELTSS, PDU or CEU credit?

Yes. You will receive CEU professional development credit for all of our professional development courses except the certification preparation courses.

What do I get at the completion of the course?

At the completion of every course, you will receive a certificate of completion. For courses that are 14 contact hours or more, you will receive a digital credential upon successful completion.  Some courses provide CEU, BELTSS, PDU or HRCI credit. Please see the course for details.

What is the role of the Outreach & Engagement Centers?

The Outreach & Engagement Centers of the Monte Ahuja College of Business advocate for practitioner-focused business programming as a key factor in economic success.  The Centers are well regarded for their strategic development and delivery of programs that address current needs and future challenges.  The Centers partner with the Northeast Ohio business community, government agencies, and academic institutions worldwide to deliver courses, seminars, research, and other outreach initiatives.

How are instructors chosen?

Our instructors are given to us by referrals. When an instructor has been referred we request a resume, bibliography, and cover letter in which we review and then interview the instructor. Instructors are chosen based on their qualifications, expertise and ability to facilitate the learning outcomes in a meaningful way.

Is there a registration deadline?

Each course has a registration deadline. Generally, registration deadlines are made one week (7 business days) before the start of the class. However, we suggest that you register early to guarantee your seat and course materials for the first day of class.

When are classes cancelled?

Classes that do not meet the minimum enrollment numbers prior to 5 business days of the start date of the course will either be either rescheduled to an alternative date or cancelled.

If the course is cancelled will I receive a refund?

If a course is cancelled due to low enrollment and/or rescheduled to a different date that is inconvenient for you a full refund of the course fees will be issued.

What is your refund policy?

Registrants who cancel will receive a refund, less a $50- $100 processing fee, if we receive written notification a minimum of seven business days prior to the first day of class. No refunds will be issued if notification is not received seven business days prior to the first day of class or event. Gleim products and online coursesare not eligible for refund once materials are ordered or passcodes sent.

I was dissatisfied with my course, can I get a refund?

Unfortunately no refunds are issued after the first day of class however students do have the option to audit the class.  Audit students may sit in the same course again within the same academic year for no additional fees.  Students must request their desire to audit a course in writing to the Professional Development Center a minimum of 10 business days prior to the start of the course.  Audit students will not receive free parking, a textbook or lunch as a part of participating in the course as an Audit student.

Are there any discounts?

Discounts are made available to all CSU Alumni and affiliated groups listed on the course section. Additionally, some classes offer an early bird rate or member pricing. Please see the course for details. Offers cannot be combined.

How can I contact you?
Call 216-687-6957, email prodev.business@csuohio.edu, or stop by our office in the Monte Ahuja College of Business, BU 328.