Attracting fresh talent is a multi-faceted issue as well asa persistent concern for the P&C insurers. So far,industry leaders have found pocketsof success via expanded education and awareness atthe collegiate level. To this end, the industry isfinding innovative ways to not only inform students in thegeneral sense about the rewarding aspects of the profession butalso equip them with the tools to start cultivating careersnow.

One case in point is The Institutes' Collegiate Studies for CPCUprogram and certificate. Intended to encourage the activepursuit of a career in risk management and insurance (RMI), thenewly launched program recognizes course work completed incollege as part of an RMI degree program by providing students atapproved colleges and universities with credit toward up to twoparts of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter(CPCU^®) designation.

The goals of The Institutes' Collegiate Studies for CPCU programare three-fold:

1. Help students connect their university educationalexperience with the competencies that will be demanded of them byfuture employers.
2. Recognize college academic work that aligns with TheInstitutes' credentialing.
3. Make students more attractive to employers, while, at thesame time, enhancing the attractiveness of colleges anduniversities with RMI programs to students.

To qualify for the program, a college or university must offeran RMI program; be accredited by the Association to AdvanceCollegiate Schools of Business or regionally accredited; and use atleast 75 percent of The Institutes' course material in their coursecontent as outlined in the syllabus. Students must complete theircourse work at an approved college or university, and earn a “B” orbetter as the final grade in the class. Students who earn two CPCUcourse waivers and complete Ethics 312—Ethics and the CPCU Code ofProfessional Conduct will earn The Institutes' Collegiate Studiesfor CPCU Certificate.

As of June 28, 2013, a total of 16 colleges and universitieswith 42 qualifying courses are participating in theprogram.

“I cannot tell you how excited my students are and how much thisprogram helps to attract new RMI majors and new CPCUs,” says DebraRichardson, CPCU, CIC, CRM, professor at the University of NorthTexas. “The Institutes' forward-thinking approach is timely for thenext generation of risk management and insuranceprofessionals.”

The program has also been well received by students. To date, 11students have earned the Collegiate Studies for CPCU Certificate:Jubilee-Ann Brangman Edness (St. John's University), DonaldCrockett (University of North Texas), Ryan Eve (St. John'sUniversity), Stephanie Houston (University of North Texas), JoshLincoln (Illinois State), Logan McVey (Illinois State), Joel Mendez(University of North Texas), Aaron Selburg (Illinois State), AndrewSuleiman (St. Josephs University), Gregory J. Vacek (St. JosephsUniversity), and Lindsey Webb (University of North Texas).

For more information on The Institutes' Collegiate Studies forCPCU program, visit www.TheInstitutes.org/CSP.