Building Board Expertise on Sustainability

Exceptional Online Experience

• The course combines the deep academic research and pedagogy of the Ross School of Business with Ceres’ decades-long sustainability expertise and impact
• The combination of Ross Faculty, Ceres experts, and subject matter leaders provides a unique learning opportunity
• The course is delivered on Ross’ world-class Corp U learning platform

Program Structure Overview*

Module 1: Why is ESG Crucial for Boards?
Examine the pros and cons of shareholder primacy and stakeholder governance. What are sustainability, ESG, and corporate purpose? Why does it matter for your company? Michigan Ross faculty, Ceres, and a team of experts will help you understand the emergence of ESG backlash. And how boards should use sustainability to guide decisions.

Module 2: What ESG Risks and Opportunities Must Boards Understand?
Explore key areas and developments around the ESG risks and opportunities boards are increasingly encountering and the critical importance of materiality assessment.

Module 3: What ESG Oversight Do Investors Expect from Boards?
Explore the key elements of investor expectations for board oversight of sustainability, and focus on the board’s evolving role in managing expectations and engaging with investors.

Module 4: How Can the Board Set Aspirational ESG Goals and Attain Them?
Focus on embedding ESG in organizational strategy. Learn about ESG reporting to connect targets and compensation.  Michigan Ross Faculty and a team of experts will help you explore and examine materiality and issues that your organization and/or industry face through materiality & stakeholder exercises.

Module 5: What are Best Practices for Disclosing ESG Risks and Opportunities?
Explore the evolving framework of ESG disclosure and the board’s role in this critical area. We examine frameworks for disclosure and key domestic and international trends.

Module 6: How Can Boards Align Corporate Political Activity to Meet Sustainability Commitments?
Examine vital topics surrounding corporate political responsibility, including gaining a deeper understanding of policy engagement and the board’s role in overseeing corporate political responsibility.

Module 7: How Should Boards Be Structured to Oversee Sustainability Commitments?
In our capstone module, we will draw together the key elements of the previous six weeks to examine the relationship between ESG oversight and board performance. We will explore effective board structures and characteristics and challenge our students to take action based on knowledge shared and gained during our course.

Program Capstone: Next Steps-
Taking Action on Program Insights and Lessons

*This sample schedule is intended to represent the program structure and content. Timing and session topics are illustrative and subject to change.

The Experts

• Mike Barger, Co-Faculty Director, Clinical Assistant Professor of Business Administration
• Tom Lyon, Co-Faculty Director, Professor of Environment and Sustainability
• Elizabeth Doty, Director, Corporate Political Responsibility Taskforce
• Jerry Davis, Professor of Management and Organizations
• Chris Rider, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies
• Sara Soderstrom, Assistant Professor of Organizational Studies
• Norman Bishara, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Professor of Business Law and Ethics 

Ceres Subject Matter Experts:

• Mindy Lubber, President & CEO
• Anne Kelly, Vice President, Government Relations
• Dan Bakal, Senior Program Director, Climate & Energy
• Steven Clarke, Senior Director, Climate & Energy
• Steven Rothstein, Managing Director, Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets

Time Commitment

This course includes three 60-minute synchronous events and up to three optional maximum 60-minute available office hours. There is no planned group work. The average weekly time requirement expected for this program is 2-4 hours.

Program Certification

Program participants will receive a certificate and a social media-friendly badge after course completion.

Credential

After successfully completing the program, you'll receive a digital badge to share on LinkedIn or other social media platforms.  Earn 1 credit toward the Distinguished Leader Certificate for in-person programs. Only one online program may be applied toward the Distinguished Leader Certificate. Or, enhance your career profile with an executive certificate earned from select programs or series. Visit our Distinguished Leader Certificate webpage for more information. Or, contact us to learn more about specific credentials, certificate eligibility, and benefits at 734-763-1000.

About Michigan Ross

Founded in 1924, the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is committed to building a better world through business. Through powerful ideas, purpose-driven leaders, and positive impact, we use business to make a meaningful difference in the world. Our unique approach focuses on action-based learning and interdisciplinary, team-oriented situations.  

Executive Education at Michigan Ross offers diverse programs for individuals and numerous custom solutions annually, serving more than 4,000 executives worldwide. No matter your business challenge or strategic priority, Michigan Ross can be your partner in success.

About Ceres

Ceres is a non-profit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations with investors, companies, and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future.