2023 College of Commissioner Science
Join us for our 36th consecutive annual college on
Saturday November 11, 2023
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
in the Great Trail Council
Plan to join us for an exciting and rewarding Commissioner College in the Great Trail Council, with plenty of hotels nearby so you can make the drive and not worry about heading back on the same day. We will meet at
Holy Family Catholic Church
Pricing:
Registration is open.
$40.00 Early bird discount through August 31, 2023
$45.00 regular price through November 9, 2023
$50.00 - Walk-in day of event
Who may attend the college?
Prerequisite: Basic Commissioner Training. You may access this training online at my.scouting.org or contact our trainer David Rice.
Anyone from any Council is welcome to attend this college.
This year’s college curricula are the latest updated courses more aligned with current commissioner service functions. These courses include the integration of Commissioner Tools and place more emphasis on the five commissioner objectives. Course reciprocity will allow credits to transfer to your home council. Directions and nearby hotels will be listed below.
2023 Great Trail Council
College of Commissioner Science
College of Commissioner Science
The college on November 11, 2023, will be a live in-person training event for all commissioners hosted by the Great Trail Council. This page has your links to online registration, prices, directions, hotel accommodations, college and dean contacts, program reciprocity, course listings with abstracts and learning objectives. Courses offered in the years before this college are listed at the bottom.
Saturday, November 11, 2023
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Doors open with continental breakfast at 7:15 am.
The GTC Commissioner College in 2022 will be organized with an all-new national curriculum revised in 2021 for our Bachelors and Masters program and in February 2022 for our Doctoral and Continuing Education program. Our curriculum is organized in each college by our deans. If you have a question please contact the appropriate Dean below.
What is 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 help units deliver a quality Scouting program. All Commissioners should attend this nationally recognized program annually. This program has a four-year cycle; Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate Degrees can be earned. Those with their doctorate or taking a break in the process will benefit from courses offered by the continuing education college.
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. 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.
What opportunities does the the College offer?
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 on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
Reciprocity 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 2021.
Click to reveal 2022 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: Terry Polzin
Course description: National Course
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 201 The Commissioner and Cub Scouting
Faculty: Greg Upole, Canal District Chairman
Course Description: Local course
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
BCS 109 The Essential Element (A Servant’s Heart)
Faculty: Bill Hedrick, Canal District Commissioner
Course Description: National Course
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: Mike Panasiti, Retired Professional Scouter
Course Description: National Course
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: Bryan Roubanes
Course Description: National Course
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 106 Coaching Leaders
Faculty: Fritz Coombs
Course Description: National Course
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 116 Collaborative Assessments
Faculty: Bob Hemmerly, NST 9 Commissioner elect
Course Description: National Course
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
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 2021.
Click to reveal prerequisites, course requirements, and 2022 course detailsPrerequisites:
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, Great Trail Council Commissioner
Course Description: local course based on the older national course.
Commissioners assure on time timely renewal. This course will cover the ins and outs of the new charter renewal process.
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: National Course
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 358 Addressing Unit Challenges Through Roundtable
Faculty: John Hogan and Ray Bartlett
Course Description: National Course
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 316 The Unit Service Plan
Faculty: Bill Lovell
Course Description: National Course
The Collaborative Assessment of a unit gives an in-depth picture of the unit, its strengths, and its needs. To work toward making systematic changes in the unit’s service to youth, the Key 3 with the commissioner develops a Unit Service Plan using information from the Collaborative Assessment and other sources.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Discuss the purpose of the Unit Service Plan
Understand the process of plan development
Implement the Unit Service Plan
MCS 350 – Unit & Roundtable Commissioners Working Together
Faculty: Chip Reed
Course Description: National Course
While unit commissioners and roundtable commissioners wear distinct position patches, denoting their field of expertise, both patches feature the wreath of service and for good reason! Unit commissioners and roundtable commissioners work together to ensure unit leaders have the support they need to succeed. Remember: “Roundtable is unit service.” This course will show how all commissioners in a district help units identify and address their needs.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Understand how commissioners work collaboratively using the 5 objectives of unit service
Summarize the role unit commissioners play at roundtables.
Recognize the unique role roundtables have in identifying unit needs.
MCS 312 Recruiting the 21st Century Volunteer
Faculty: Stephanie Rickets
Course Description: National Course
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Understand the recruiting vision
Review the various commissioner roles
Review the 5 Ps of recruiting
Explain the Skill, Thrill, Ill and Kill of recruiting
Know the when, where and why of recruiting
Review some recruiting tips
MCS 460 - Scouts with Special Needs - The Commissioner's Role
Faculty: Chris Scott
Course Description: Local Course
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 2021.
Click to reveal prerequisites, course requirements, and 2022 course detailsPrerequisites:
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. Courses are updated in 2021.
Click to reveal prerequisites, course requirements, and 2022 course detailsCourses Offered
DCS 514 Building Meaningful Relationships
Faculty: Patrick Scherer, Great Trail Council Scout Executive
Course Description: National Course
Commissioner service is all about relationships. In this course we will discuss how commissioners may go about building and maintaining positive relationships with those they serve. We’ll also explore possible pitfalls that can undermine relationships.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Discuss the top ten characteristics people seek in positive relationships.
Explain one way to measure relationships
Explore possible mistakes that can harm relationships
Explain how to rebuild a damaged relationship
CED 801 – The Commissioners Role in Retention
Faculty: Steve Myers
Course Description: Local Course
The Commissioner can support retention by asking 1. Is the unit is retaining a high number of scouts? 2. Are youth leaving the program or staying? 3. Why are scouts leaving, at what age, and in what numbers? 4. Are there explicit plans to improve retention? and 5. Do unit leaders understand how to keep their older scouts. They can help units through rechartering, unit visits, assessments, unit service plans, and helping unit leaders get specialized training to support their older scouts.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Define retention and know who to identify retention problems
be able to explain how large troops with quality programs have the best retention
tell why scouts leave their troop
explain the ages and stages of youth
describe ways to help their older scouts flourish
MCS 306 Mentoring Skills
Faculty: Bill Lovell
Course Description: National Course
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
DCS 512 – Recruiting for Diversity (NEW!!)
Faculty: Chris Scott
Course Description: National Course
How do we ensure that every unit is supported to offer a quality Scouting program? Simple. We recruit and empower enough commissioners for the task. Throughout this course we will come to a better understanding of the need for diversity in scouting volunteers as well as ways to work toward recruiting a more diverse commissioner corps.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Describe the need for diversity
Understand the definition of diversity
Identify the practices to be added to recruiting practices
DCS 516 – The Unit Service Plan and the District
Faculty: Sharri Buck, Great Trail Commissioner Elect
Course Description: National Course
In this session we will examine the district commissioner’s role in completing unit service plans and how the district committee plays a key role in service plan completion.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Discuss the importance of developing a Unit Service Plan
Identify the district commissioner’s role in the successful completion of Unit Service Plans
Understand the role of the district committee in successfully completing a unit service plan
DCS 509 – Legacy of Servant Leadership (NEW!! )
Faculty: Dave Harman, Great Trail Council Commissioner
Course Description: National Course
In one of your first CCS experiences, you more than likely participated in a class called The Essential Element (A Servant’s Heart). That Bachelor’s level class introduced the concept of servant leadership and established the expectation that commissioners served units and other volunteers. Simply put, servant leadership is people centered, unselfish and an investment in the lives of others. It is a sincere desire to help rather than control. It reflects an inward sense of morality – right vs. wrong rather than what’s in it for me. That is the difference between leadership that works and leadership that endures.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this session, each participant should be able to
Explore characteristics of servant leaders,
Understand servant leadership in Scouting, and
Recognize the legacy of servant leadership
Courses offered in 2017 to 2022
Did you attend in the past and want to be reminded what courses were offered? Check out these documents.

2019

2018
