Education Program

Certificate of Achievement

Certificate of achievement from the Dennis A. Pelletier County Government Institute, a county official must complete 34 credits of instruction.

Required Courses                                                                     20 Credits

Pelletier Institute Certificate of Achievement candidates must complete each of the following required courses, which are generally 3 hours in length.

•Building Consensus in a Political Environment
•Principles of County Budget and Financial Management
•Foundations of County Government
•Public Sector Labor Management Relationships
•Ethics in Government

Elective Courses                                                                       10 Credits

Candidates must complete 5 courses in elective sessions. Curriculum areas are generally aligned along policy issues addressed by NYSAC Standing Committees. Course sessions are generally 1 ½ hours in length and are offered as part of the program at NYSAC Conferences. Elective sessions are in issue areas such as:

* Public Affairs
* Health & Human Services
* County Financial Management
* Public Facilities & Infrastructure
* Economic & Rural Development
* Public Safety
* Personnel Administration & Labor Relations
* Government Technology

 

Continuing Education and Related Instruction                         4 Credits

Attendance and participation in policy forums and other events presented by NYSAC, Cornell University, the Pelletier Institute or other appropriate local organizations will grant candidates 1 credit towards the continuing education requirement.

Orientation Session for Newly Elected and Appointed County Officials

                                                                                                    6 Credits

The Pelletier Institute also conducts a comprehensive orientation program for newly elected and appointed officials during the NYSAC Legislative conference held in late January/Early February of each year. Officials completing the Orientation Session and Enrolling in the Institute will receive four hours for Foundations of County Government and two elective credits.

Pelletier Institute Instructors

Required courses and elective sessions eligible for credit towards the Pelletier Institute Certificate of Achievement involve some of New York’s States leading experts from county and state government, Cornell University, private industry, Albany Law School and other institutions of higher learning.