About the Dennis A. Pelletier
County Government Institute, Inc.
You Are Here:
“Fostering informed, constructive and civil dialogue on the challenges we face.”
A non-profit organization
The Dennis A. Pelletier County Government Institute, Inc. is a non profit organization that offers a comprehensive educational program for county officials. The Institute is designed to assist county officials to more effectively serve the public. The purpose of the institute is to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of county officials to allow them to engage in informed, constructive and civil discussions on the challenges they face as public servants.
The Pelletier Institute’s educational programs are jointly developed by NYSAC and Cornell University.
Structured Educational Program
The Pelletier Institute’s educational programs use resources from Cornell University, county professionals and elected officials, as well as other specialists from the public and private sectors to provide Institute participants with a wide range of educational and training expertise.
The Pelletier Institute offers a certificate program that can be completed by county officials by attending NYSAC Conference programs, Cornell University sponsored events, and other designated conferences and training seminars throughout the year.
A combination of required courses, elective offerings and policy forums on current issues provide participating county officials with a well rounded curriculum to address their training and education needs. The 34 credit program can be completed in less than 2 years, depending on individual participation in scheduled events and training seminars.
Certificate of Achievement
To obtain a Certificate of Achievement from the Pelletier Institute, county officials must enroll in the Institute by filing a registration form and complete 34 credits of instruction. Classes are offered at each of the NYSAC conferences and other events throughout the year. To obtain a certificate, participants must complete 20 credits in required “core” courses, 10 credits awarded for elective sessions and obtain four continuing education credits.
Once a registrant has completed the 34 credit program, they are honored during an awards presentation before their peers in county government during one of the 2 major NYSAC conferences held each year. Special notification to local media of their achievement will also be provided upon receipt of your certificate.
Benefits of Registration
As a registrant of the Pelletier Institute, county officials will become eligible to achieve the prestigious Pelletier Institute Certificate of Achievement awarded to all county officials who complete the Institute’s educational requirements, by the Institute, NYSAC and Cornell University.
Customized Training
As a registered participant in the Pelletier Institute, county officials can customize their training by attending any number of elective credit sessions offered at NYSAC Conferences and training sessions throughout the year. Elective areas include sessions in health and human services, economic and rural development, public safety, county financial management, personnel and labor relations, as well as others topics of concern to county officials. As a Pelletier Institute participant, you customize your instruction to meet your individual needs and interests.
Continuing Education
Pelletier Institute registrants can also receive continuing education credit for participating in local training sessions, policy forums and other programs that meet the overall educational requirements of the Dennis A. Pelletier County Government Institute and have been designated as credit eligible.
Orientation Session
The Pelletier Institute also conducts an annual comprehensive orientation program for newly elected and appointed officials during the NYSAC Legislative conference held in late January/Early February of each year.
This session is developed to provide new county officials with a firm foundation as they commence their service to the public as a county leader. The orientation session provides newly elected and appointed officials with an overview of county budget, finance, ethics laws, county organization, legal requirements and other issues that have an impact on them as they take their new office. Participants in this session receive a certificate of completion from the Pelletier Institute, NYSAC and Cornell University.