Curriculum
The County Government Institute course curriculum is outlined below.
Certificate of Achievement
To earn a Certificate of achievement from the NYSAC County Government Institute (CGI), a county official must complete 34 credits of instruction.Required Courses
20 Credits
CGI 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 County Government 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 County Government 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. Orientation sessions are also conducted around the state.Officials completing the Orientation Session and enrolling in the Institute will receive four hours for Foundations of County Government and two elective credits.