The Meinders School of Business at OCU University has begun enrolling students into spring certificate programs for those who are interested in seeking elected office. The non-partisan Leadership & Public Administration programs include certificates for school boards, municipalities and the state legislature.
Classes will be held 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from Jan. 18 through Feb. 22, 2020. Attendance can be in-person or via live-streaming from anywhere with an internet connection. Tuition is $250 for each certificate program.
Susan Winchester, director of Public Administration Certificate Programs: State Legislature, School Board, Municipalities; said the programs offer a thorough yet efficient overview of what candidates will experience while campaigning and their duties if they win their elections.
“Serving in public office is an honor but one that comes with tremendous responsibility,†Winchester said. “The more knowledgeable someone is about the office they represent, the more effective they will be as a leader.â€
The School Board Certificate program has six modules with topics on school district governance, open records and open meetings laws, communications skills, human resources, school facility planning, leadership skills and more.
The Municipalities Certificate program has six modules and is designed for prospective candidates seeking a municipal office with courses on the topics of management and governance, campaign finance and open records laws, land use, economic development, dispute resolution and more.
The Legislative Certificate program courses will be presented by several state government agency and elected officials. Topics will include an overview of state government, the legislative process, best practices in working with state agencies, revenues and resources, campaign finance laws and more. For more information about the certificate programs, visit okcu.edu/business, or contact programs director Susan Winchester at 405-206-8252.
