Public Policy Certificate Program - Navigating Public Policy

> Program Overview
> Course Descriptions
> How to Apply/Tuition and Fees - Application Form
> Information Meetings

Guest speakers are listed below.  The public is cordially invited to attend these sessions. Located on the University of Washington Tacoma Campus in the West Coast Grocery (WCG) Building, room 110, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. For more information on the Certificate Program see below.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

A growing part of today's professional work is dealing with law, e.g., statutes, budgets, ordinances, regulations, and various judicial and executive rulings. This is especially true in fields like health care, criminal justice, human resources, financial services, economic development, and emerging technologies. Yet, most professionals receive little or no preparation for this challenge in their graduate or professional education.

Students who successfully complete the program will earn a Certificate of Completion in Public Policy from the University of Washington Tacoma and 4.0 CEUs or 40 contact hours.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Class meets: Tuesdays & Thursdays, October 6 - December 15, 2009

The Public Policy 10-week certificate program covers:

• the workings of the American political system, at various levels
• the public policymaking process
• basic policy analysis methods
• ways to effectively participate in the process, whether it is with the legislature, an executive agency, or a municipality.

Explores core knowledge of the American political system, its origin and operation, and the rudiments of 'street-wise' policy analysis and appropriate use.

Includes a simulation with students assuming "activist/analyst" roles, during which they address a self-selected policy issue by developing an abbreviated version of policy development instruments similar to those used at various levels of government. Here, faculty assumes more of a consultant than a lecturer role. The simulation begins with the basic training in bill drafting and testifying and concludes with public testimony before faux policy bodies, e.g., legislative committees, regulatory boards, city councils, etc. Where possible, external mentors will be recruited to assist students individually or in teams.

Required Text:
The Basics of American Politics by Gary Wasserman (2008) Pearson Longman Publisher (paperback)
Public Politics-Preferences and Outcomes by Christopher Simon (2007) Pearson Longman (paperback) ISBN 0-321-11798.
These books will be available at the University Bookstore, 1754 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, 253-692-5784.

Lead Instructor	Class meets	Location	Fee	Credit/Contact hours
Matthew Temmel	Tuesdays & Thursdays 10/06 - 12/15/2009 6:00-8:00 p.m.	UW Tacoma: WCG 110	$725	5.7 CEUs
Course Information

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Participation is open to individuals with at least two years of college; at least two years in a professional field is recommended.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The program begins in the Fall of 2009. Applications are now being accepted; qualified students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the program reaches enrollment.
To apply you must submit one copy of the application form with a $50 non-refundable application fee and two stapled application sets, which include:

• Your résumé listing education and applicable experience and
• A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing (a) your relevant work experience and knowledge in one or more areas of the public sector, and (b) how the program will help you meet your professionals goals.

Applications are evaluated by a review committee. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements. The application fee does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Applicants will receive written notification of their acceptance, placement on a waiting list, or non-acceptance after review of submitted materials. Accepted applicants will be sent registration information for the first-term courses.

REFUNDS

Students must make a written request to withdraw. Written requests should be sent to uwtpdctr@u.washington.edu or mailed to the KeyBank Professional Development Center, UW Tacoma, 1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. Students withdrawing by 5 p.m. 24 hours BEFORE the program begins, are eligible for a full refund of all fees except the $50 application fee and $10 registration fee. There is no refund for withdrawals after the first day of class.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Participants are evaluated on the basis of standards established by the instructors and advisory board. When the required course is completed in this non-credit program, participants earn a certificate.

Matt Temmel, Ph.D., History, University of Maryland

Temmel works for the Pierce County Council to coordinate performance audits of county government and has previous experience in that field with the Washington State Legislature.  He conducts research on government programs to find out what works best in practice and what provides the best value for taxpayers.  The goal is to improve government by doing objective and useful research that is of interest to policymakers and can have an impact on the policy-making process.  Temmel has taught history at the University of Washington Seattle and the University of Maryland.  He served as an assistant lobbyist, as a legislative aide, and was on the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce.

Guest lecturers: Guest lecturers, e.g., key state local officials, will participate when external personal and professional perspectives will enhance student learning.

Mentors: To the extent possible mentors, drawn from student-related fields with policy backgrounds, will be recruited to assist in the simulation.

Instructors and courses are subject to change.

INFORMATION MEETINGS

For information about our meetings please click here. Information about our Public Policy Certificate Program and all other programs will be available at these meetings; staff and instructors will be available to answer your questions. Contact Alice Dionne at the Office of Continuing Studies at UW Tacoma for details (253 692-4672, adionne@u.washington.edu).