Public Policy Certificate Program - Navigating Public Policy

This program starts in September 2008. Applications are now being accepted.

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

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 and Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The Public Policy 10-week certificate program covers:

• the workings of 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 plitical 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) Person Longman (paperback) ISBN 0-321-11798.
These books will be available at the University Bookstore, 1754 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402, 253-692-5784.

Instructor	Class meets	Location	Fee	Credit/Contact hours
William Hagens	Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 30 - December 11, 2008 6:00-8:00 pm	TBA	$725	4.0 CEUs or 40 contact hours
Course Information	Course Outline

HOW TO APPLY

Admission Requirements

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

Earning the Certificate
Participants are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards established by the instructors and advisory board. At the end of each course, participants are notified of successful or unsuccessful completion. When the required courses are completed in this noncredit program, participants earn a certificate.

Application Process
The 2008 program begins in September 2008. 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 application set, to include:

• Your résumé listing education and applicable experience and
• A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing (a) your experience and knowledge of this field (if any), and (b) how you expect the program will help you to meet your professional 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.

Fees and Tuition
Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for each entire program is $725. Tuition does not include nonrefundable certificate program fee ($50), registration ($10/quarter) fees or textbooks. Tuition and fees are due 3 days before the class begins. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change. Information on how to register will be sent to you upon acceptance in the program.

Refunds
Students must make a written request to withdraw. Written requests should be emailed 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.

Earning the Certificate
Participants are evaluated on a pass/no pass basis in this program. You must pass at 80% or better in order to receive the certificate of completion. 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.

Cancellations
UW Tacoma reserves the right to cancel programs or classes with low enrollments.

William (Bill) Hagens is currently a clinical professor at the UW School of Public Health and Community Medicine where he has taught health policy for 25 years. Before retiring from state government in 2004, he was the Executive Health Policy Adviser to the Secretary of Social and Health Services, a deputy insurance commissioner and the Senior Analyst for the State House Health Care Committee. He has taught in the graduate program at The Evergreen State College and guest lectured at numerous universities nationally. In 2006 Governor Gregoire appointed him to the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

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).