Congratulations on your election to county government!

We wish you the best as you serve your community in this valuable and influential role. Please join us at our upcoming program that will feature both live webinars and on-demand learning starting this fall.

Who should attend:

Newly elected & experienced commissioners, administrative staff and other elected county officials

What will be covered:

  • Learn about County Commissioner roles and responsibilities and the structure of county government
  • Explore the basics of county finance
  • Learn best practices for leading and participating in public meetings
  • Network with other elected officials

Cost: $125 per person

Hybrid Options for 2024

The 2024 program will offer a hybrid model for participants. The program will feature access to online learning modules, an introductory session via zoom followed by additional zoom trainings. Then participants will have the opportunity to attend one of four locations for in-person learning and networking session with experts and experienced commissioners.

Participants are strongly encouraged to register prior to the Nov. 14 introductory session to ensure time for the online self-paced work or attending the zoom trainings that is necessary before attending the in-person training.

Introductory Session - 45 minutes
  • November 14 at 11 a.m.
    • Meeting Link will be provided after registration and payment
Two Ways to Learn Prior to In-Person Session:

Self-paced, asynchronous online learning for all cohorts and/or zoom sessions:
Nov. 18  - 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Introduction to County Government
Nov. 20 - 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Introduction to County Finance
Nov. 22 - 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Budgeting for Fiscal Sustainability
Nov. 25 - 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - OMA and Parliamentary Procedure 

Links to access both learning opportunities will be provided after registration and payment


NCS In-Person Sessions - 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The in-person workshops will build on content from the online sessions, discussing topics in greater depth, applying concepts learned in the online materials, and giving participants a chance to engage in interactive discussions related to program topics. Participants will also have a chance to hear from Michigan Association of Counties staff and learn about MAC services, network with fellow new commissioners, and learn about timely policy topics facing counties across the state.
    • To allow for onsite preparation registration closes Nov. 25
    • Online registration for this class is closed. Limited walk-in space is available. Please contact Megghan Honke Seidel at 989-666-3773 or honkemeg@msu.edu if you wish to attend. 
    • To allow for onsite preparation registration closes Nov. 25
    • Online registration for this class is closed. Limited walk-in space is available. Please contact Megghan Honke Seidel at 989-666-3773 or honkemeg@msu.edu if you wish to attend. 
    • To allow for onsite preparation registration closes Dec. 3
    • To allow for onsite preparation registration closes Dec. 3

If you need to register after a deadline please contact Megghan Honke Seidel at honkemeg@msu.edu or 989-666-3773.

Participants in New Commissioner School earn 5 credits towards the Michigan Association of Counties' County Commissioner Academy Certification. To earn the 5 credits, participants must complete the full online program and attend an in-person session of New Commissioner School. 

Technology Requirements: 

Below are recommendations for the optimal interactive online training:

  •  A computer, laptop or tablet with latest version of your browser
  •  A reliable, internet connection - broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)
  •  Webcam or HD webcam - built-in or USB plug-in
  •  Speakers and a microphone - built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth
  •  Latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader

Supplement Materials: Guide to Michigan County Government

Workshop participants can purchase a copy of the newly revised Guide to Michigan County Government (5th Edition) at a discounted rate! Click here to purchase the guide. Use code NCS25 for a 25% discount. Orders of 4 or more will automatically receive 30% off.

Lodging Available If Needed:


  • Go to www.baypointeinn.com
  • Click the button to “Book A Room”
  • The screen shot below will appear, put in your desired dates to stay in the calendar for availability
  • Fill in the fields for number of nights desired, select “All Room types”, and fill in #adults/children per room
  • In the Promo code box put LODG15
  • Leave the Group ID field blank
  • Click the button “Check Now” to see rates
  • When the new page opens with the availability, scroll down to select the room type desired (hit “show rooms” to see all types in the categories) and it will show the rates
  • Select the room type desired and hit the “book now” button and complete the steps to book the reservation
  • In the notes of the reservation, please indicate the name of the group event you are attending

  • Super 8 Grayling | Call or book online to reserve room, prevailing rates available

  • Sunset Lodge | Call or book online to reserve room, prevailing rates available

Accommodations

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information

For registration questions, contact ANR Event Services at 517-353-3175 or events@anr.msu.edu. For questions about the program, please contact Eric Walcott at 616-914-7124 or walcott3@msu.edu.