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
To allow for onsite preparation registration closes Nov. 25
December 9 - Kirtland College, 4800 W 4 Mile Rd, Grayling, MI 49738
To allow for onsite preparation registration closes Dec. 3
December 10 - Bay College Escanaba, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd., Escanaba, MI 49829
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 AcademyCertification. 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:
December 2, 2024 - Bavarian Inn and Conference Center
$105 Standard Double Room Rate or $125 for Premium Queen or King Room plus $29.95 daily resort fee| Must book by October 28, 2022
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
December 9 - Kirtland College
Super 8 Grayling | Call or book online to reserve room, prevailing rates available
December 10 - Bay College - Escanaba
Sunset Lodge | Call or book online to reserve room, prevailing rates available
Registration for New Commissioner School is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 29, 2024.
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.