WCPM: Current upcoming public management classes

UW-Madison offers the Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program in cooperation with other University of Wisconsin campuses and with state and local governments in Wisconsin. The CPM Program is a comprehensive program that leads to nationally recognized certification.

Individual courses are open to all public managers, whether or not they are enrolled in the CPM Program.

The following classes are held on weekdays from 8:30am - 3:30pm. All meet on the UW-Madison campus. If you cannot make it to Madison consider our online classes.

To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692. See registration options below.

You may now also subscribe to our monthly reminder listserve. If you subscribe you will receive a monthly e-mail listing the titles and dates of upcoming workshops. A simple reminder of what's available in the next 60 days. You can subscribe or unsubscribe yourself at any time. We will not share your addresses. Interested? To join send a blank e-mail message to join-cpm-classes@lists.wisc.edu. If you have any questions about the list, e-mail Shannon Schaefer at cpm@dcs.wisc.edu.

Cancellation policy: If you are unable to participate in a group class or arrange for a substitute, you may obtain a refund minus the $20 administrative fee by contacting our registration department at least 3 business days prior to the program. If you cancel 3 business days or less before the program, or do not participate, you are responsible for the entire fee. To cancel or arrange for a substitute, please call 800-725-9692. No refund is given for cancellation of an Independent Study class. Exceptions to this policy will be determined by CPM program staff on a case-by-case basis.

Upcoming classes are listed in alphabetical order. View classes in chronological order.

Advanced Issues in Ethics
How do you build and support an ethical environment? This workshop helps you design strategies for encouraging high ethical standards in your agency and strategies for responding to ethical problems which may arise. Building on the CPM course, Ethics, Values and the Public Manager, this class takes a deeper look at how managers can create a work environment which promotes ethical behavior. Prerequisite: CPM Ethics class or consent of CPM Program Administrator
Instructor: Al Guyant is a nationally recognized trainer, facilitator, coach, and author with over 35 years of experience as a trainer, and working in government
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Thursday, April 10 (#0229); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Public Policy Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692, or register online.

Budgeting for Local Government
Budgets can be a source of possibilities, not just problems, with the right training. Learn the forms and varieties of budgeting in public administration and specific opportunities for improvement in the public manager’s budget. This workshop is for practicing public administrators and elected officials who need a better understanding of budget possibilities.
Instructor: Michael Daun is the assistant comptroller for the City of Milwaukee.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Wednesday, April 23 (#0263); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Resource Management Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692 or register online.

Certificate in Project Management
Project Management is the key to success in all organizations especially when resources are limited, demands are increasing, and responsibilities are multiplying – in short, in government agencies! In Part I of this two-part program you will learn the skills you need to be an effective project manager, including the steps in the project process and the tools and techniques of project management. You will learn how to build commitment among and work with stakeholders and to identify the qualities an organization needs to support project management. In Part II, experienced project managers will share examples of successful project management in the fields of information technology, planning and development, public health, and construction. You will also practice project management through team-based activities related to actual or simulated projects. NOTE: You may take Part I without enrolling in Part II; however, you must enroll in Part I if you wish to enroll in Part II as well.
Instructor: Guy VanRensselaer has been a Project Manager for over 20 years. He has managed projects in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Projects have spanned such areas as implementing a new service; facility design and construction; implementing a multi-government education program; managing cultural change in volunteer organizations; and developing and implementing performance measurement systems. New dates to be announced.
A CPM Quantitative Methods or Resource Management Course. For more about course requirements see Program Overview.

Ethics, Values and the Public Manager
Don’t get your name in the headlines! Learn what is required for ethical decision-making and ethical action. Find out how individual actions and the actions of groups are influenced by codes of ethics, and by sanctions imposed for unethical conduct. Identify and discuss ethical dilemmas you face at work and elsewhere. Identify your own ethical compass and how to use it effectively and consistently.
Instructor: Al Guyant is a nationally recognized trainer, facilitator, coach, and author with over 35 years of experience as a trainer, and working in government
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Wednesday, April 9 (#0160); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Limit 30; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
CPM Management Core Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692, or register online.

Executive Writing
As a public manager, you are called upon to communicate about a broad range of issues. This class helps you to strengthen your writing of memos, letters and reports. You will learn to select your structure and supporting materials carefully, choose language appropriate for written-not verbal communication, and analyze your intended audience. Pre-class writing samples will be used for analysis and discussion.
Instructor: Alice Honeywell has helped adults improve their writing skills for more than 20 years. She has worked at both the University of Wisconsin Press and the UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs, and has written and edited for a variety of business, nonprofit and public sector organizations.
Section 1: 8:30 am-3:30 pm; Wednesday, March 12 (#0227); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Public Policy Course required of CPM Candidates
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692, or register online

Leading and Managing from the Middle
As a middle manager you are a vital link, a go-between, translating superiors’ expectations into work standards for your employees, and representing your work unit to others. In today’s world your job is increasingly important. Learn what you can do as an effective middle manager to contribute to your organization’s high performance. Learn how to use your position to achieve organizational goals through others. Learn how to use your seven bases of power more effectively and strategies for expanding your influence.
Instructor: Susan Paddock is a professor of governmental affairs in the Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies at UW-Madison and director of the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Thursday, June 5 (#0243); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Organizational Management Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692, or register online.

Management Assessment for Personal Planning and Development
Self evaluation is the cornerstone of outstanding management. Through a series of self-assessments completed before class, you will learn how your own style and needs compare with other public managers’ and with your agency goals. You will discover strategies to build on your identified strengths and address possible limitations. This class is an essential career tool for any public manager and will improve your understanding of yourself and of excellence in public management.
Instructor: Robbi Dreifuerst is an outreach program manager in the Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies at UW-Madison and coordinator of the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Wednesday, May 7 (#0031); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Limit 30; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU. Registration deadline: April 26, so that you can complete self-assessments before class.
A CPM Supervisory Core Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692 or register online.

Managing Managerial Time and Stress
This workshop will help you identify the relationship between managing time and stress for public administrators. You will explore several different approaches to managing time and stress and develop a personal time/stress management system which reflects your values, priorities, roles and preferences.
Instructors: Sue Hunter and Susan Fuszard are trainers with Living with Purpose Consulting. They bring backgrounds in Employee Assistance Programs and improv comedy to their classes.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Wednesday, February 13 (#0267); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Resource Management Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692, or register online.

Managing Organizational Change
A living, growing organization depends upon continuous change. A key challenge for leaders in today’s public organization is helping employees to understand the need for change, assist in discovering new ways of working, and then embrace these new ideas. In this class, we will explore strategies for communicating the need for change and for building employee commitment to that change.
Instructor: Jeff Russell is co-director of Russell Consulting, Inc., specializing in helping leaders and supervisors build a supportive and motivating work environment.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Tuesday, April 22 (#0240); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.; Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Organizational Management Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692 or register online.

Personnel Management: Issues in Human Resources
Gain an understanding of the overall personnel management function in government, including the critical role of the unit manager. Learn special skills to deal with the critical issues in human resources, from recruiting new employees to retaining current employees and addressing problems such as absenteeism, substance abuse and harassment.
Instructor: Tim Jeffery is a human resource consultant who previously served 14 years as director of labor relations for the City of Madison and 11 years as director of human resources for the Madison Metropolitan School District.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Wednesday, January 23 (#0281); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Personnel Management Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692 or register online.

Presenting Yourself to One or Many
Being able to present yourself orally is a key skill for the successful public manager. In this class you'll learn tips for strengthening that skill in many different settings. You'll review how to use everyday occasions, such as a one-on-one conversation or a routine meeting, to enhance your personal presence. You'll learn skills for improving your formal speeches, and for being interviewed by the media. The class provides opportunity for practice, and exercises for practice on your own.
Instructor: Susan Paddock is a professor of governmental affairs in the Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies at UW-Madison and director of the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program.
Section 1: 8:30am-3:30pm; Thursday, March 13 (#0110); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.; Limit 30; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A Required Management Core Course for anyone applying as a CPM candidate after Jan 1, 2003
For all others, an Organizational Management or Public Policy Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692, or register online.

Problem Analysis and Problem Solving
The successful public manager knows that problem solving is based on a systematic process of recognition and analysis. You will learn the limitations of your present problem solving style; communication processes to improve creativity; roles for groups and teams in problem solving; and how to define problems in different ways.
Instructor: Jeff Russell is co-director of Russell Consulting, Inc., specializing in helping leaders and supervisors build a supportive and motivating work environment.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Tuesday, May 20 (#0140); Location: The Lowell Center, 610 Langdon St, Limit 30; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Management Core Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692 or register online.

The Psychology of Managing Difficult Employees
Difficult employees are often a public manager’s biggest challenge. Understanding the psychological issues underlying difficult behvior can help you manage it. Awareness of these issues is essential if we are to do our jobs well. Through discussion and case studies, you will learn why some people are difficult to work with or for, and how to handle yourself and others in trying situations. What you learn will be directly applicable to your workplace.
Instructor: Marni Bekkedal is a neuroscientist with expertise in brain chemistry and the processing of emotions. Her teaching emphasizes the importance of the brain in emotions and behaviors, making complex neuroscience understandable and applicable to daily life.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Thursday, May 8 (#0292); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.; Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU
A CPM Personnel Management Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692 or register online.

Risk Management
Don't leave risk management to the "experts;" as a public manager it is essential for you to understand the issues involved in the risk management process. Issues covered in this class include: types of risk, manageable risk, loss control programs, selling the concept of risk management, control techniques, and frequently asked questions about insurance and liability in the public sector.
Instructor: Jeanine Critchley is the director of Risk Management at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
8:30am-3:30pm; Wednesday, March 26 (#0260); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.; Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Resource Management Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692 or register online.

The State Budget Process
In this workshop you will learn how the state biennial budget is created from the development of agency budget requests to the Governor’s signature on the final budget bill many months later. You’ll learn what factors influence whether a specific agency request will be supported by the Legislature and the governor, and the roles played by specific committees and members of the Legislature in the budget process. You’ll also learn what role individuals within agencies can play in creating and using budgets, and how the state budget affects both state programs and local governments.
Instructor: Bob Hanle has been a team leader in the State Budget Office in the Department of Administration for fourteen years. He brings over 25 years of experience in Wisconsin state government to his class.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Wednesday, May 21 (#0222); Location: The Lowell Center, 610 Langdon St, Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Public Policy or Resource Management Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692 or register online.

Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
Strengthen your skills so that you can use planning as a reliable management tool. You will learn to develop measurable and obtainable goals, motivate others to understand these goals, and adapt your strategic plan for the future.
Instructor: Jeff Russell is co-director of Russell Consulting, Inc., specializing in helping leaders and supervisors build a supportive and motivating work environment.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Tueseday, January 22 (#0120); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Limit 30; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Management Core Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692, or register online.

Strategies for Building Communication
This class assumes a basic competence in effective listening and conflict management; we teach you to apply your skills in interpersonal relations to more difficult workplace situations. You will improve your ability to enhance individual, team and organizational performance as you improve your communication skills.
Instructor: Jeff Russell is co-director of Russell Consulting, Inc., specializing in helping leaders and supervisors build a supportive and motivating work environment.
8:30 am-3:30 pm; Thursday, February 14 (#0248); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.; Limit 25; Cost: $128; 0.6 CEU.
A CPM Organizational Management Elective
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692, or register online.

Using Data for Better Decision Making
This is not a standard research methods class, although we talk briefly about research hypotheses, designs and procedures. What you do learn is how to use research correctly--how to manage the research process, interpret research findings, and use the data from your research to make better decisions. We also look at how one can be mislead by numbers or statistical jargon. Learn the meanings of the most-used statistical indices and when you should use each. Evaluate several pieces of research, as well as the popular research reported in newspapers and magazines.
Peter Maier is the director of research and planning at the Center for Self-Sufficiency in Milwaukee, a non-profit organization that offers its services through partnerships with federal agencies, and state & local governments.
8:30 am-3:30 pm, Tuesday, March 25 (#0200); Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.; Limit 25; 0.6 CEU; $128
A CPM Quantitative Methods Course
For more about course requirements see Program Overview. To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692 or register online.

Chronological list of classes, 2007-2008:

January 2008

February 2008

March 2008

April 2008

May 2008

June 2008

How to register:

By mail: Print the UW Continuing Studies registration form and mail to Madison Registration Office, Dept. 102, 702 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53703.

By fax: Print the UW Continuing Studies registration form and fax to 608-265-3163; toll-free 800-741-7416

Online registration: Links to secure online registration are listed with each workshop description.

For more information about the WCPM program call Robbi Dreifuerst at 608-262-3830. Send us an e-mail to join our mailing list.

Upcoming Classes