ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CLERKS
INSTITUTE/ACADEMY

Northern Illinois University will host the Illinois Municipal Clerks Institute and Academy October 10-14, 1988. The Center for Governmental Studies in cooperation with the College of Continuing Education has planned an intensive five day institute for clerks interested in obtaining CMC designation.

The NIU sponsored institute is a three year program. Clerks may enter the program at any point in the three year cycle. Sessions for the first year include: local government — its form and function; local government finance; personnel management: how to choose the best person for the job; learning styles; state government and its impacts on municipalities; communication styles; elections administration; and a legislative update. All sessions will be coordinated by NIU faculty and staff with appropriate local government personnel participating in many of the activities.

The Academy is an advanced continuing education opportunity. Meeting this year October 12-14, the Academy's program will have two parts. Day one will focus on the municipal planning process and will include information on strategic planning as a means for developing a planning document, an overview of the planning process, a discussion of economic development, and, finally, a panel discussion on the negotiations process including the municipal, as well as the developers, viewpoint. Clerks are a frequent point of contact during the development process and need to understand what's happening. This session will provide the necessary background. Day two of the Academy will shift the focus to the clerk's personal professional needs allowing time for assessment of management styles and stress management.

Institute registration fees will be $225. The Academy fee is $175. Fees include all course materials, continental breakfasts, lunches, breaks, and a banquet. Rooms are an additional $35 per night. All sessions will take place at the Holmes Student Center on the campus of Northern Illinois University. Complete registration information will be available in late August. For information contact: Carol B. Zar, Institute Director, (815) 753-0927. •

Page 14 / Illinois Municipal Review / August 1988