The Institute of Government
for County Officials
Overview
When is the Institute Offered?
What are the Requirements for Certification?
Which Courses Offer Continuing Education Credit for
Planning/Zoning Officials and Employees?
Advanced Courses for Level II Graduates
View the IOG Brochure
View the Fall 2009 IOG Course Schedule
In 1989, SCAC, in cooperation with the Institute for Public Service & Policy Research at the University of South Carolina and the Strom Thurmond Institute of Government & Public Affairs at Clemson University, established the Institute of Government for County Officials. The institute is a training program designed to provide county officials with the tools needed to enhance their skills and abilities to function more effectively in their positions. Level II was added in 1992, and an Advanced Level was added in 1994.
Much has changed since the institute began. In 2002, the institute was completely revamped, and the curriculum was updated to reflect the information that county officials need to know to be effective leaders.
Each year, a minimum of 16 courses are offered: courses are offered prior to SCAC's Mid-Year Conference, Annual Conference and Fall Meeting of the County Council Coalition.
- Level I – County officials must attend 27 contact hours of instruction composed of six required courses (18 contact hours) and any three elective courses (9 contact hours).
- Level II – Level II courses are open to graduates of Level I or persons within nine hours of graduating from Level I. County officials must attend 18 hours of instruction composed of any six courses (18 contact hours).
- Participants must complete a form at the end of each class to certify that they have attended and completed the course.
- Credits for courses in Levels I and II are valid for four years, after which time they are removed from the county official's record.
- Officials are awarded a certificate upon graduation from each of these levels.
In 2006, the State Education Planning Advisory Committee approved five Institute of Government courses for continuing education credit for local government planning/zoning officials and employees. These courses include:
- Level I – Planning and Zoning; Ethics and Public Service; and Managing and Conducting Meetings
- Level II – Economic Development and Strategic Planning
Learn more about planning/zoning continuing education
The Advanced Level is not a certificate level, but provides a means for graduates of Levels I and II to continue their training and increase their knowledge of county government issues. Typically, two courses (three contact hours each) are offered each year prior to SCAC's Annual Conference. The topics for advanced courses change each year.
View the IOG Brochure
View the Fall 2009 IOG Course Schedule
Questions? Call Leslie Jennings at 1-800-922-6081, ext. 335, or send e-mail