Vol. XVII
No. 3
March 17/95

@ ex Capilano

informer

Cex College

Institution of First Choice * Dedicated to Excellence * Leader in Education

nnovative and creative are two

adjectives which best describe the
successful new Local Government
Administration Professional
Certificate Program at Capilano
College.

The program is designed with and
for professionals currently employed
by municipalities, regional districts,
improvement districts, First Nations
governments, or supporting agencies
in British Columbia. Its purpose is to
provide opportunities for participants
to gain increased knowledge of the
political and organizational realities of
local governments in B.C., and to
identify opportunities for change
within these systems.

The program began in 1994 when
John Potts, acting vice-president of
Career and Vocational programs at
Capilano College, realized that there
was a substantial need for courses in
local government.

“John has been the driving force
behind this effort,” says Linn Teetzel,
program instructor and convenor for
local government administration. “He
saw an opportunity with this type of
program to respond to the needs of the
community. At the same time, we are
also finding creative ways to finance
ate

To a very large degree, the
participants are involved in designing
the curriculum. “They are all experts
in their own field,” Linn says. “One of
the major innovations of this course is

student Input is Key to
Success for New Program

that we always ask for and receive
feedback. At the end of the present
term, we’ll discuss how the law course
will run in September. We’ll find out
what the students need and want to
learn and incorporate it into the
program.”

Another interesting aspect of the
program is the quality of guest
speakers who address the classes.

“The speakers are just incredible,”
Linn adds. “We invite people who are
the best in their field and they come.
Sometimes I can’t believe it.”

Linn wanted to hold the number of
class participants to 25, but 29 people
are in it at present. “They’ve been
coming from all over B.C.,” Linn says.
“We’re trying to see how we can cut
their costs by offering classes in local
colleges around the province.”

The seminar-formatted program
runs once a month beginning on a

The Honourable Darlene Mazari,
Minister of Municipal Affairs, and
Doug Jardine, former president of
Capilano College, visit the Public
Administration 202 class on
February 10.

Thursday night and continuing all day
Friday and Saturday. It is considered a
regular 60-hour course.

Linn and John have worked closely
with the Municipal Officers’
Association of British Columbia to
put this program together. “It has
really been a partnership between
Capilano College and MOA,” she
says, adding, “and it’s just the
beginning. I’d like to expand the
program to include people who want
to run for office, work as volunteers
on commissions or committees of
local governments, or who would like
to be educated to work in local
government.

“We have to remain open to new
ideas. The program is constantly
changing. Every weekend is like a
whole new adventure.” O