SPRING 2024 COURSE. This course will introduce the administrative skills frequently used by public works professionals, such as basic writing principles, planning, organizing, and preparing and delivering effective technical communication within and outside the organization. Specific examples of communication tools include field construction reports, interoffice memorandums, document summaries, and verbal presentations. We’ll also introduce students to basic office applications that will be used in the preparation of documents used by public works professionals. Students taking this course are required to have a personal laptop computer and bring it to class each day. For first-time students, this course is suggested as the first in the Public Works Certificate Program.

SPRING 2024 COURSE. In this course, we’ll review the basic principles of public works engineering functions and examine the materials and methods used in public works projects. Topics include soils, aggregates, bitumen, concrete, utilities, plan review, traffic counts, flexible pavement design, erosion control, surveying, public land survey, construction methods, basic project management, contracts, bidding, and records.

FALL 2023 COURSE. This course will introduce the administrative skills frequently used by public works professionals, such as basic writing principles, planning, organizing, and preparing and delivering effective technical communication within and outside the organization. Specific examples of communication tools include field construction reports, interoffice memorandums, document summaries, and verbal presentations. We’ll also introduce students to basic office applications that will be used in the preparation of documents used by public works professionals. Students taking this course are required to have a personal laptop computer and bring it to class each day. For first-time students, this course is suggested as the first in the Public Works Certificate Program.

FALL 2023 COURSE. This course focuses on the management and communication expected of public works professionals in a leadership position, as well as the skills needed to manage internal relationships within governmental agencies. Topics in the course include public relations, including how to conduct a public meeting to get citizen buy-in; handling complaints; written communication; interacting with media professionals; techniques for screening, interviewing, and hiring new employees; and leveraging social media.

FALL 2023 COURSE. This course focuses on the delivery of public works services within the community. Public Works operations are a critical provider of the public services that affect the health, safety, enjoyment, and prosperity of our residents. We generally do this by providing services relating to water/sewer, streets, parks/facilities, and the environment. The course identifies the equipment and personnel resources needed to carry out these functions in an effective and efficient way. Discussions will include factors that should be considered when making choices relating to: preventative vs. reconstruction of infrastructure, rent vs. purchasing of equipment, and contracting vs. inhouse use of personnel to provide services.

SPRING 2024 COURSE. This course will familiarize you with the administration and operation of a public works department. It provides insight into the organizational structure, planning, financing, purchasing, budgeting, and management of public works organizations, as well as individual job responsibilities and internal relationships within governmental systems.