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California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Why should I participate in a Leadership Development program offered by CSUF?
More than ever, public agencies are in need of passionate and future-thinking individuals to step up and take the lead. The goal of the Certificate Program in Leadership Development for Public Agencies is to engage emerging leaders from the various agencies through a program tailored for the public sector.

This program benefits the participants and their agencies in the following ways:

  • Maximize training opportunities regardless of city/agency size
  • Forum to share "best practices" and common challenges
  • Networking opportunities
  • Address public sector core competencies and serves as positive career reinforcement of public services
  • Learn the skills and behaviors that will enhance your effectiveness on the job

The participants who successfully complete the entire program will receive a Certificate in Leadership Development, as well as 5.6 continuing education units* (CEUs).

*CEU is a nationally recognized uniform unit of measurement for participating in a continuing education course or professional development training session, according to the guidelines established by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). CEUs may be applied to some professional certification or licensing requirements, and may be used to fulfill continuing education requirements for maintaining licensures.

I am not a supervisor and I don't manage anyone. Am I eligible for this program?
We believe that leaders exist at all levels within organizations. The program was created to address the needs of non-supervising high-potential individuals, project leads, new supervisors, and supervisors new to the public sector. You do not have to a supervisor or manager to participate in or benefit from the program.
How many classes are there in the program?
There are a total of 8 classes in the program. They are:
  • Developing the Leader Within
  • Leadership in Public Administration
  • Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
  • Group Facilitation - An Art Form!
  • Designing and Delivering Effective Presentations
  • Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers
  • Influencing for Greater Results
  • Leading Change in Organizations
Where do the classes meet?
The location will be announced in late August. We are in discussion with several sites to identify the most convenient location for all participants.
Since the classes meet at 3pm on Thursday, will I have to take time-off to attend the classes?
The opportunity to participate in this leadership development program is provided to you by your agency through its participation in the Orange County Public Employee Consortium. The agencies participating in this program have all agreed to give their staff release time to attend classes on the days when classes are offered.
I already know I will have to miss one of the class meetings due to a schedule conflict. Can I still take part in the program?
We make every attempt to announce the schedule of classes ahead of time so students can make appropriate schedule arrangements.

In order to receive a CSUF issued Certificate of Completion in Leadership Development, students must participate in the program in its entirety. If your schedule does not permit you to attend 95% (13 out of 14) of the class meetings, we recommend that you consider participating in future cohorts.

Do I have to take all the classes, or can I just take the classes I need?
The program is being offered to the public agency staff as a certificate program. In order to be eligible for a spot in the program, the student must commit to attending all of the classes in the program. We believe strongly that you will find all of the classes relevant in enhancing the work you do in your organization.
Who will be teaching the classes?
Learn from the experts! All leadership development classes are taught by practicing experts who currently work in or with public agencies and have the educational credentials to teach at the university level. A typical instructor who teaches in the Leadership Development for Public Employees program would possess:
  • 20 or more years of experience working in local or regional public agencies
  • Awards for excellent work in public agency management or city planning.
  • Training specialty in leadership, management, project management, and operations management
  • Experience in teaching the Public Administration in the 21st Century and the Public Employee Leadership Development certificate programs at California State University, Fullerton, Extended Education.
How much work is involved? Will I have to spend time outside of classes working on projects?
There will be homework assignments and group projects interwoven into the classes which will require time outside of class in order to complete. This time requirement is minimal, however, and is very carefully evaluated.
How do I register for the classes?
Please contact your Human Resources representative for agency-specific policies on participating in the Leadership Development for Public Agencies program. After confirming your participation with your HR department, staff from Cal State Fullerton University Extended Education will contact you to initiate the registration process.
How can I pay for the classes?
All class fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. Many agencies will reimburse their staff through the Tuition Reimbursement program. Please check with your supervisor or Human Resources representatives for agency-specific policies.
Do you have a refund policy?
If you need to withdraw from a class, you may do so by phone through the Extended Education registration office. Call 657-278-2611 for more information. The day the refund request form is received is the official date of withdrawal. If you drop at least one working day prior to the class start date, a full refund less $10 per class dropped will be issued. If you wait until the day of the first class meeting to drop, there will be no refund.

University Extended Education reserves the right to cancel, postpone or combine classes. Classes may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled. If a class is cancelled, a full refund will be issued.

For more detailed registration policies, please visit our www.csufextension.org.