The Max S. Baucus Institute's Department of Public Administration and Policy is hosting its second annual Public Service Academy. Due to COVID-19, we are moving the 2020 Academy online. The Public Service Academy is open to any public or nonprofit sector employee with the goal to advance skills for your current profession. Participants will learn from leading experts in the field.

Registered participants can begin accessing online modules on July 30, 2020. Live Happy Hour Q&As will take place online from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on August 5 & 6, 2020, with speakers from Modules 4 and 6. The theme this year is Forward Thinking for our Public and Nonprofit Sector Futures. Speakers include Rob Gannon (General Manager, King County WA Transit), Tracy Stone-Manning (Assoc. VP for Public Lands at the National Wildlife Federation) and panels of public sector experts. For more information, including a detailed schedule and speaker bios, visit www.umt.edu/publicserviceacademy.

Program Fee (before Eventbrite fees): General $95; University of Montana students and employees: $80

Group Rate (before Eventbrite fees): Register ten (10) or more attendees to receive the group rate of $65 per person.

Registration ends on July 20, 2020.

NEW this year! Participants are eligible for the 1st Annual Baucus Innovation Challenge

Submission deadline: July 1, 2020 (use this link to apply)

The University of Montana’s Department of Public Administration and Policy and Baucus Institute invite your department/agency/program to join a ‘pitch competition’ in honor of Ambassador Max Baucus’s commitment to public service. He believes public service “is the highest calling,” and appreciates innovative thinking to continue to solve public and nonprofit sector problems.

The Baucus Innovation Challenge is an annual event that highlights exciting new strategies for advancing knowledge and/or improving programmatic efficiency or effectiveness.

• A chance to win a $500 award to launch or further develop your innovation

TO APPLY

You must register as a participant for the PSA 2020. A representative from a public sector program/agency/department must:

• Upload and submit your organizations 2-3 minute video using this link that creatively explains:
  • Have developed an innovative approach to enhance public service, address an unmet need, advance understanding in the field, and/or improve programmatic efficiency or effectiveness.

Your video will be placed in our innovation online modules and participants will view and vote. The winning team will be notified by August 15, 2020.

FAQs

What is the refund policy?

A full refund is available if the cancellation is received 30 days prior to the event, by July 7, 2020.

What do the modules provide?

Each module provides 30-60 minutes of training from expert(s), resource page, and supplemental reading.

When is the last day to register for the PSA?

July 20, 2020

What if I need to cancel?

Must cancel by July 23, 2020 for refund

What if I already signed up for the in-person PSA?

You were rolled into the online modules and refunded difference.

How do I participate in Baucus Innovation Challenge?

You must register as a participant for the PSA 2020. A representative from a public sector program/agency/department must:

• Upload and submit your organizations 2-3 minute video using this link that creatively explains:
  • Have developed an innovative approach to enhance public service, address an unmet need, advance understanding in the field, and/or improve programmatic efficiency or effectiveness.

Your video will be placed in our innovation online modules and participants will view and vote. The winning team will be notified by August 15, 2020.

Do I need to be a participant to participate in Baucus Innovation Challenge?

Yes.

How do I sign up for live Q&A Happy Hour Sessions?

1. Instructions are in signup upon registration.
2. You will receive a link 7 days in advance and need to be able to connect using Zoom technology
3. The format allows you to ask questions in a live, facilitated format

Can anyone view online modules?

No, only paid participants have access for up to six months to view.