The Institute for Public Service and Policy Research is an interdisciplinary research and public service unit of the University of South Carolina. Our primary purpose is to help governments in South Carolina by addressing current and emerging public policy, governance and leadership issues through our educational activities, applied research, and technical assistance programs.

Our activities support the University of South Carolina-Columbia's mission by providing management and leadership education to local and state government officials, conducting applied research to inform policy making decisions, promoting civic engagement within South Carolina government, and providing practical research and learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

We strive to be a public service research institute that is valued and respected by the University of South Carolina, our stakeholders throughout the state, and our peer institutes throughout the nation.

The Institute has grown from a rich tradition of public service at USC. It was organized in September, 1945 as the Bureau of Public Administration. In 1969 the name was changed to the Bureau of Governmental Research and Service. In 1988 its mission was expanded to include more service-related policy research and it became the Institute for Public Affairs. In 2001 the Institute became a part of the College of Liberal Arts and its name was changed to the Institute for Public Service and Policy Research to convey the functions of the organization more clearly: to meet the training and technical assistance needs of local and state government and to conduct research to find effective solutions to the public policy challenges facing our state and communities.

A more detailed account of the Institute’s early history can be found in Twenty Five Years of Governmental Research written by former director Robert H. Stoudemire.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Government Finance Officers Certification Program: Registration Information

The certification program for Government Finance Officers is administered and offered for the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of South Carolina by the Institute. Successful completion of all requirements of the program will result in designation as a Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO).

To view the 2013-2014 course and exam schedule and/or to register for the program, please view the registration form below. A special discount rate is available for those who register for all courses and exams by September 9, 2013.

2013-2014 GFOA Brochure

Please contact Belinda Irby for more information.

**************

South Carolina City & County Management Association Membership Applications

July 1, 2013-June 30, 2014

The South Carolina City & County Management Association (SCCCMA) is now accepting new and renewal membership applications.

To become a new member of the Association or renew your membership for the 2013-2014 fiscal year please download and complete the appropriate application below and mail with payment to the address provided. Student members should download the student membership application and return via e-mail to ammoody@mailbox.sc.edu.

New Member Application

Renewal Membership Application

Student Membership Application

Please contact B ill Tomes at wetomes0@mailbox.sc.edu for more information.

**************

Looking for some professional development for you or your staff? The Institute offers a variety of workships that can be customized to fit the needs of your organization.  Visit http://www.ipspr.sc.edu/grs/training.asp for a complete list of available workshops.

Contact Bill Tomes at 803-777-9788 or wetomes0@mailbox.sc.edu for more information on developing your own professional development workshop or series.