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

Professional Development Series: Engaging & Motivating Employees

Annual Gallup polls since 2000 have found that 71% of American workers are “not engaged” or “actively disengaged” in their jobs. Not surprisingly, this employee disengagement costs the U.S. a lot-about $300 billion per year-in lost productivity.
This workshop will examine fundamental principles for engaging and motivating employees. You can move your employees from disengagement to re engagement by supporting their progress and making their work meaningful.

This workshop will be offered TWICE. Please note the following dates, locations, and deadlines for each workshop. To register and pay online via credit card please click here. To pay via check or purchase order, please download the appropriate registration brochure below and mail to the address provided.

• December 16, 2013, 1:30-4:30pm, Columbia, SC Registration deadline: December 9th
• Engaging & Motivating Employees Brochure Dec. 16

• January 8, 2014, 1:30-4:30pm, Aiken, SC Registration deadline: January 2nd
• Engaging & Motivating Employees Brochure Jan. 8

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Want to design your own professional development workshop?  The Institute can customize any workshop to fit the needs of your specific organization.  Visit http://www.ipspr.sc.edu/grs/training.asp for a complete list of available workshops.Contact Bill Tomes at 803-777-3788 or wetomes0@mailbox.sc.edu for more information on developing your own professional development series.

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Clerks to County Council Training Program

February 6-7, 2014

Pawleys Island, SC

The Winter 2014 Training Program for County Clerks to Council will be held February 6-7, 2014 at Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort in Pawleys Island. The program began in 1990 and is designed to assist Clerks to County Council and Assistant Clerks to County Council in understanding their roles and responsibilities and enhancing their skills and abilities to function effectively in their work environment. Three education sessions will be offered during this yea'rs program:
- Writing Skills for the New Age (Elective)
- Customer Service (Required)
- Understanding Your True Colors (Elective)

To register and pay online via credit card please click here. To pay via check or purchase order, please download the registration brochure below and mail to the address provided. The registration deadline is January 29, 2014.

CCTC Winter 2014 Registration Brochure

Please contact Adrienne Moody at ammoody@mailbox.sc.edu with questions.

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South Carolina City & County Management Association: Winter Meeting Registration

January 16-18, 2014

Aiken, SC

The South Carolina City & County Management Association (SCCCMA) will host its annual Winter Meeting in AIken, SC.

To register and pay online via credit card please click here. To pay via check or purchase order, please download the registration brochure below and mail to the address provided. Students should register via mail as well. The conference registration deadline is January 6, 2014.

SCCCMA Winter 2014 Registration Brochure

Please contact Adrienne Moody at ammoody@mailbox.sc.edu with questions.

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Local Government Management Training Program: Working Effectively With Council

January 16, 2014, 1:00-4:00pm

Aiken, SC

This session of LGMT will be offered as a pre-conference workshop for the SCCCMA Winter Meeting but is open to anyone wishing to attend. Establishing an effective working relationship with a governing board is fundamental to the success of a city or county manager. This session will provide both the "art and sciene" of developing and manintaining an effective partnership with elected officials through interactive group discussion, including real-life examples of what works and what doesn't.

To register and pay online via credit card please click here. To pay via check or purchase order, please download the registration brochure below and mail to the address provided. The registration deadline is January 6, 2014.

Working Effectively With Council Registration Brochure

Please contact Adrienne Moody at ammoody@mailbox.sc.edu with questions.

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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 may register and pay online or download and complete the appropriate application below. 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 Adrienne Moody at ammoody@mailbox.sc.edu for more information.

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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.