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A couple of years ago, Tiffany Barnhart decided she needed a change. After working as a human resources generalist in the private sector for more than 20 years, she enrolled in the HR Academy to see if public sector HR was any different. It was … and still is.

A joint undertaking between California State University, Sacramento’s College of Continuing Education and CPS Human Resource Services, the Academy is designed to provide attendees with a solid understanding of personnel issues in public agencies, in particular local governments and special districts. Attendees have up to three years to complete the six-course curriculum to receive six CEU credits and a certificate of completion.

The HR Academy has grown significantly since its beginning in 2003. Originally the series was offered once per year. Now it is offered four times – twice in Southern California and twice in Northern California. Wil Godsave of CPS coordinates the Academy. “In addition to the regular sessions, we can offer any agency a contract series if a minimum of 20 people register,” he states. “If your agency is close to the minimum number, CPS can help market the classes to other government agencies in the area.” Also, Godsave is currently gauging the interest in bringing the academy to other geographic areas, such as Tucson, Arizona and Southern Oregon. Approximately 150 people have received a certificate of completion so far, including the recent July 2007 graduating class.

While the courses cover subjects from fundamentals to employee relations, perhaps the greatest benefit comes from interaction with fellow attendees. “I found that I was learning an invaluable amount just by being surrounded by other HR professionals,” claims Barnhart. Instructors encourage active participation and sharing of experiences.

Godsave sees the mission of the HR Academy as improving HR in the public sector through education. Barnhart sees the Academy as helping her navigate toward public sector human resources. “The classes not only gave me the confidence to know where I wanted to be and what I wanted to be doing, but they helped me understand the employment process,” she said. Barnhart, following a suggestion from Godsave and others at CPS, applied at the City of Roseville, California. She began working for Roseville in May, 2006 and is still employed there.

To see the current HR Academy schedule, click on the sidebar link to the right. For more information about the HR Academy, please contact Wil Godsave at 800.822.4277 ext 3351 or e-mail HRAcademy@cps.ca.gov.

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