Courses

Strategic Planning for Local Elected Officials

This course will be held in-person at the UNC-School of Government from 1pm - 4pm

Effective local government leaders articulate a clear vision for the future of their communities and proactively disseminate this vision among constituents and government staff. Strategic planning serves as an essential...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Mental Health Issues in Juvenile Law

This multiday course includes instruction on common mental health needs among youth, the structure and function of the mental health system, mental health assessments and treatment, capacity to proceed, involuntary commitment, and the connection between child welfare and delinquency proceedings and mental health from the beginning to the end of...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Public Law for the Public's Lawyers

I lead the planning for Public Law for the Public’s Lawyers (PLPL). The course addresses issues relevant to attorneys who work in or with North Carolina state government. That means a focus on legislative branch and executive branch information and issues, typically. We usually offer the program in the fall and plan for...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

LGFCU Fellows Alumni Workshop

The Alumni Workshop will be held at the Sheraton in Chapel Hill, October 26–27, with a reception on the 26 at the Story Venue on Franklin Street. We will have a chance to talk briefly about the emerging issue of AI and how it might impact local governments, as well as work with national communication trainers to gain new skills to add to our...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Judicial Decision-Making for Magistrates

This seminar will offer an intensive exploration of judicial decision-making by magistrates: how those decisions are made, how to apply the law in the process, and how real life challenges impact decision-making. Our focus will be on improving participants’ abilities to make legal decisions while identifying and guarding against improper...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Advanced Family Law for District Court Judges

This North Carolina Judicial College course is intended for judges with some experience trying equitable distribution cases. The objective of this course is to allow participants to discuss equitable distribution cases in a small-group, interactive setting. To make this possible, attendance will be limited, and we may not be able to accept all...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Family Law for Judges

These two courses are offered by the North Carolina Judicial College. They are intended for District Court Judges who are relatively new to domestic relations court, and who do not have substantial experience with family law matters. The objective of these classes is to allow participants to learn about the law...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Municipal and County Administration

Applications for the 2026–2027 course will open in June 2026. The 2026–2027 program will be offered virtually from October 2026 through April 2027. See bottom of course page for specific dates.

Looking ahead, the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 course offerings will be held in person at the School of Government.

Course Overview

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There are additional offerings of this course available.

Introduction to Public Employment Law

NOTE ON SCHEDULE:

This two-week in-person fall course will meet at the School of Government from 8:30 - 4 on the specified days. There is no hybrid option.

OVERVIEW

Whether you are new to human resources, an experienced HR professional new to the public sector or looking to update your skills, or an attorney newly assigned employment...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Engaging Women of Color in Public Service: Cultivating Community

The Engaging Women of Color in Public Service conference centers the perspectives and experiences of women of color working in the public sector. Attendees will learn valuable professional skills that support career success and employee wellbeing while also connecting with each other. This year’s theme is “Cultivating Community”. The...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Contract Management in Local Government

This course will address the management, networking, and legal aspects of contracting for North Carolina local governments. We will review several topics to...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

One-Day Criminal Law Seminar for Magistrates

This program focuses on criminal law and procedure issues pertinent to magistrates. This course includes sessions on substantive criminal law topics, and case law and legislative updates. This course provides 5.75 hours of continuing education.This course is appropriate for magistrates, with sessions related to criminal law and procedure, legal...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Lead With and Through: Effective Public Engagement for More Resilient Communities

CPLG is proud to offer discounts to groups. Many courses in the One-Day Public Leadership Series benefit not just individuals but rather entire groups. Members of groups of five or more can each receive 20% off the registration fee. To take advantage of this discount, please visit the course web page or contact registration@sog.unc.edu or 919....

There are additional offerings of this course available.

American Rescue Plan Act Fiscal Recovery Funds: Preparing for April 30 and Beyond

NOTICE: THE APRIL 19TH OFFERING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

American Rescue Plan Act Fiscal Recovery Funds: Preparing for April 30 and Beyond

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Forensic Evidence for Superior Court and District Court Judges

This course is offered through the North Carolina Judicial College. The course is intended for both Superior Court and District Court Judges and will cover issues that arise with forensic evidence.

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Preparing for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects Workshop

This comprehensive workshop is designed for local government officials and staff involved in the planning, funding, and management of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Over two days, participants will gain valuable insights and practical tools to effectively navigate the complex requirements inherent to these projects. The first day...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Effective Supervisory Management Program

After more than 30 successful years of training new supervisors in our Effective Supervisory Managment Program we have reviewed the curriculum and upgraded the content to reflect the knowledge and skills most needed by today's local government supervisors.

The new Fundamental Supervisory Practices (FSP) course can be...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Resolving Public Disputes: Workshop II

Workshop II: Collaboration and Tools for Handling Contentious Stakeholder Groups

This workshop is part two of a three-course sequence to improve individual negotiation skills and responses to conflict and to strengthen group facilitation, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. This workshop examines the conditions for effective...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Indigent Defenders in Civil Proceedings Webinar

The webinar, presented live by School of Government faculty member Timothy Heinle, will review issues surrounding the testimony and out-of-court statements of children in juvenile abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings (AND). Topics will include relevant considerations when a party wishes to call a child witness (including subpoenas,...

There are additional offerings of this course available.

Online module

Custody Jurisdiction Module

This session is intended to be an introduction to and overview of the law relating to a North Carolina court’s jurisdiction to make a child custody determination.