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What is NACLAA?
Dalhousie University and the University of Alberta have undertaken a partnership to jointly develop and deliver a national, in-service education program for local government officials in Canada. This online program is the first of its kind in Canada and was introduced in September of 2002. The program's name is NACLAA, an acronym for National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration. It is owned and administered by Public Sector Programs at Dalhousie University and Government Studies at the University of Alberta.
NACLAA is committed to providing access to high quality distance education and continuing professional development to municipal employees across Canada. The NACLAA program develops and enhances local government leadership and managerial capabilities to promote enlightened democratic governance. It provides a nationally recognized credential through advanced learning opportunities for local government officials wishing to increase their mobility and career advancement opportunities within the municipal civil service. The program provides nationally relevant but regionally sensitive theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for outstanding performance in local authority administration.
Who Should Enroll in NACLAA?
Anyone who works with or for local government will find this program invaluable. The program will be attractive to those considering a career move into local government, as well as those who are simply interested in expanding their knowledge and understanding of the structure and operations of local government. The courses will be of interest to anyone who wonders among other things how municipalities fit into the Canadian political scene, how the constitution affects municipal government, whether alternative service delivery is the panacea we've been promised, and how to get citizens involved in local government. Courses are taught by leading academics and professionals who are experts in their field of local government.
The Advantages of Online Learning
Computer conferencing offers the advantages of group learning as students participate in class discussions and group projects. Online participation is available to students wherever and whenever they have access to a computer that is connected to the Internet. Distance learning eliminates the difficulties of scheduling classes around fulltime jobs, finding suitable childcare and commuting to class. Students are able to remain in their regular work environment and can apply the new skills and theories as they are acquired. This means that smaller organizations, which might not have staffing levels or budgets to support extended leaves of absence, can still participate in training opportunities. Courses feature both an online and printed course guide and manual, computer conferencing and links to other resources through the program's web site (www.govsource.net). Students participate in online learning activities from the comfort of their homes or offices. Each course includes computer conferences where students can discuss course work with their instructor and other students. The NACLAA program includes a number of student support components to make the online experience more rewarding. These online components include mentoring, built-in study aids, and interactive discussions.
Want to find out more about online learning? See our Studying Online page.
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Calendar Out!
Government Studies 2008-09 Calendar is now available for download!
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Free Municipal Newsletter
Sign up for MuniMall, Canada's most compelling and entertaining source of municipal news, emailed out every second Thursday. Subscribe here.
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NEW One Day ALUP Course Offering
On Sunday, September 21, 2008, Enforcing Land Use Bylaws (4100) will be offered in conjunction with the 2008 ADOA Conference in Grand Prairie, Alberta. More information.
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