Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 09-06-2016
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Office of the City Attorney
Title:
title
Presentation and discussion on City of Broken Arrow University, also known as COBA-U
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Background:
Earlier this year, City Staff began working on the concept of a comprehensive training program for City employees. Some of the benefits of this program include a more educated and informed workforce, assistance with succession planning, increased efficiency, and fostering relationships between Departments. Also identified as benefits were a more motivated workforce, employee recognition, leadership development and improved employee interpersonal skills.
It was contemplated that the program would be comprised of five stages, each of which would be numbered like a college curriculum. Participants must successfully complete each level before advancing to the next stage. Not unlike professional advancement within the organization, participants would have increasing levels of responsibility for completion. While the initial level provides a very basic snapshot of overall municipal operations and basic employment tenets, higher levels would receive more comprehensive, in-depth information on subjects designed to develop leadership within the organization. As participants advance through the program, there will be certain core topics that will be covered, as well as electives. Staff will use online and video formats, as well as assignment of reading assignments, and activities that demonstrate understanding and application of learning principles. The five stages are as follows:
• Core Curriculum (100)
• Pre-Supervisor (200)
• Supervisor (300)
• Management (400)
• Leadership (500)
Attached the Council will find COBA-U Core Curriculum. Staff is in the process of conducting a final evaluation of this initial step in the program’s development, as well as creating a footprint for the next three years. Instructors and Department Directors will be engaged in development and implementation not only to obtain input from throughout the organization, but also to allow opportunities for professional growth and engagement. Coordinating Staff is very interested in three major objectives:
1. Participation by all City Employees in some aspect of the program;
2. Succession planning and preparation of the organization’s future supervisors and management for leadership roles; and
3. Program sustainability.
The initial class will be considered by the Leadership Team to be a pilot program. Staff has already filmed and produced a recruitment video. It provides a basic outline of the program, as well as details on how to apply. This will be a City-wide program that engages a total of 48 employees, divided into three different groups, and will include representatives from all City Departments. Classes will be held monthly for a period of one year. Each class will be for a three-hour period of time. Department Directors will make recommendations to the City Manager following an online application process. The City Manager will appoint employees to the COBA-U Class of 2017. It is anticipated that classes will begin in October. Those successfully completing the program will be recognized by the City Council.
Staff will make a presentation on this program and will also show the promotional video.
Cost: None
Prepared By: Beth Anne Wilkening, City Attorney
Reviewed By: Assistant City Manager - Administration
Approved By: Michael L. Spurgeon, City Manager
Attachments: Core Curriculum
Promotional Video
Recommendation:
No action is required.