VMCA Institutes and Academy 2025
Course code: | 26-SS-143 |
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Dates: | October 7-10, 2025 Alternate Course Dates |
Meets: | Tu, W, Th and F from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, 4 sessions |
Location: | Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond |
Fee: | $695.00Fee Breakdown |
Workshops: | Workshop Listing |
Description
This IIMC-approved Institutes and Academy program equips administrators who serve a Legislative Government Body (LGB) with the tools to ensure smooth operations in public meetings, records management, elections, and special projects.
For Pre- and Post-Institute Session Information, visit the program page at https://ocpe.vcu.edu/vmca.
Maximize Your IIMC Education Points
As an IIMC-approved Virginia Institute, participants earn 1 full point per instructional hour — a significant advantage over many other continuing education options, which typically award only 0.5 points per hour. These pre-approved hours count toward the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) or Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designations, helping clerks make meaningful progress toward credentialing while engaging in relevant, skill-based learning.
Program Delivery
Participants choose one of three program tracks and attend in-person sessions led by expert faculty, experienced clerks, and professionals in public administration and local government.
Optional Pre- or Post-Institute Programs
Clerks may register separately for additional workshops offered the day before or the day after the core program. These provide additional instructional hours and may require a separate fee.
Program Tracks
We offer three distinct tracks designed to meet clerks at their current level of experience and responsibility:
Municipal Clerk Fundamentals Institute
For clerks new to the profession or who have not previously attended an IIMC-approved institute. This track builds the foundational knowledge and essential skills needed to be effective in the role.
Municipal Clerk Emerging Leaders Institute
Ideal for clerks with experience who are ready to grow beyond the fundamentals. Topics emphasize leadership, public administration, and management principles.
Municipal Clerk Master Academy
This advanced track is designed for seasoned clerks who have earned the CMC designation. Participants explore complex issues in public service and strengthen their readiness for high-level municipal leadership.
Participation and Attendance Requirements
To comply with IIMC certification standards:
- Sign-in and sign-out is required for each session to verify full attendance
- Full session attendance is required to earn continuing education hours; partial attendance does not qualify
- No credit or fee adjustments will be issued for incomplete sessions
- Only participants who attend the entire session will receive the associated assessment link
Online Assessments & Certification
- Assessments are administered via FlexiQuiz
- Participants must achieve a passing score of 80% or higher
- Clerks have up to three attempts to pass each assessment
- Upon passing, a certificate will be auto-generated for download and emailed to the participant. Certificates should be saved for credential documentation.
Who Should Attend
The VMCA Institutes and Academy are designed for municipal clerks and aspiring clerks working in Virginia. Clerks from outside Virginia are also welcome to participate. Please note, however, that laws related to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Conflict of Interest, and document retention may vary by state.
If you’re unsure whether the program is a good fit for your needs, please contact ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 to speak with our team.
Notes
Location and Accommodations:The in-person program will be held at the Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond.
We have secured a block of rooms for your convenience. The hotel is offering a special group rate. Please note that rooms are subject to availability, so we recommend booking early to ensure availability at the event location.
To make a reservation, please use the following link: Book your group rate for VMCA Institutes and Academy 2025.
Please make your reservations by Wednesday, September 3, 2025 to receive your group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability. Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and referring to your group number 10145521.
For up-to-date event information, visit the Annual Virginia Municipal Clerks Association (VMCA) Institutes and Academy program page at https://ocpe.vcu.edu/vmca.
If you encounter any issues or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the program manager, Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received on or before August 15, 2025, will receive a refund of the registration fee minus an administrative fee of $100. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu. No refunds are given after August 16, 2025.
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Transfer Policy:
You may transfer your registration to a different person if requested in writing via email at ocpe@vcu.edu by September 23, 2025. The participant must meet all prerequisites or qualifications required by the program and complete an online registration.
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.