CPM: Eligibility

To be eligible for CPM training, an individual must meet the following criteria:

1. Approval for time away from work from the appropriate supervisor.
2. Ability to meet the time and financial commitments of the course.
3. Demonstrated initiative in seeking training and educational opportunities.
4. Advancing toward or through positions with managerial responsibilities.

Many CPM courses subscribe to the notion that creating and using information are key skills possessed by effective managers. These courses often feature cases and assignments that both teach and help refine these capabilities. Therefore, students selected should have a basic knowledge of Excel. Those who do not have this experience should seek training about spreadsheets prior to the beginning of CPM courses.

All state governmental units have an internal selection process for the Certificate of Public Management program. Your supervisor or personnel office has application forms. To be considered for CPM, please fill out an application form and give it to your supervisor. Your agency will decide which candidates will be submitted to the selection committee. Managers from other organizations complete a similar application form, submitting it directly to the Atkinson School. The selection committee will make the final decision about who will be participating in the program.

Costs
The applicant and his or her agency of employment each pay for half of the cost of the program. Applicants should discuss the financial responsibility of the program with their employer. Remember that you will have both financial and time commitments to this program.

Participants enrolled in the Certificate in Public Management are responsible for the cost of the program. The Atkinson School encourages agencies and departments to pay at least one-half of the cost; if you would like us to speak with someone at your department or to answer questions, just let us know. Participants may be eligible for other sources of financial support.

Costs for Cohort 9 (beginning January 2009) are $937.50 per course, payable $1,875 per term or $7,500 for all eight courses. This includes textbooks, learning materials, parking and program activities. Note: program costs subject to change at the beginning of each new cohort.


FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Loans
In general, participants in the CPM are not eligible for federal loans, which require participants to be enrolled at least half time in their course of study. Half-time is defined as six credits per term. However, several private educational loan lenders provide loans for students enrolled less than half time. A few of those lenders are:

• Bank of America: 800-870-8142
  This less than half time enrollment loan is called the "Education Maximizer".
  
  
• Chase: 866-213-3151
  The student would want to inquire about the "Continuing Education Loan" from the list of private loans provided. This loan is called "Chase Extra".
  
  
• Wells Fargo: 877-255-2431
  With Wells, the loan for those enrolled less than half time is called the "Connection Education Loan".
  
  
• For additional private loan information, contact:
  
  Katy Kelley
  Willamette University
  Senior Financial Aid Counselor
  503.370.6273 or 877.744.3736
  503.370.6588 fax

Veterans Benefits
Veterans and, in some cases, their spouses, may be eligible for financial aid toward the cost of education. The CPM is an approved program. For additional information, contact the Oregon Department of Veteran's Affairs at 503-373-2085 to speak with a benefits counselor.

Tax Benefits
Under Section 162 of the IRS code, taxpayers can deduct educational expenses if the coursework maintains or improves skills required in their current jobs or if the education is required to keep their present salary, status, or job. Expenses in excess of 2% of a taxpayer's adjusted gross income would be listed as a miscellaneous itemized deduction on Schedule A of their tax returns. People switching careers cannot deduct such expenses. Nor can expenses be deducted if they are related to coursework that is necessary as a minimum education requirement for a job. To determine your eligibility for this benefit, contact your accountant.

Application Materials can be found at: Application Materials