Continuing and Professional Education

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Municipal Clerks

Municipal clerks are the backbone of local government, managing public records, supporting legislative bodies, overseeing elections and more. To help clerks grow professionally and stay ahead in their field, VCU Continuing and Professional Education partners with the International Institute for Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and the Virginia Municipal Clerks Association (VMCA) to offer the IIMC-approved VMCA Institutes and Academy, a rigorous continuing education annual event. The Athenian Dialogues, an advanced leadership development series is also available to IIMC and associate members.

About

VMCA Institutes and Academy

Held annually every October, the IIMC-approved Institute delivers high-impact, in-person training that supports clerks in earning or advancing their Certified Municipal Clerk or Master Municipal Clerk designations.

Choose from three focused tracks:

  • Municipal Clerk Fundamentals Institute - Perfect for new clerks or those pursuing their Certified Municipal Clerk IIMC designation. Learn the core skills and knowledge needed to be an effective municipal clerk.
  • Municipal Clerk Emerging Leader Institute - Advance your skills as a municipal clerk while earning a Certified Municipal Clerk IIMC designation. This track builds on the Municipal Clerk Fundamentals Institute and is designed for clerks ready to grow in areas like leadership, public administration and management.
  • Municipal Clerk Master Academy - Tailored to seasoned municipal clerks who have earned their Certified Municipal Clerk IIMC designation, this advanced track covers complex topics to support the Master Municipal Clerk credential.

Get even more out of your experience by joining VMCA Pre-Institute Workshops. These optional, hands-on workshops cover topics such as:

  • De-escalation and crisis communications
  • Athenian Dialogues
  • Specialized municipal leadership skills 

This program is designed for Virginia clerks, but it is open to clerks nationwide. If you are located out of state, check with your local IIMC Institute director before enrolling.

Athenian Dialogues

Offering municipal clerks an opportunity to explore leadership, ethics and other impactful topics, the Athenian Dialogues are facilitated workshops inviting participants to read an insightful book (approved by the International Institute for Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and join in a thought-provoking discussion about themes and relevance to their profession.

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Upcoming Opportunities