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NADB created its Institutional Development Cooperation Program (IDP) for the
purpose of enhancing the managerial, financial and leadership capabilities
necessary to operate a successful utility in the modern U.S.-Mexico border
economy. As an integral part of that effort, the Utility Management Institute
(UMI) offers an on-going and focused professional development program for
utility managers and their staffs in the border region.
Operation
The curriculum is highly practical, focusing on day-to-day issues faced by
border utility professionals. Module presentations emphasize interaction among
participants with the goal of developing a binational network of border utility
professionals able to consult with one another as issues arise. The UMI faculty
is comprised of experts in the fields of water and wastewater utility management
and leadership in the United States and Mexico, including practicing
professionals, consultants, and academics. Instruction is provided in both
English and Spanish.
The UMI modules are designed to be taken in the specified sequence, as each
subsequent module builds on the previous session. Participants who attend
individual modules of the UMI curriculum receive a certificate from the
Institute for that module; those who complete the entire basic curriculum earn a
certificate from the University of the Incarnate Word. UMI participants will
find the program beneficial not only for their utilities, but for their own
career development.
In the four U.S. border states, utility operators
can apply participation in UMI seminars towards the continuing education credit
hours required to maintain their operating licenses.
For each module or seminar participants can earn the
following credit:
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State Agency |
Credit Hours |
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Arizona Department of Environmental Quality |
20 hours |
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California Department of Health Services |
20 hours |
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New Mexico Environmental Department |
18 hours |
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Texas Commission of Environmental Quality |
20 hours |
Basic Curriculum
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Planning, Designing and Implementing a Successful Utility
This module focuses on the functions and practices of a successful
utility. Specific topics include defining a utility’s purpose and priorities;
exploring the five functions of management; identifying opportunities for and
barriers to success; and examining the legal and regulatory framework. |
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Financial Administration
In this module, participants analyze current practices and explore the
issue of financial self-sufficiency. Topics include information needs for
decision-making; the importance of needs assessments; billing and collection
issues; understanding rate structures and their regulatory framework; and
establishing appropriate performance indicators and accounting systems. |
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Financial Planning
In this module, participants examine strategic planning initiatives
aimed at preparing utilities to meet future needs. Topics include investments
and financing plans; legal and regulatory implementation issues; development of
appropriate rate structures; establishment of reserve funds; project evaluation
and administration; and efficiency goals.
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Leadership in the Utility
This capstone module addresses the importance of local leadership in a utility’s
development. Topics include staff development, team building, and understanding
group dynamics; negotiations and creative problem-solving; and public
communications.
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Schedule
Each module is offered twice a year and runs 2-1/2 days, beginning with
registration on Tuesday evening and ending by mid-day on Friday. The schedule
for 2008 and 2009 is:
2008
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Module I
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Module II
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Module III
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Module IV
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January 22-25, 2008 |
May 21-23, 2008 |
July 23-25, 2008 |
October 22-24, 2008 |
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February 19-22, 2008 |
June 18-20, 2008 |
August 20-22, 2008 |
November 19-21, 2008 |
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Module I
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Module II
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Module III
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Module IV
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January 21-23, 2009 |
April 22-24, 2009 |
June 24-26, 2009 |
October 21-23, 2009 |
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February 18-20, 2009 |
May 20-22, 2009 |
July 22-24, 2009 |
November 18-20, 2009 |
Graduate Seminars
For
utility professionals who have completed all four modules of the basic UMI
curriculum, the institute offers intensive seminars on subjects complimentary to
the original program. The topic of the 2008 seminars are:
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Location
All UMI modules and graduate seminars are presented in San Antonio, Texas at:
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University of the Incarnate Word (UIW)
Dr. Burton E. Grossman International Conference Center,
847 East Hildebrand Ave. at Hwy 281
Dormitory-style accommodations for UMI participants are provided at UIW.
Registration
Eligible participants must be employees of public water or
wastewater utilities located within 100 kilometers (62 miles)
north of the international border in boundary in the four U.S. states of Texas,
New Mexico, Arizona and California and within 300 kilometers (about 186 miles)
south of the border in the six Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon,
Coahuila, Chihuahua, Sonora, and Baja California.
To promote discussion and interaction, classes are kept small, with no more than
30 participants at a given time. Acceptance will be subject to availability;
however, classes will be offered on a regular basis throughout the year to
ensure that all eligible participants have the opportunity to attend.
The NADB’s IDP will cover all course-related expenses of the participants,
including the course and materials, ground transportation during the course,
lodging and most meals. The cost of transportation to San Antonio is the
responsibility of the participant.
For more information about the UMI program or to register for the program,
contact:
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Utility Management Institute
Laura Stout,
UMI Executive Director
4301 Broadway, CPO 307
San Antonio, Texas 78209
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Phone: (210) 805-5706
Fax: (210) 805-3020
E-mail: stout@uiwtx.edu
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