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Galveston University
Welcome to the CIty's Galveston University. This program is designed to engage citizens and key City staff on a learning process together. As we teach the ins and outs of City government, our hope is to also learn from each of you. A few things:
- The class will meet each Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00pm in various locations throughout the City (please see the schedule below).
- This eight week commitment will require students to come to a minimum of seven classes to be recognized as a graduate.
- Each class will cover a variety of departments and information that will help students better understand the role of local government in the community they call home.
- Students will be given a binder, name tag, and upon graduation a customized polo shirt and certificate of recognition.
- While residency on the Island is not a requirement, those who do reside in Galveston will be given priority on the limited space in each session.
- All participants will be required to pass a criminal background check for the safety of the staff and students.
The schedule for the next class, set to begin May 16th, is below and those interested in committing to attending can sign up using the form below the schedule.
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More About The Program
City Invites Residents to Become the First of Many Galveston University Graduates
Registration now open for the inaugural session set to begin on May 16th.
Galveston, TX – April 13, 2018 – With forward motion building in the community, the City is introducing another opportunity for Galvestonians to be engaged citizens in the community they call home. The City will host their inaugural class of a new program titled, “Galveston University” on May 16th. The eight-week commitment will introduce participants to key staff members, take them on tours of new facilities, and provide staff an opportunity to receive citizen input throughout the process.
Each class will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in various locations throughout the City. Each class will cover a variety of departments and information that will help participants better understand the role of local government on the Island. The classes will be free to attend and limited to the first 18 people to sign up.
“This type of community engagement and education is what makes a community stronger,” said Mayor James D Yarbrough. “We hope to build community champions through this program that will inspire others to become more involved in the civic process.”
The sessions will include a Budget 101 presentation from the City Finance Director, Mike Loftin; a trolley tour to visit all of the improvements and new facilities being built on the Island; tours of the Police Station, Fire Station, and Airport; interactive sessions with multiple departments; and will conclude with a roundtable opportunity at Garten Verein for students to spend time discussing opportunities and concerns that exist in our community with the Mayor, City Manager, Police Chief, and Fire Chief.
“For staff, the purpose of offering this program is really two-fold,” said City Manager Brian Maxwell. “Galveston University will provide us an opportunity to build a more engaged citizenry while providing staff a significant amount of time to spend listening to and learning from the citizens that we serve.”
While residency on the Island is not a requirement, those who do reside in Galveston will be given priority on the limited space in each session. All participants will be required to pass a criminal background check for the safety of the staff and students. Participants who complete no less than seven of the eight sessions will be recognized at the July 26th City Council meeting as Galveston University graduates.