Training Workshops & Descriptions
The office of Training and Educational Services (TES) provides training to State entities, government employees, lobbying firms, individual lobbyists and lobbying clients, and members of the public who wish to learn more about the responsibilities outlined in the Lobby Act, Public Officers Law, and Civil Service Law §107.
If you are interested in attending an instructor-led workshop at our Albany offices, or would like to invite a trainer to visit your organization, please contact us at 518-408-3976 or via e-mail at Education@nyintegrity.org.
Individuals interested in attending an instructor-led workshop via teleconference, or video-teleconference technology, please contact Marlena Diaz at 518-408-3976 or email your request to Education@nyintegrity.org.
Ethics Training
All courses described in this category are available in the traditional instructor-led classroom format or can be scheduled using teleconference or video-teleconference technology. Customized curriculum focusing on specific topical areas are available upon request for organizations who invite a Commission trainer to their offices. Teleconference, or video-teleconference trainings require access to external Internet, e-mail, traditional telephone line, and the most current version of Microsoft PowerPoint® or Adobe Reader® installed.
Ethics Overview (via NYS-Learn™):
An interactive, self-paced, e-learning course designed to provide current State employees with a basic overview of ethical issues within New York State government. Participants are quizzed at regular intervals, and have the opportunity to view and request additional information throughout the course. This training is only available to current State employees in the Executive Branch whose agency participates in the statewide NYS-Learn™ program. If you have any questions about NYS-Learn™ or whether your agency participates, please call 518-473-8087, or e-mail NYSLearn@goer.state.ny.us. (1 hr.)
Ethics Overview (Adobe Captivate® 2010 Edition):
This newly designed version of "Ethics Overview" is an online Training On Demand course specifically designed for State employees and any individual interested in a basic overview of ethical issues within New York State government. The successful completion of an online learning assessment is required for any individual required to obtain a certificate of completion for attending this training. The interactive, updated 2010 edition is CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT. We will update this website as soon as information is available. Any questions or comments regarding this project may be e-mailed to Education@nyintegrity.org. (1 hr.)
Ethics in New York State Government (Ethics 101):
A survey course designed to cover the nuts-and-bolts of the New York's Public Officers Law Section 73, 73-a, 73-b, 74 and Civil Service Law Section 107. Topics include an introduction to the New York State Commission on Public Integrity, advisory opinions, nepotism in the workplace, limitations on outside activities, post-employment rules, financial disclosure, and restrictions on gifts. (2.5 hrs.)
Ethics Training Update:
This course is designed for those who have previously taken the full Ethics course. The instructor will cover recent changes to the law, new advisory opinions and regulations. Ample time for question and answers is allowed and student participation is encouraged. (1 hr.)
Post-Employment Restrictions:
In the next several years, thousands of New York State employees will be retiring from State service. A large proportion of this group will leave the workforce altogether. However, some will choose to pursue employment in the private sector. This class is designed for the person contemplating a position in the private sector after State service. This course will cover New York's post-employment restrictions. Specifically, the two-year and lifetime bans along with certain exceptions to the general provisions will be covered. There will also be a discussion on the rules applicable to job offers while in State service. (1-1.5 hrs.)
The Financial Disclosure Statement (FDS):
Last year, thousands of State employees filed annual financial disclosure forms. This course will cover important information that a first time filer needs to know to file the FDS form correctly and on time. Topics will include who is required to file the form, exemptions, extensions, penalties for failure to file, and public access to the form. (1.5-2 hrs.)
What is a Gift?
The Public Employees Reform Act of 2007 removed the $75.00 limit on gifts and replaced it with a new standard which allows only gifts of “nominal” value, with certain exceptions. This course will cover the new gift rules along with a discussion about what constitutes a gift, certain permissible gifts, discounts, job offers and penalties. (1 hr.)
Ethics Training for Unpaid or Per Diem New York State Officers:
As an unpaid or Per Diem member of a policy making body or other entity on which at least one member is appointed by the Governor, your public service to the State of New York requires you abide by certain provisions of the State's ethics laws. This course will address the applicable ethical principles including: an introduction to the New York State Commission on Public Integrity, advisory opinions, conflicts of interest, financial disclosure and penalties. (1-1.5 hrs.)
The Role of the Ethics Officer:
Every State agency, public authority, board and council must have at least one designated ethics officer. The person who performs this important role also serves as a liaison to the Commission on Public Integrity. This course is designed for the designated ethics officers and will cover a broad range of topics. At the conclusion of the course, the ethics officers will be given a binder of materials which will assist them in carrying out their ethics officer duties. (2.5 hrs.)
SUNY/CUNY Ethics Training:
Academics and employees of the SUNY and CUNY systems are frequently presented with particular circumstances that involve application of the State's ethics laws. This course is designed specifically for employees and academics of the SUNY and CUNY systems. Topics will include an introduction to the Commission on Public Integrity, advisory opinions, financial disclosure, honoraria, restrictions on gifts, post-employment, limitations on outside activities and penalties. (2.5 hrs.)
Lobbying Training
All courses described in this category are available in the traditional instructor-led classroom format or can be scheduled using teleconference or video-teleconference technology. Customized curriculum focusing on specific topical areas are available upon request for organizations who invite a Commission trainer to their offices. Teleconference, or video-teleconference trainings require access to external Internet, e-mail, traditional telephone line, and the most current version of Microsoft PowerPoint® or Adobe Reader® installed.
Lobby Act Training and Education (LATE) Program (Training On Demand):
The LATE Program is an online Training On Demand course that is specifically designed to educate the participant on common mistakes made by new filers. The LATE Program can be used as an alternative to late fee assessments for Commission approved Lobbyists and Clients. The successful completion of an online exam or quiz is required for any late fees to be dismissed. Those interested in participating in this Training On Demand program, simply click the title and begin the course. Any questions or comments regarding this program can made to Education@nyintegrity.org. (1 hr.)
Lobbyist Reporting and Requirements:
This course outlines the recent changes to the Lobby Act and will provide participants with a better understanding of who is required to register with the Commission. Topics covered include: biennial statement of registration, fees, filing the six bi-monthly reports, due dates, and a brief overview of the online filing and final lobbyist responsibilities upon termination of their contract (1.5 hrs.)
Client Reporting and Requirements:
Similar to Lobbyist Reporting and Requirements, this course focuses solely on the responsibilities of the clients in their lobbying pursuits. Topics include how to register with the Commission, how to file the required semi-annual reports, their due dates, and fees. The course also offers and introduction to online filing, maintaining records, assessment of penalties and the filing of the final client/lobbyist termination responsibilities. (1.5 hrs.)
Online Filing Training:
The most common filing mistakes occur when using PDF forms, this course is designed to instruct users on the fundamentals in navigating the online registration and reporting system. All attendees will receive a username and password on completion of the training session. This will enable participants to file online with the Commission immediately. (1.5 hrs.)
Procurement Lobbying Reporting and Requirements:
This course navigates individuals through the requirements when lobbying for State contracts. Topics covered include: understanding the procurement lobbying threshold, determination of need, registration, the restricted period, commission salesperson, and final lobbyist/client termination responsibilities. (1 hr.)
Public Disbursement of Monies:
This course guides registered lobbyists and public corporations through the requirements when attempting to influence determinations affecting the disbursements of public funds. Topics covered include: determining factors for filing, how lobbying activities are determined, understanding the threshold, and filing the report. (1 hr.)