Chesterfield University

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Chesterfield County create Chesterfield University?
With many organizations focused on attracting and retaining outstanding employees, Chesterfield County realized that today's workforce seeks employers who place a high value on the development and education of their employees. The need to stay up-to-date with increasing amounts of new information has becomes more important for employees and Chesterfield County as it innovates to better serve its citizens. Learning opportunities are now designed to further the county's mission and goals of its strategic plan. Chesterfield University was also developed to make learning more efficient, to streamline processes, and to maximize resources. As expectations increase in the workplace, employees will be better prepared and can continue learning and developing skills and abilities by accessing the university.

How long has Chesterfield University been in operation?
The concept of a corporate university has been present in Chesterfield County since 1996 when the county's quality curriculum was taught through TQI University. In 1999, efforts began to expand this model to a broader audience that would include other department training such as Public Safety departments. A steering committee worked for two years to create the foundational elements of Chesterfield University and introduced the six schools of learning to employees in early 2002. In March of 2003, Chesterfield University became a separate department with staff and budget being transferred from Human Resource Management.

How is Chesterfield University staffed and governed?
Currently there are a total of 13 employees on the university's staff. A Chief Learning Officer receives strategic direction from a 15 member Council on Learning that governs organizational learning. An Operations Manager, a Curriculum Coordinator, and a Change Management Lead partner with the CLO while a University Registrar, an Automation Analyst and seven Learning Consultants work closely with the Operations Manager to ensure content delivery and consulting services. Each School of Learning is led by a Dean and a 12-15 member Board of Advisors who oversees curriculum, instructors, and learning partners for the school's content. Each Dean and Board members are employees from within the county who have an interest in promoting learning of a subject matter expert in that area.

How is Chesterfield University funded?
Each year the university's staff and operations are funded through Chesterfield County's general fund. There are a few programs where charge backs occur from the employee's departmental budget. Chesterfield University also creates revenue through external consulting services and by charging external participants who attend courses.

How many courses are currently offered by Chesterfield University?
Through the six schools of learning, Chesterfield University offers over 200 instructor-led courses and 350 online courses to employees. Courses are communicated and scheduled in six month increments for year round learning.

Do these courses lead to a degree or certifications?
Currently, there are Certificates in Quality, Leadership, and Human Resources available to employees. Sponsored by the School of Quality and Continuous Improvement, School of Leadership and Personal Effectiveness, and Policy and Practice employees can access a set curriculum in each of these schools to obtain these certificates. Plans are underway to offer a similar certificate in Microsoft Office from the School of Applied Business and Technology. Partnerships are in the works to create relationships with colleges and universities to provide a bachelor and master degree in Public Administration.

Are courses open to the public and other organizations?
Currently the university's main focus is to provide learning to county employees. However, when seats are available, other organizations and agencies have attended classes at an established price per class/student. The University has also created agreements with other agencies and organizations to provide training to their employees for a daily rate. Please contact the University Operations Manager at 804 751-4140 to explore this option.

Where are classes delivered?
Classes are held at the Learning and Development Center in the Chesterfield County Administration Building's basement.