"Camp NARUC" FAQs
Who can attend?
Participation in "Camp NARUC" is open only to individuals from governmental and public-sector organizations. Eligible attendees include new commissioners and commission staff, consumer advocates, staff of the attorneys general, legislators and legislative staff, and international regulators. This policy provides a unique opportunity for public-sector regulatory professionals. Camp can also provide a retreat experience for commissioners or other groups from the same agency.
Why is the program two weeks long?
"Camp NARUC" is actually two successive one-week educational programs. Participants are welcome to attend either Week One or Week Two or both. Week One focuses on the fundamentals of utility regulation. Week Two concentrates on advanced regulatory issues, including emerging methods and industry-specific concerns. Seasoned professionals—including former attendees—are welcome to return regularly for either week.
Do I have to attend both weeks?
No. For new regulatory professionals, the two-week program provides an intensive and valuable introduction to utility regulation. However, some participants find that they benefit from attending Week One during one year and returning for Week Two in another year. Come back to Camp!
My state has "restructured." Should I come to Camp?
Our goal with Camp and other programs is in keeping with our mission; we are educators, not advocates of any particular policy. In particular, we take an empirical and reasoned approach to structural and regulatory change, without bias or judgment. We do not present regulation and competitive markets as alternatives, but as concepts derived from a common body of knowledge from which modern regulators can draw. Developments in regulation and markets are well considered throughout the program. Regardless of where you work and the issues on which you focus, we want to provide the background and tools you need to be effective.
How does Camp NARUC address differing perspectives on utility regulation?
Our mission is to promote an informed regulatory process, regardless of one's role or perspective. We strive to design a program that provides participants with both an objective overview of the theory and practice of regulation, as well as an appreciation of the alternative perspectives on current and often controversial regulatory issues. We welcome diversity of viewpoints and lively interaction among program faculty and participants. We encourage you to engage actively in the dialog and share your views.
I've been to Camp. Should I come back?
Yes! Week One might be revisited as a refresher course for professionals who want to get back to the basics. Week Two might be especially appealing to seasoned Campers who want current information about emerging issues and methods of regulation. We invite everyone to return to Camp to enjoy the dynamic content offered in Week Two. In both weeks, individual classes and the overall curriculum are updated yearly to reflect changes in utility operations and regulatory policies and procedures.
I work in a governmental agency but not a regulatory commission. Can I benefit from Camp?
Yes! Consumer advocates, legislators and legislative staff members, and other governmental professionals involved in utility regulation find the program very beneficial in terms of understanding regulatory principles and practices. Special orientation workshops are often available.
How is Camp affiliated with NARUC?
The Annual Regulatory Studies Program got its name in 1973, the same year NARUC began an affiliation with the program. However, the program had actually been established 15 years earlier and was moved to Michigan State University in 1965. Although NARUC does not provide direct funding for the program, the chairs of the key NARUC committees and subcommittees serve on a NARUC Advisory Committee and provide invaluable input to the program. IPU is committed to designing Camp and other programs to serve the needs of NARUC and the regulatory policy community at large.
Who teaches at "Camp NARUC"?
Instructors for the program are leading regulatory professionals from the academic, public, and private sectors. They have exceptional credentials in terms of educational and professional background, and are also experienced instructors. Faculty members are always available to students for answering questions and providing additional information on particular topics. See the speaker bios here.
How does "Camp NARUC" address differing perspectives on utility regulation?
Our mission is to promote an informed regulatory process, regardless of one's role or perspective. We strive to design a program that provides both an objective overview of the theory and practice of regulation, as well as a range of alternative perspectives on current regulatory issues. We welcome a diversity in viewpoints and lively dialog on the part of program faculty and participants.
What materials are provided for the program?
Participants will receive a notebook with outlines for each presentation, plus a CD-ROM containing all presentation material. A portable computer is not required, but participants are welcome to bring a computer to the program.
Can I attend for just two or three days, to attend specific classes?
Yes. We offer a day rate for campers who cannot schedule a full one-week or two-week session, or who want to attend a limited number of classes.
Sometimes you have concurrent sessions and I need to be in more than one. What can I do?
You'll receive materials for all the sessions, even the ones you cannot attend. You might consider trading class notes with someone who attends the other session(s). Faculty members often are available before and after their sessions to answer questions.
How's the transportation?
Lansing is Michigan’s capital city and has convenient and competitively priced jet airplane service. A shuttle service van is available to transport participants from Lansing's Capitol City Airport to the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.
How's the hotel?
Campers from many years ago might recall "dorm-like" facilities, but these days the Kellogg Center is a modern, comfortable business hotel with nicely furnished rooms, cable television, a fitness room, gift shop and other amenities. The MSU campus is well known for its architecture, landscaping, and recreational facilities.
How's the food?
We plan a nutritious, diverse menu for our campers and can accommodate most special dietary needs. Please let us know when you register.
What’s the real dress code?
Seriously, it’s casual. It’s summer and Camp is lots of fun but lots of work. We want you to be comfortable and ready for a quick walk outside in the sun in between sessions. Business casual or dressing up are options for the Thursday night graduation banquet in the second week, but we’ll dim the lights and we really don’t want anyone to stay away because they only brought sneakers!
What can I do in East Lansing?
The MSU campus and surrounding area have lots to offer in terms of shops, bookstores, and recreational activities. The campus is great for walking and biking, and be sure to check out MSU’s botanical gardens, museums, and ice cream store, as well as special events. East Lansing offers a number of great college-town restaurants. Check out the schedule for the Lansing Lugnuts baseball team. The hotel’s shuttle bus is often available to give a lift to one of the area’s shopping centers.
See the Camp Survival Guide. [pdf]
What can I do on the weekend between the weekly sessions?
Mostly relax! If you're ambitious, you can head for one of the big cities or the Great Lakes (and sand dunes). Campers have been known to trek to Detroit, Chicago, Toronto and even Niagara Falls (remember your passport). We’ll help you get directions. Also, on the weekend between week one & two, East Lansing will host the exceptional Folk Music Festival, among other great East Lansing events.