University Times

Pitt's College of Gen- eral Studies (CGS) this week announced a series of new certificate programs designed to enhance continuing education opportunities for the region's workforce.

Called the Pitt Learning Solutions program, the initiative focuses on five "regional growth industry sectors" critical to the economy: health care, manufacturing, information technology, financial services, and hospitality and tourism.

According to CGS Dean Susan R. Kinsey, Pitt Leaning Solutions represents a coordinated response to the specialized educational needs of industries, organizations and workers in southwestern Pennsylvania.

"Until now, we have largely focused our attention on serving the needs of degree students," Kinsey said. "With the launch of the Pitt Learning Solutions, we are expanding our reach to include non-degree continuing education needs of working people. Today's skilled workers and professionals must continue to update and retool their skills and knowledge, not every few years as before, but almost constantly."

The certificates include both credit and non-credit programs. Beginning in January, CGS will offer certificates in information systems design (18 credits) and accounting (22 credits). Non-credit offerings include business software, database development, e-commerce management, web master/web author and web master/web developer certificates.

Certificate programs in development for fall 2002 include health services program and project management, geographic information systems, engineering management, and corporate communications. Other certificates are planned for 2003, Kinsey said.

She added that the programs will be offered at Pitt, on site at area companies and, where appropriate, on-line.

Faculty in information sciences, engineering, business and arts and sciences, as well as business professionals will participate, with the College of General Studies as the administrative point-of-entry.

At a Dec. 5 press conference announcing the new certificate series Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg said that "CGS was uniquely positioned to meet the needs of employees who want specialized programs. Often this specialized education must be acquired within time constraints that are not compatible with traditional degree programs. That's where certificate programs, specifically crafted to meet this constant need for enhanced and continuing education, become an invaluable option for both employees and employers."

Nordenberg added that employers looking for demonstrated specialized competencies are more inclined to invest in short-term education. "Companies are increasingly recognizing that ongoing training for their employees is not only a necessary cost of doing business, it is a high-yield investment in their organizational futures. The presence of a highly trained workforce is a key to economic competitiveness and a key determinant of business-location decisions."

Provost James V. Maher called Pitt Learning Solutions "the fulfillment of a dream we've had here at Pitt for quite a few years," to expand the reach of CGS to include continuing education for the region's workforce. –Peter Hart