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University of Delaware
28 v——Fall/Winter 2021• Volume 7——vThe Progression of Change in Adult and Continuing Education • The Progression of Change in Adult and Continuing Education |CONNECTIONS| Serving learners from preschool age through postretirement age, the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS) provides educational opportunities for anyone seeking to enhance their academic or professional skills, begin or complete their college career or enrich their personal life. UD PCS also offers customized education services to businesses, organizations and professional associations within our geographic region. As the adult and nontraditional learners’ portal to the University of Delaware, UD PCS impacts thousands of students each year by providing them access to UD credit courses and degree offerings, professional development courses, certificate programs, specialized conferences, workshops and lifelong learning member cooperatives throughout the state. Whether an individual wants to begin a degree, complete a degree, gain credentials, prepare for standardized tests or participate in lifelong learning opportunities, UD PCS has a program or course for them. “Learning does not stop after high school or college; it continues throughout one’s lifetime,” said George Irvine, associate vice provost for Professional and Continuing Studies. “Truly focused on lifelong learning, UD PCS is proud to serve local, University of Delaware Professional and Continuing Studies impacts all ages Continued on Page 30 national and global learners and organizations through our high-quality and workforce-relevant programs.” Helping our region recover As every individual has undoubtedly experienced in his or her professional and personal life, the COVID-19 crisis confronted everyone with a set of challenges that nobody could have anticipated. Though there certainly was an adjustment period, UD PCS has not missed a beat and remained steadfast in our commitment to our learners. As members of the community we serve, UD PCS’ unwavering focus is on what we can do for each student our neighbors and our friends, and are concerned about everyone in the region and is continuing to do its part to aid in the ongoing recovery. It is pleased to help those affected take the next steps forward by providing indemand programming supported by financial assistance and complemented with free seminars. Along with scholarships, UD PCS offers payment plans as well as discounts for early registration, active military members and veterans, memberships in business associations, groups of two or more, and UD students and alumni. “The continuous need for lifelong learning does not cease during a global pandemic, so UD PCS is proud to provide just-in-time education to community members who have been adversely affected by COVID-19,” said Irvine.
UD PCS offers timely programming
Throughout the pandemic, UD PCS has been able to draw some comfort by seeing how many of its programs are providing training for professions and skills that have had substantial increases in the need for proficient practitioners.
Healthcare has justifiably been in the spotlight, and its Advanced Telehealth Coordinator, Clinical Trials Management and RN Refresher programs have proven to be quite timely and necessary, and there continues to be numerous employment opportunities for people with these skills.
Businesses have been forced to rethink their strategies and chart new courses. UD PCS programs like Business Analysis, Project Management and Social Media Marketing provide the vehicles to guide an organization on the best route.
Students participate in a UD PCS class on the Newark campus.
Many of the critical decisions and actions taken by healthcare, business and other professionals are driven by data from information technology professionals. To complement UD PCS’ Predictive Analytics and Data Mining course, previously known as Analytics: Optimizing Big Data, it recently introduced a Foundations of R for Data Analysis class that was prompted by requests from former students. Lifelong learners embrace diversity
Along with taking pride in its programs that provide professional preparation or put the student in a position to advance, UD PCS is pleased to present lifelong learning opportunities for those who may have wrapped up their careers or are just looking to expand their knowledge in a friendly environment. Hosting one of the earliest and largest lifelong learning programs in the country, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is open to adults aged 50+ to take and teach classes together, with course offerings determined by member interest as well as the passions and expertise of the dedicated volunteer member-instructors, with no grades, exams or educational prerequisites.
OLLI members have provided great support to UD PCS’ commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in its services, programs and operations, and its focus on partnering with the larger UD community to work toward a common goal of making the University of Delaware a welcoming and inclusive institution. A member-led Diversity Committee developed initiatives for creating a welcoming and inclusive OLLI climate with initiatives that included mentoring elementary school students, tutoring adults, promoting introductory membership certificates in underrepresented communities, and launching a Celebration of Cultures.
Strengthening global programs
Along with having a local impact, the UD PCS reach extends beyond the borders of Delaware and the region. In 2020, learners in 57 countries across six continents participated in UD PCS noncredit programs. Over the last few years, UD PCS has presented its Clinical Trials Management program to students in India, met with Haiti Ambassador Hervé H. Denis about potential education opportunities for his country, and supported the International Coaching Apprenticeship in Basketball Certificate program and the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program.
While it does not have a crystal ball to predict the future, UD PCS is doing all it can to help each students navigate the changing landscape by providing top-flight programming to prepare them to excel professionally and personally. For more information, visit www.pcs.udel.edu or call 302-831-7600.
