USTA-U College Course Returns This Fall

If you are interested in a career in the tennis industry or in advancing your career in that industry, you should take a close look at what Queens College-CUNY is offering.

On November 2, and running through mid-February, the USTA/Queens CollegeCUNY Professional Tennis Management will commence its’ second semester. This adult education certificate program consists of three semesters and includes online and Monday evening classroom learning, on-court workshops, experiential learning with internships and guidance for job placement. There are two tracks: a coaching track for tennis pros and a management track for those seeking offcourt careers. A student may enroll at the start of any one of the semesters, and will secure their certificate after successful completion of all three.

The tuition cost is $1,575 per semester.

A major new feature this fall will be the incorporation of remote learning for a limited number of students for whom classroom attendance is not feasible. All students will be required to attend, in person, a two-day weekend tennis workshop, but may otherwise attend via a Zoom classroom.

The program is directed by Skip Hartman and features as its’ primary lecturer Robert Friedman of Stress Solutions, Inc., a nationally respected lecturer on management techniques and issues. Hartman has been an owner/developer of tennis facilities and programs in the New York City area for many years.

In the first semester, the students completed 33 hours of USTA modules on a variety of subjects including coaching youth tennis, tournament planning, high school tennis, racquet services, entry

level coaching, Net Generation, player standards, communication, and large groups and teams. A similar number of online study hours and USTA modules will be required in the second semester.

With respect to the lecture sessions, the inaugural class completed successfully on Monday evenings a 13- session first semester from February-May 2020. The classes were held at the Queens College Campus until the middle of March when the virus Shutdowns resulted in the balance of the classes being delivered remotely via Zoom.

Friedman delivered 10 different threehour sessions on personal development. This fall, he will focus on Customer Service. His sessions will cover basic service skills, communication skills, listening skills, anger management, time management, accountability, dealing with difficult situations, and generational and cultural differences among customers.

In the first semester, Hartman covered, in three sessions, various tennis management subjects including starting a business, managing to a business plan, leveraging your assets, and strategic alliances. This fall, the course will cover facility development, construction and maintenance, and technology in tennis operations.

There will be guest lecturers to be determined. Hartman noted that he had planned to have guest lecturers in the first semester but the virus disruption made that plan difficult.

A person may enroll at any time until November 1. For more information, or to enroll, contact Diane Gahagan, the Director of Professional and Continuing Studies at Queens College at diane.gahayan@qc.cuny.edu, check out www.qc.cuny.edu/pcs, or contact Skip Hartman at skiphartman@aol.com or call him at 646-884-9647.