Employees Gain a Competitive Advantage While Working for University California, Irvine

IRVINE, Calif. – June 20, 2001 – University California, Irvine (UCI) human resources and UC Irvine Extension, have announced the "UCI Learning, Education, Advantage Program" (UCI LEAP). A partnership between the two departments, this initiative is funded by the chancellor's office aiming towards providing more skill-enhancing and career-building opportunities for all UCI staff.

UCI LEAP courses offer education in high-profile topics, such as administrative management, web design, database technologies and computer networking and programming. With interactive, university-level instruction, the courses are a part of the UC Irvine Extension continuing education curriculum.

"Our partnership with the human resources department will offer career-building courses and programs for more than just traditional students," said Gary Matkin, dean of continuing education at UC Irvine Extension. "We are a learning community and UCI's tradition of learning excellence extends itself to the staff, creating a model learning place."

UCI LEAP courses are offered at convenient times during the day to meet the needs of UCI staff. Managers and supervisors are encouraged to allow their employees to attend daytime courses, as these courses will build employee skills and knowledge, increasing productivity campus-wide. Classes also have evening sections available for further accessibility. Similar to undergraduate and graduate programs, the program is graded and recorded on official transcripts. If a course is not completed or dropped before the final drop date, the information will be noted.

For over 30 years, thousands of professionals have passed through University of California, Irvine Extension seeking career and personal enrichment. As the continuing education branch of the renowned UC Irvine, UC Irvine Extension offers prestigious instructors, solid curricula that includes more than 1,800 courses each year and the opportunity to interact with fellow learners who are dynamic, stimulating and interesting. For more information, please call (949) 824-5414 or visit www.unex.uci.edu.