School of Professional & Continuing Studies announces name change

Effective October 3, 2011, the School of Continuing Studies is known as the School of Professional & Continuing Studies. This name change comes as part of the School’s strategic planning process and more accurately reflects the professional character of the School’s students.

The School’s decision to change its is not unprecedented. In 1962 the school opened as University College at the Lombardy Avenue campus. In 1995 the name changed to the School of Continuing Studies to reflect its presence on the University campus and to bring its name in line with the University’s convention of naming academic schools and residential colleges.

The student body of the School of Professional & Continuing Studies consists largely of working or retired professionals, many of whom are continuing their education or completing their degrees. The name change reflects this important aspect of the student body.

Among continuing studies programs nationwide, naming and curriculum trends emphasize the professional character of student bodies and the professional development needs of working professionals. Even the continuing studies industry’s professional organization recently changed its name to the University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) from the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA).

Other parts of the strategic plan, which have been and will continuing to be implemented leading to the 2012-2013 academic year, include transitioning our bachelor’s degree programs to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees; increasing our professional development opportunities and coursework; and updating admissions requirements for degree programs.

For more information about the name change and other aspects of the strategic plan, visit the Strategic Plan site and attend one of the Dean’s Town Hall sessions.