November 6, 1998

Certification offered through new center

Loyola’s new Center for Professional Development established by City College assists students in becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or an Oracle Certified Database Administrator. The center specializes in educating and retraining working adults at times convenient for both students and employers.

The center is using the most up-to-date instruction, state-of-the-art equipment, and vendor-certified instructors. The classes are held in one of two computer-equipped classrooms in the New Orleans Center and 50 students are enrolled for the fall session.

The certification classes began about one year ago, but the center was established August 1, 1998. “Based on the success the center has experienced in the past year we plan to offer additional computer certification courses in the future and possibly expand into other areas,” according to Dawn Noel, executive director of the Center for Professional Development.

To assist its certified professionals, Microsoft has partnered with Quantum EDP Recruiting to spearhead Microsoft’s placement program, Job Skills 2000. After completion of the certification, MCPs can submit their resumes online via Quantum’s web site. Candidates are contacted for a phone interview, and resumes are then posted for viewing by potential employers.

All Loyola faculty, staff, students, and alumni receive a 10-percent discount on courses offered through the center. Because these courses carry continuing education units (CEUs) rather that academic credit, Loyola is unable to offer financial assistance. However, Microsoft, in partnership with Servus Financial Corporation, has recently announced the Microsoft Skills 2000 IT Career Loan Program. These loans are available for course tuition, computer purchases, and education debt consolidation.

For more information, contact Dawn Noel at the Center for Professional Development at citycoll@loyno.edu or ext. 2694.

–Kimberly Dorencz, A’99, Intern in the Office of Publications