The Division of Continuing Education reaches around the globe

February 3, 2009

The University of Florida may be in Gainesville, but the Division of Continuing Education (DCE) touches the world every day — both online and in person.

From on-campus programs to conferences held in Japan, the division’s reach is infinite both geographically and academically.

“The Division of Continuing Education is the University of Florida’s best-kept secret,” said Eileen Oliver, interim dean of DCE.

DCE caters to the interests of certificate-seeking professionals, college students, faculty and researchers from all over the globe.

“Our mission is to provide access to quality education for traditional and nontraditional students,” said Oliver.

The division’s 31 online Flexible Learning courses are taught by UF faculty.

“Our new online courses mirror the quality of those taught on campus,” said Oliver. “We are very proud of them.”

This year 38,500 students from around the world are enrolled in DCE programs, including 3,500 students in Flexible Learning courses.

Students work independently and may complete courses in 32 weeks, or as few as eight weeks with instructor permission.

Several departments, including Continuing Medical Education, Allied Health, Conferences, Leadership Development Institute (LDI), Training, and various affiliates make up the division.

“We have everything from brain surgery to waste water,” said Oliver.

The department is involved with all UF colleges and hundreds of universities around the world. In April the department will partner with the American Nuclear Society for a conference featuring international nuclear industry leaders.

Rebecca Johnson, Conferences director, said she enjoys bringing researchers from all over the world to Gainesville because “you can come and hear some of the world’s experts on leading-edge topics.”

Assistance is available to faculty applying for VisitGainesville’s 2009 Spring Conference Grant Program. The program will award $75,000 to meeting planners who help generate lodging revenue. Visit http://visitgainesville.com/grants for more details.

For more information on DCE courses and conferences, visit http://dce.ufl.edu.