New institute to expand learning opportunities

Emily M. Smith
ASME NEWS

The Continuing Education Institute, which opens this month, was created by ASME to better serve the career needs of members and other technical professionals.

The institute will employ the Internet and other communication innovations to expand ASME's current educational offerings of public short courses, in-company training, technology seminars, educational products and distance learning.

CEI opened after being approved at ASME's Summer Annual Meeting last month by the Board of Governors. It will be accessible through www.asme.org.

The institute's board of directors will have five members, four from industry and one from ASME staff. Amy Geffen will be its director.

Development of CEI started in July 2000 when ASME's Board of Governors proposed a review of the Professional Development Department. During a BOG retreat in August, representatives from the board and staff met to discuss ideas for an institute. In November 2000, a proposal was sent to the BOG for the expansion of all the business lines to create the Continuing Education Institute.

In addition, the Committee on Finance and Investment approved a proposal to conduct a market research survey and hire a market research/product development specialist to plan strategically for the expansion.

A final report on the results of the market research was received in May. The results will be used in conjunction with other research to plan strategically for the growth of the Continuing Education Institute, which is projected to double its participation and revenue in five years.

The institute will develop new in-company programs and strategic alliances to expand its offerings in live public short courses and distance learning, including videos of live courses, course notes for sale and online courses.

For more information, contact Amy Geffen at (212) 591-7375, or via e-mail, geffena@asme.org.

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