Continuing Education Department of Professional Education & Workforce Development

New non-credit continuing education programs

The Office of Continuing Education (OCE) serves as the centralized office responsible for extending non-credit education programs to the community. These programs are generally initiated by the OCE based on the professional development trends, demands, and evolving needs in the adult education sector. Academic and administrative units within UTRGV may partner with OCE to jointly offer non-credit education programs.

Procedure to establish new programs:

1. Program Initiator – submits a new non-credit program request:

a. At least 3 months prior to the anticipated start date of the program, complete the  non-credit program request form (NPRF) that addresses the adult education need in the community, subject matter experts(SME) available from the department, resources and materials needed for the program and timeline.

b. Submit the copy to the program chair for signature and confirmation that the department will be partnering with OCE.

c. When the new program is initiated by the OCE or other professional education component within the Office of Professional Education & Workforce Development (PEWD), the director of the program or relevant staff within OCE will conduct market research and assess market demand for the program. The director of the program will develop pricing based on this assessment to cover the cost of offering the program. (skip to 2(b)) once this step is completed.

d. If the training is requested by an external entity in the form of a customized training program for their employees, the director of continuing education will meet with the stakeholder of the company to determine the scope of the training and develop a pricing structure (skip to 2(b)) once this step is completed.

2. NPRF review and assessment:

a. Director of OCE or designee will review the submitted form and reply to the sender with a copy to the chair within 5 to 7 business days of the submission date to inform if the submitted program is viable

b. If the program is deemed viable, the director or designee will work with the program initiator to gather any additional information/material needed for website updates and marketing collateral

c. OCE guideline sheet will be shared with the department head which includes information about services offered through OCE, partnering department’s responsibilities, and commitments.

3. Leadership Review & Assessment:

a. The director for OCE will determine the course pricing after reviewing the course description and costs associated with the course and will submit the course pricing to AVP for Professional Education & Workforce Development (PEWD)

b. The AVP for PEWD will report continuing education course fee to the responsible EVP for review and approval before finalizing the course pricing.

4. Approvals:

Once the necessary approvals have been secured, the OCE will work with the partnering department to finalize marketing strategies and extend the course to the community.