Friday, September 01, 2006

University of Iowa News Release

University of Iowa News Release

Aug. 31, 2006

UI, Western Iowa Tech Community College Sign Agreement

A new agreement between the University of Iowa and Western Iowa Tech
Community College (WITCC) will allow WITCC students to more easily continue
their studies at UI, in some cases without leaving Sioux City.

The agreement will also help northwest Iowa more easily access business and
economic development resources offered by the university.

The agreement was signed at 2:30 p.m. today, Thursday, Aug.
31 in the edecen room, of the Dr. Robert H. Kiser Building. Attending from the UI
were Gary Fethke, interim UI president; David Hensley, executive director
of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at UI; Anne Zalenski, UI associate director of distance education; and Chet Rzonca,associate provost and dean of continuing education programs at UI.

Among those representing WITCC, in addition to the president, were Mike Kurtz, dean of strategic systems; Jeff Vore, edecen project manager; Janet Gill, chair of business; Troy Jasman, WITCC dean of administrative services and chief financial officer; and Dr. Robert Rasmus, board president.

Community leaders who were present included Christopher J. McGowan, executive vice president, The Siouxland Initiative.

"We're excited about this new agreement that will improve access to the
University of Iowa's educational and economic development resources in
northwest Iowa," said Fethke. "It also provides an easy and economical way
for people in that part of the state to receive an outstanding education
from the University of Iowa while staying closer to home."

The new agreement has several components, including:

* Allowing WITCC graduates to study for a Bachelor of Applied Studies degree
from UI through a distance education program on the WITCC campus. The BAS
program is designed for working Associate of Applied Science (AAS) graduates
who wish to complete a four-year degree without interrupting their careers.

"This acknowledges the strength of the technical programs at WITCC and
allows a student who earns an AAS degree to more easily transfer to UI to
earn a BAS degree without leaving Sioux City," said Rzonca.

* Providing access to the university's SkillSoft professional development
educational program through WITCC. Rzonca said SkillSoft courses do not earn
credit toward a degree, but do allow students to earn certifications in such
areas as financial planning, project management or human resources
administration. The program is offered online so students can complete the
programs on their computers on their own time.

* Providing access to the resources of the UI's John Pappajohn
Entrepreneurial Center. Sioux City-area students will now be able to earn a
Certificate in Entrepreneurship from JPEC, said Hensley. He said UI and
WITCC will also work together to connect the university's economic
development resources, such as collaborations to foster entrepreneurship and
economic development programs, entrepreneurial training, workshops,
seminars, and youth programs. The partnership will also provide
opportunities for students at both schools to work with businesses in the
WITCC service area through distance field study coursework and summer
internships.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Service, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite
371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500.