VOL. 23, NO. 12	JANUARY 23, 1998

Vice President of Human Resources Colleen Crooker, left, and partners Elaine Sloan and Frank Wolf at the MLC, a computer facility dedicated to employee self-development and training. Record Photo by Eileen Barroso.

n-the-job training at the University took on an added dimension when Human Resources officially opened its Multimedia Learning Center (MLC) last month.

  Located in 212A Lewisohn on the Morningside campus, the MLC is a dedicated computer facility where all Columbia officers and support staff can go to enhance the practical and professional skills that they need for effective on-the-job performance. By providing state-of-the-art CD-ROM courseware, the Center lets Columbia employees set the pace at which they upgrade their existing skills and learn new ones.

  According to Colleen Crooker, vice president of human resources, the Center will enable the individual employee and the University as a whole to respond more successfully to the increasingly complex and changing environment.

  "Educationally sound CD-ROM courseware is an effective tool for people to learn at their own pace. The MLC's morning, lunch time and evening hours will expand this effectiveness by offering greater accessibility for people who are balancing the demands of work and family life," she said.

  The Center's current offerings include introductory through advanced level word processing, spreadsheet and database applications, as well as employee development topics such as Coaching for Results and The Interactive Manager. New and updated courseware will be introduced regularly.

  Much like the process of learning itself, the Center will evolve to reflect the needs of its users. Currently, the Center is open Tuesdays (11:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.) and Wednesdays (8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.) and other days by appointment.

  Employees should call ahead and reserve their space at all times. Evening hours by appointment in an AcIS-run classroom in IAB Lehman/Social Work Library begin Jan. 27.

  Jamie Sosnow, training administrator and facilitator of the Center, said employees from all areas of Columbia come to the Center and are excited by the experience.

  As an employee-focused initiative that brings together training and technology, the Center reflects the efforts of various University organizations. At the Center's inauguration on Dec. 7, Crooker acknowledged "the partnerships without whom the MLC would not have happened." She recognized Frank Wolf, dean of the Division of Continuing Education and Special Education; Elaine Sloan, vice president for library services; Paul McNeil, the associate dean of Continuing Education and Special Programs, and Vace Kundakci, deputy vice president of Academic Information Systems (AcIS), and their respective staffs for "their incredible assistance, facilities and support."

  A special open house is scheduled for Jan. 27 to formally introduce the Multimedia Center to the Columbia community.

  All employees are invited to drop by the Center in Room 212A Lewisohn any time between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. for information, software demonstrations and light refreshment.

  Mouse pads will be given to the first 200 visitors.

  For more information, call the Center at 854-2771 or send e-mail to hrlearning@columbia.edu.