Q: Thanks so much for sending. Have another question for you. I’m on a task force to address challenges with Continuing Education at the 18 Commonwealth Campuses in PA, all part of PSU. They want to make one change. Change the name from Continuing Education to Custom Education. I have pasted in the one recommendation from the group.
1) Currently, it appears that there are multiple definitions of “Continuing Education” at different campuses ranging from; non-credit courses, to adult education courses (viz., courses taken by working professionals,) to off-site courses, etc. It is suggested that the title of Continuing Education is no longer relevant and is actually deceiving in regard to the present environment. That is, the title of “Continuing Education suggests adult education courses that are focused on skills enhancement, typically offered by for-profit organizations. We suggest changing the name to Custom Education reflecting the purpose of this division to provide customized courses and programs for business, industry and adult learners. Thus, custom education refers to non-standard course delivery of either credit or non-credit education. Examples include; off-site education, specialized “cohort” delivery for a specific organization, courses tailored to specific organization needs, “current” topic courses, shortened delivery (e.g., two-day short courses), or other concepts in which education is adapted to the specific needs of the students (regardless of their age, employment situation, etc).
A: It is true that Continuing Education is sometimes an umbrella term that incorporates a diverse range of programs. In most instances, this is understood, and generally it does not connote for-profit organizations nationally. Continuing Education is still most strongly identified with colleges and universities. There are several different terms that are used in our field:
1. Adult Education: This most often refers to adult basic education and GED training
2. Workforce Development: This is the term that is sometimes confused with programs offered by for-profit organizations and encompasses skills training and enhancement
3. Professional Development: This refers to supplemental training for people who are already credentialed in their field or established in their fields and is often also called "continuing education," for example Nursing Continuing Education, Engineering Continuing Education, etc.
4. Contract Training or Customized education: This most often refers to training activities or events that are designed or created for a specific client or provider.
These are standard definitions/understandings in our field. Changing your name to "Custom Education" could be confusing for people who associate the term with item 4 above, because it is not commonly understood term. Likewise, the commonly used terminology does not typically address delivery method, or credit/non-credit status. Generally, however, the terms "continuing education" and customized training refer to non-credit education.
Some options to consider would be using tag lines that enhance the image you want to create about what you do. Some ideas would be:
XYZ Continuing Education: Customized Opportunities for Professional Development
XYZ Continuing Education: Training, courses and customized learning opportunities