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UC Berkeley Extension, UC Merced Partner to Offer Continuing Education Courses in San Joaquin Valley

February 25, 2009


MERCED, CA— UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert J.
Birgeneau and UC Merced Chancellor Steve Kang announced a unique
educational partnership today to offer continuing education courses
to adults in the San Joaquin Valley beginning this summer.

The chancellors signed a memorandum of understanding between UC
Berkeley Extension and UC Merced to offer academic courses and
professional workshops that address the continuing educational
needs of the San Joaquin Valley. Summer offerings at UC Merced’s
Fresno Center will include professional courses, such as project
management, counseling, computer systems and programming, solar
energy and digital publishing. Additional courses will be added in
the fall.

“The groundwork for California’s future economic growth is being
laid at UC campuses, where new innovations are being discovered and
the next generation of scientists, engineers and business leaders
is being trained,” Birgeneau said. “Our extension program is an
integral part of our mission to serve the continuing and
professional education needs of thousands of people each year.”

The partnership pairs the University of California’s original
campus with the system’s newest research university to meet the
educational needs of Valley residents, whether they are interested
in advancing professionally, looking to start a new career or
learning a new skill.

“I am honored to be here with Chancellor Birgeneau to announce a
joint venture — the UC Berkeley/UC Merced Extension
Collaboration,” Kang said. “This partnership will link our two
campuses for years to come and will help meet the continuing
education needs of our rapidly growing region.”

UC Berkeley Extension, the first extension program in the
University of California system, has been delivering professional
and continuing education to the broader community since 1891. UC
Berkeley Extension increases access to the resources and
scholarship of the UC Berkeley campus by offering quality education
for thousands of Californians to improve their job skills and
enhance the quality of their lives.

“We are delighted to partner with UC Merced,” said Diana Wu,
dean of UC Berkeley Extension. “Together, we will bring the high
quality associated with the University of California to the Valley
to meet the continuing education needs of area residents.”

UC Merced opened Sept. 5, 2005, as the 10
thcampus in the University of California system and the
first American research university of the 21st century. The campus
significantly expands access to the UC system for students
throughout the state, with a special mission to increase
college-going rates among students in the San Joaquin Valley.

“Our campus is committed to making a research-based college
education within reach of all California residents,” said Kevin
Browne, assistant vice chancellor of enrollment management at UC
Merced. “But this partnership with UC Berkeley Extension goes
further by opening up the UC experience to Valley residents who
have a variety of professional and educational goals.”

More Information

UC Berkeley Extension

MEDIA CONTACTS

Brandy Nikaido, UC
Merced Center in Fresno and
Pat Rose, UC Berkley Extension