GREENSBURG, PA - Seton Hill University is proud to offer the preparatory course for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification examinations. In response to requests from students, graduates and community leaders for a convenient, quality provider, Seton Hill is one of only six sites licensed in Pennsylvania to provide this professional training. The certification exam preparation course will be conducted from January 25, 2003 through April 19, 2003. The HR Professional Development Program will use a combined classroom — just 3 Saturday meetings — and self-paced distance-learning approach to offer maximum flexibility for busy executives, while providing an opportunity to network with professional colleagues. A basic knowledge of computers and access to e-mail is needed.

The course will target the important elements in Human Resources and will reflect the general body of knowledge tested by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed for HR managers and professionals who wish to enhance Human Resource Management implementation at the workplace. The course also provides the opportunity to obtain an overview of the key areas in Human Resource Management, prepare for the PHR/SPHR examinations and reinforce current expertise in Human Resource Management. Seating will be limited.

"As an academic institution we are supportive of the efforts in the Human Resource area to assure high levels of performance in this professional area by having a certification," said Dr. Mary Ann Gawelek, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the University. "The course offering allows professionals to review major areas of study and assure they are current in the field in relation to theory and practice."

Catherine Giunta, SPHR, assistant professor of business at Seton Hill and Westmoreland Human Resource Association (WHRA) college relations chair, will instruct this program. "It is becoming increasingly important to be certified in the human resource management field," Giunta said, noting that certification verifies that the holder is up to date on policies and practices. "Employers are increasingly looking at certification or an interest in obtaining certification when they interview applicants. In addition, Seton Hill's class offers professionals the benefit of cost-savings on text materials, plus the opportunity to ask questions of the facilitator and other professionals in the class."

Students in the class must meet eligibility requirements for the PHR and SPHR exams; HRCI certification exam requirements are listed on the SHRM website at www.hrci.org/certification/phr-sphr.html.

For more information on the class held at Seton Hill University, please contact the Office of Graduate and Adult Studies at 724-838-4208 or gadmit@setonhill.edu.

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