2006-2007 Fact Book - Ferris State University

GENERAL INFORMATION
CORPORATE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Division of University Center for Extended Learning
Ferris State University's Corporate & Professional Development (CPD) has been involved in partnerships to help
businesses and industries with solutions to training, certification, camps & conferences, and consulting/applied research
needs since 1984. More then 1,500 companies have taken advantage of the skills and facilities offered training or testing
over 150,000 participants in over 1,000 offered titles/projects have been delivered. CPD is known for its ability to partner
with business and industry to tackle issues related to custom training, process consulting, certification, and assessment.
Through the establishment of custom workshops and public institutes, training and certification needs can be solved at
company, state and national levels. Work is accomplished by contracting with the CPD to create the proper partnership
between the company, FSU faculty and staff, outside resources and students to complete the project goals.
CPD offers custom assessment and technical training solutions to business and industry-specific problem areas, product,
process, and equipment to provide a return on investment of training dollars. Training can be delivered at the training
facilities located at the main complex in Big Rapids, the Grand Rapids Campus, any of Ferris’ Regional Centers, at the
company's plant site, or company selected offsite. CPD training facilities are air conditioned and equipped with state of the
industry audiovisual equipment. Computers, projection systems and related equipment may be provided and interactive
television programming is possible. Training on hundreds of technical, health, business, science, criminal justice and
education topics can be provided. Training may also involve participant assessment, certification and CEU’s as required.
CPD has invested in the future of training by creating the ability for development of computer interactive training for
business and industry (custom CD-ROM, interactive television or internet delivery as well as traditional lecture and
application labs).
In order to keep costs down (through long term delivery methods) and keep training value high (while providing a
customized training program) CPD creates custom or standard training modules. These modules utilize computer
interactive theoretical training combined with hands-on applied training for a blended teaching approach. This type of
training has been successfully completed for Evart Products -Textron to teach plastic injection mold operation, D-M-E Co.
Inc. to teach injection mold base technology, custom automated production line training for FIAMM Tech. Inc., and Rubber
Processing Operator training nationally for the Rubber Manufacturers Assoc., industry- wide ”Manufacturing Safety &
Health training,” “Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope” training for optometrists, and safety in the plastics industry.
New trends in industry show that the new workforce requires more technical training and employers want to pay for skill,
not time-in-task. Therefore, certification tools have become an important part of CPD's offerings. Good examples of
certification are: the national training and assessment program developed for the Rubber Manufacturers Association,
Molding Operator training packages; international certification tools for the United Assoc. of Journeymen and Apprentice
Plumbers & Pipe Fitters of the U.S., Panama, and Canada; national certification for the Electrical Generating Systems
Assoc.; as well as many custom certifications for private industries. In the area of grant writing services, CPD has been
successful in helping gain support for industrial and business projects through state Economic Development Job Training,
Michigan Works Incumbent Worker, Small Business Investment Research and Michigan Dept. of State grants. In the past
ten years, CPD has managed over $2.84 million in grants. Through the State Workforce Commission-Economic
Development Job Training Grants, eighteen companies have obtained a total of over $1,412,000 in grants to provide
needed training to upgrade their workforce. The providing of delivery services has also been completed in partnership
with many community college held grants.
Need help in planning your next conference, seminar or professional program? You can be worry-free and gave expert
assistance from the Office of Conferences & Professional Programs within CPD Center at FSU. We plan and organize
conferences and seminars of all sizes that appeal to individuals from many fields, including dental hygienists, nurses,
optometrists, artists, engineers and educators. Summer youth and certain athletic camps are also coordinated through
our office. Our staff has many years of excellent professional experience in coordinating local, state, national and
international programs. We are committed to providing expertise and enthusiasm to facilitate first rate learning
experiences for everyone through our comprehensive services.
Corporate & Professional Development provides custom and institute-based training and certification; grant writing
services, computer interactive training, applied research, manufacturing consulting, assessments to meet the needs of
business and industry, as well as camps and conferences to meet public and business needs.
The Corporate & Professional Development Center is located at 410 Oak Street, Alumni Building office 117. Phone 231-
591-5819, Toll free 800 -562-9130, Fax 231-591-3539. Website www.ferris.edu/cpd
10 Ferris State University Fact Book