[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/CCE08award.jpg” caption=”Centre for Continuing Education staff celebrate being named Hamilton’s best adult education provider by Hamilton Community News readers.”]The Hamilton Community News announced last week that McMaster's Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) was named Hamilton's best adult education provider by its readers.

Although the Centre was nominated in a category that includes general interest courses and adult education at a secondary school level, its win indicates the community needs and appreciates continuing education opportunities offered at the university level.

The Centre serves as the main connection point between the local community and the University. Like the front porch of a house, the Centre allows the community to become acquainted with McMaster without committing to an “extended visit” or a degree program.

“The Centre for Continuing Education provides McMaster an opportunity to continue to meet the educational goals of our graduates and our entire community throughout their careers,” says Fred Hall, associate vice-president, academic. “I congratulate the Centre's staff for their commitment to providing relevant professional education in a way that is reflective of McMaster's mission.”

This is the second award the Centre has earned in the past year. In 2007, the Centre for Continuing Education's addiction education program was honoured with a national award from the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education. This award recognized the Centre's achievements with regard to the value, complexity, ingenuity and innovation of its unique addiction education program.

“The Centre for Continuing Education is unique in this country,” says Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly, director of the CCE. “McMaster is the only university in Canada that teaches its certificate and diploma continuing education programs at an undergraduate level as a consistent practice. It's gratifying to see the community values that commitment to quality and the opportunity to continue onto degree studies if they choose.”

The Centre's certificates and diplomas are in-depth programs providing knowledge and practical information in a range of focus areas, including business, health and social services and applied sciences.

Students completing a McMaster continuing education certificate or diploma program are eligible to apply for advanced credit toward degree studies at McMaster and/or other universities.

Courses are closely aligned to accreditation requirements of many professional associations and attract students pursuing professional designations such as the CMA or CGA designations for accounting.

The Centre also offers professional development, computer training and customized corporate training services to the University as well as other institutions and corporations.

To register or to view the new spring 2008 timetable, please visit www.mcmastercce.com.