You are here:  UHD 1999/2000 Catalog / University of Houston–Downtown / Continuing Education and Professional Development

• Applied Business and Technology Center
• English Language Institute

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Education and training are provided through three major units: the Applied Business and Technology Center, the Criminal Justice Center (see listing under the Criminal Justice department.) and the English Language Institute.

Applied Business and Technology Center

G. V. Krishnan, MS, Director
606 South, 713-221-8032
email: abtc@dt.uh.edu

The Applied Business and Technology Center is dedicated to responding to the needs of business and industry. With continuing changes in technology, jobs can become obsolete almost overnight. The many changes that are emerging in the workplace make lifelong education a necessity, not a luxury.

• Hands-on training courses range from entry to advanced levels. The Applied Business and Technology Center is an Authorized Premier Autodesk training center offering classes related to AutoCad and 3D Studio Max, Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Program partner offering training classes required to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and Oracle Academic Initiative partner offering training programs related to Oracle database. In addition, hands-on training is provided on MicroStation, programming languages—C, C++, Visual Basic, and Java, Business Applications—Office 97 and Internet related training courses.
• The center has an extensive consulting service which customizes courses to meet special industry requirements. Area corporations and agencies often contract with the center to

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  provide their training needs in business and technology. In addition, national and foreign corporations often contract with the center to deliver services throughout the United States and abroad.

English Language Institute

Gail Kellersberger, MA, MFA, Director
606 South, 713-221-8047

The English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Houston– Downtown is a noncredit English language program for international students, permanent residents and U.S. citizens who wish to improve their English language proficiency. ELI students typically represent more than 25 countries. The program’s curriculum and programs promote English language and American culture learning. ELI is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP).

The ELI’s intensive daytime program emphasizes preparation for university academic studies through course work in reading, writing, grammar, listening and speaking. Class work is supported by computers, videos, books and a listening laboratory. Content courses at upper levels use university topics such as literature, business and current events to initiate students into university study. The ELI’s seven-level program also includes TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) preparation. However, students who successfully complete the advanced level of the program may be recommended to attend academic classes at UH– Downtown without the 550 TOEFL score generally required of international students applying to the university. ELI graduates receive three hours of UHD elective credit.

Field trips and social activities are an important function of the ELI. Students from other countries are given the opportunity to learn about American culture while they are learning the language. Course content supports this as well. Students learn how to navigate the American educational system during the ELI course.

The ELI program in Intercultural Communication for the Global Professional offers seminars in doing business with Mexico, Russia and other countries, as well as a variety of workshops which facilitate business dealings in multicultural settings. ELI provides special training for professions in language skills.

ELI faculty members participate in professional organizations such as Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, the Association of International Educators, and the American Association of Intensive English Programs. The ELI also draws on the expertise of visiting professors from academic institutions in other countries, such as the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico, to enhance its various programs. In addition, the ELI develops individual English language learning programs for special international groups sponsored by public or private agencies abroad.