Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News
Online Learning for Faculty and Staff
The University of Dayton Office of Human Resources, in partnership with the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives in the College of Arts and Sciences, announces continuing education funding for University faculty and staff interested in taking online classes.
Course topics range from Social Justice issues, to Bible Basics, Praying with Children, and Marianist Studies. With hundreds of subjects in the course catalog, there's certainly a class that will interest you. E-courses run for only 5 weeks while the e-seminars are just 3 weeks, all online through the portal at VLCFF.udayton.edu. The program is open year-round with seven different cycles (semesters) and there are courses in Spanish as well.
“In keeping with its Catholic and Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is committed to the growth and development of its employees,” says Alex Polzella, Manager of Learning and Development in the office of Human Resources. “Our office supports and encourages employees in their career development goals, to include those rooted in its Catholic foundation.”
The VLCFF (Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation) is an online community with students from all over the world, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Africa and Saudi Arabi, all with a shared desire to expand their knowledge of faith. Regardless of city or location, the online discussion board connects all those participating in a specific course. The stories shared by each participant really does build a virtual community, connecting all those in the class.
“The courses are excellent, the instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, it’s a very healthy environment that transpires Father Chaminade’s dream and spirit,” says Sara Acevedo, a student from New Jersey. “One can form a true community of faith.”
The VLCFF makes it easy for Faculty and Staff to enrich their religious education. With classes being held online, those participating can complete their studies from anywhere, anytime, and on their own schedule. E-courses are categorized as basic, intermediate, or advanced so adult e-learners can pick the course that tailors best for them. Most students are #proUD to show their certificate of completion after the end of the 3-5 week course.
"Supporting the learning and development of our employees is essential to the work of HR," said Troy Washington, Vice President for Human Resources. "Being able to do so in a way that supports the deepening of one's faith through the VLCFF, is important to who we are as an institution."
To register for a course simply go to https://vlcff.udayton.edu/ud_employee/ or from the home page, look for the University of Dayton Employee Program link. The link will give you instructions on how create a profile and register. HR will take care of the payment.
The next cycle of classes will start October 21. Some courses are offered for undergraduate credit. For more information on available courses, visit vlcff.udayton.edu and click on courses. The IPI office phone number is 937-229-3126.
IPI oversees many university and global projects, including the VLCFF (Find us on Facebook) as well as the Forum for Young Catholic Hispanics, Christian Meditation in Catholic schools, Special Needs in Faith Formation, Chaminade Scholars pilgrimage from Assisi to Rome. Catholic Schools for Tomorrow, the Forum for Young Catechetical Leaders, and the Caribbean School for Catholic Communications. Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski, MHSH, Dmin., is the Director of the Institute.
