Orange County Gets Its First IFMA-Recognized Facilities Management Certificate Program; UCI Extension One of Just Four Schools Nationwide to Earn Status.

IRVINE, Calif. -- UC Irvine Extension's Facilities Management program has earned a rare recognition from the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), making education through the program significantly more valuable to participants. The IFMA, the nation's largest and most prestigious professional association for facility management, has selected just three other certificate programs nationwide, in addition to UC Irvine Extension, to receive the recognition, including UC Berkeley, George Mason University, and the University of Washington.

"IFMA recognition is like a gold seal of approval on our existing facilities management program," said Rogelio C. Rodriguez, director of engineering and science programs for UC Irvine Extension. "Those completing our certificate courses will now have the skill sets and knowledge to take the exam for IFMA's newest designation of Facilities Management Professional (FMP). The FMP is the first step toward becoming a Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) -- also an IFMA designation."

IFMA recognition was previously only provided to facilities management degree programs -- and mostly on the East Coast. Now through the IFMA-recognized program, facilities professionals throughout Southern California can further their careers and competencies by earning a UC Irvine Extension Certificate in Facilities Management as well as come out fully prepared to earn an additional IFMA professional designation.

"We took a proactive approach to enhancing the program's value to the community," explained John Secor, an instructor with the UCI Extension facilities management program and an active member of the IFMA, Orange County chapter. "We worked closely with IFMA to enhance our existing program and create coursework on par with leading degree programs throughout the United States."

UC Irvine Extension's Facilities Management program was formally recognized on Monday, Oct. 18, 2004, at the IFMA Foundation Education Reception.

As the continuing education arm of UCI, UC Irvine Extension is dedicated to providing a university-level learning experience for students, offering thousands of exciting courses and programs to local, regional, and global constituencies. UC Irvine Extension offers a rich array of academic and community programs to support a diverse audience, from a wide selection of academic programs to numerous campus activities.

For more information about UC Irvine Extension visit www.ucirvineextension.edu.