*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 20708.doc* NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: August 15, 2002 Robin Pence at (202) 418- 0505 CHAIRMAN MICHAEL K. POWELL LAUNCHES FCC UNIVERSITY Washington, DC -- In a standing room- only ceremony for agency staff, Chairman Michael K. Powell today launched the FCC University. The FCC University was created to ensure that FCC staff has the cutting edge knowledge and skills to respond to the challenges of the communications field in the 21 st century. The FCC University incorporates mission- critical learning and development activities, including the Excellence in Engineering and the Excellence in Economic Analysis programs. The Chairman noted, “For the Commission to function effectively and carry out its current and future mission, it must build a first class operation that is fluent in the language of new and emerging technologies, in economics and market analysis, and in the legal framework governing Commission activities. The FCC University is an exciting initiative that will enable us to achieve that objective.” Chairman Powell called for a major training and development initiative at the FCC as part of his larger FCC reform efforts after becoming Chairman in 2001. He tasked the Office of Managing Director to oversee the effort. An FCC University catalog provides the framework for agency staff to engage in continuing professional development. Employees can choose from a vast range of courses on generally applicable subjects as well as sections specifically geared to meet the educational needs of engineers, economists and lawyers. Courses are available on- site through FCC staff and guest lecturers, off- site through universities, professional associations and vendors/ providers, through self- directed learning (on- line, print- based or computer- based) administered by universities and professional vendors and through distance learning also administered by universities and professional vendors. “When we first conceived this idea last year, I wanted the FCC University to be the very best employee development program that anyone can find in the United States Government,” Powell said. “As we launch it today, I’m confident that it is.” - FCC - 1