RIT, Xerox Services Team to Create Custom Degree Program

Rochester Institute of Technology’s Center for Multidisciplinary Studies has created a customized bachelors degree designed specifically for Xerox Services. The program allows qualified Xerox Services managers to earn either an associate or bachelor’s degree in applied arts and sciences in two-and-a-half years of part-time study. It emphasizes concentrations in printing technology and service management and leadership.

The key to the program is its flexibility. In addition to awarding credit for coursework from other accredited institutions, the program also awards credit to those who have participated in various Xerox Services training programs. All courses are delivered online through distance learning, allowing for course access anytime, anywhere.

“Our partnership with Xerox Services is yet another demonstration of RIT’s willingness to reach out to industry and provide an innovative and flexible multidisciplinary program that helps our partners meet their business goals through a top-notch academic program,” says Jim Myers, director of RIT’s Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

The program culminates with a year-long capstone project that emphasizes the application of social sciences, humanities and communication in the context of each student’s work in Xerox Services.

“This is an investment in Xerox’s most important asset—our people,” says Bill Steenburgh, senior vice president of Xerox Services. “We worked closely with RIT to develop a program that will prepare our leaders for the future by taking full advantage of RIT’s unique combination of strengths. This is a key step towards our goal of being a benchmark employee growth and development organization.”

With over 15,000 employees, Xerox Services is the largest division inside Xerox North America, providing print management, technical and professional services for a wide range of customers.

Twenty-three Xerox Services employees are currently enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program. The associate degree program is slated to begin in February 2008.

For more information about personalized degree programs, visit RIT’s Center for Multidisciplinary Studies Web site at www.rit.edu/cms.