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On-site Degree Programs Gallop Into Zebra Technologies Corp., Camarillo!

By Greg Schmutzer

Zebra Technologies Corporation, Camarillo, has indeed shown the true color of its educational stripes, by partnering with the University of La Verne, culminating in the delivery of three separate degree programs to its employees. This successful barcode and card printer manufacturer is no stranger to on-site education. Indeed, this proactive steed has had the betterment of the employees in mind for some time now, by allowing any employee to pursue a degree or certification and reimbursing them for the tuition and books after the courses were complete. In 2000, Mrs. Jo Schnittman, Zebra's training and development manager brought the Production and Inventory Management program (from UCSB) to the corporate site. This particular program has been well received (and apparently rather effective), but Jo wanted to offer the employees something more.

I met Jo at an education fair, hosted by Zebra, in the Fall of 2000. The employees' enthusiasm was hard to miss; it was apparent that this company was naturally learning-driven, ready for a different type of learning program that would culminate into a bona fide degree, an endeavor that benefits personally and professionally. I explained to Jo that ULV's degree programs can be tailored to fit corporate/individual need, are quite flexible. Moreover, (qualitative, level 3) behavioral change and (quantitative, level 5) return on investment (ROI) surveys/studies are planned. The potential partnership was coming into focus; this educationally minded corporation approved ULV's accredited curricula, which would fill the identified educational gaps (organizational development, information technology). Further, Zebra was willing to bring the degree programs to the corporate site, making it as easy as possible for interested parties to get their degree. As Jo explained it, "Zebra gives their employees the opportunity for tuition free education. Classes are held one night a week and you don't even have to leave the premises".

Senior management's support really reinforced the educational ideal of Zebra, envisioning a high-performance workforce, team-based, empowered through education. As Veraje Anjargolian, one of the Vice Presidents stated, "Result oriented education, i.e. degree or license based, makes the person and society improve and progress." With the proverbial green light given to proceed, ULV's next step was to hold information meetings, describing the process behind delivering the major, acquiring a degree, while still having a life. The response was overwhelming; an on-site degree program was as popular as a watering hole on a hot summer day-the herd bounded in, eager to quench their thirst for knowledge (over 75 people expressed sincere educational interest!). In addition to the foregoing, a day was slated to address study/time management skills (a job well done by Ms. Diane van Arsdall, ULV Marketing Director), as well as apropos comments from Ms. Kathy Bodnar, ULV adjunct professor (teaching one of the first classes). The reason for this exercise is to allay fears facing many working professionals when returning back to school, dispelling the myth that "I can't do this," or "what if I fail?" Adult learners have a different mindset upon re-entry into higher education; there is a definite goal in mind. In addition, the overwhelming majority of adult learners surprise themselves at their high level of academic performance.

The entire process was a real success, in large part due to the tireless efforts of "den mother" Jo; one can only imagine the high level of employee dedication necessary to keep over seventy potential students happy and focused! As a result, over fifty new students are attending one of the following programs, all on-site; Bachelor of Science, Organizational Management, Information Technology concentration, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, I.T. concentration, and the Master's in Business Administration (MBA). The students are excited, the programs will work well for them, personally and professionally, and the Company gains a well-educated work force. Thanks go to Zebra Technologies Corporation for their educational foresight, and the continuous learning culture of motivated employees! Good luck to all the students; you'll be amazed at how well you do!