News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Angey Saucier Date: 11/18/04   MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION ONE STEP CLOSER FOR SOUTHEASTERN STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF       HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Business and Technology is now making it more efficient for students, faculty and staff to become technical leaders with Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification.        The college has recently opened its own Microsoft Office Suite (MOS) Center in Garrett Hall where those interested in certification can practice and study extensively for free for tests covering Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook. Seen as a symbol of the skills and knowledge gained through experience, certification shows the ability to successfully implement Microsoft business solutions for organizations or clients.       “Students who gain certification are demonstrating competence in the most frequently used computer programs, and this can only help them when they enter the job market,” said Michael Budden, dean of the College of Business and Technology. “In addition, it is an excellent professional development opportunity for faculty and staff.”       “When dealing with Microsoft Office programs, most of us only know what we use everyday and that is not the entire sphere of these programs,” said Bobbye Davis, assistant dean of the College of Business and Technology. “The college has opened the MOS lab in order for our students, faculty and staff to gain a more extensive knowledge of the Microsoft programs and validate their computer competence in order to further their experience, resumes and careers.”       Marilyn Guitreau, assistant administrative secretary of Provost John Crain’s office, completed the practice training and tests offered on campus and finds both made the testing and her current experiences easier. She is now a Microsoft Certified Professional in Word.       “I find my working in any version of Word, older or new, to now be more efficient as I was refreshed in many universal Word topics while learning the new ones,” said Guitreau.        Guitreau, along with Davis, attributes her certification success to the practice tests offered at the MOS lab and the immediate feedback and help given with each question answered incorrectly.        “The practice tests give you the opportunity to see what was answered wrong and why by explaining the answer based on steps,” said Guitreau. “The free practice tests, in my opinion, were more difficult than the actual certification test making me extremely prepared.”       Two other Southeastern staff members have made use of the free practice labs and have successfully earned certification at the center. Belita Schilling of Sims Memorial Library and Cora Von Aspern of the assistant vice president for academic affairs office have also earned MOS certification in Word.        The center is open for practice in Room 40 of Garrett Hall from 4:45-6:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Software is also available in the student computer lab in Room 99 Monday-Thursday, 7:45 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fridays from 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to make use of the software extensively in preparation for the exams.       The College of Business and Technology also offers the certification testing upon appointment. Participants will have immediate access to their scores and upon passing will receive an official certificate for framing from Microsoft via mail. In addition, those earning certification will also have access to a security-enhanced Microsoft Certified Professional Web site for technical and product information directly from Microsoft and exclusive discounts on products and services from selected companies. Invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions and special events are also extended to MCPs.        For more information on the MOS Center and MCP certification, contact Davis at bobbye.davis@selu.edu or 985-549-5048.