Originally published 21 January 2003

In October of last year, the University launched an initiative called the Warwick Learning Account (WLA), a new venture to encourage and support continued staff development. The WLA enables all staff to have free access to undergraduate level provision, up to 30 credits per year for the Open Studies Programme and the Language Centre, and 60 credits per year for the Part-Time Degree programme. The WLA is proving very popular, so make sure to enrol early each term!

Derrick Richards, a Senior Research Technician in the Department of Physics, has worked at the University for 13 years. Whilst he has been aware of the Open Studies programme run by the Centre for Lifelong Learning, he has not hitherto pursued a course. The introduction of the WLA increased his interest in part time study and led to his enrolment on the Certificate in Psychology. Derrick is very enthusiastic about the course, both its content and the tutor's teaching style and personality. Derrick is certain that the WLA will encourage him to undertake other Open Studies courses, and he may decide to commit to a part time degree.

The WLA has provided the impetus for a lecturer in the Department of History, Dr Patrick Major, to enhance his knowledge of Russian by taking a Language Centre course. Patrick welcomes the introduction of the scheme, seeing it as an easy route to developing skills and knowledge of personal interest. He views the scheme as generous and flexible, with the added bonus of role reversal - reminding lecturers of the anxiety and commitment involved in studying a new subject!

For more information about the scheme contact

Lynne Downs,
extension 28286,
email L.Downs@warwick.ac.uk,

or Pauline McManus,
extension 28459,
email P.McManus@warwick.ac.uk

On Wednesday 7 May there will be a drop-in for University staff interested in the Warwick Learning Account. The drop-in will run from 12-2pm and be held in the Butterworth Room. Representatives from the Centre for Lifelong Learning will be on hand to chat about the courses available.