UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration has teamed with the world's largest timeshare provider to offer a course in timeshare management this semester.

Professor Tom Jones, chair of the department of hotel management, said the university's hotel administration majors are fortunate to be able to learn about the rapidly growing field of timeshare management from the leaders in that field.

Titled Vacation Ownership & Management, the special topics course is being taught by principals of Resort Condominiums International Consulting Inc. (RCIC), the research arm of Resort Condominiums Inc (RCI).

"Internationally, the vacation ownership industry has tremendous potential for growth," Jones said. "After reading RCIC's latest study on gaming and timeshares, I am convinced that Las Vegas is going to explode with vacation ownership projects in the years ahead. Obviously, all of this positively impacts our students' employment opportunities, but first we must educate them on the unique requirements of this segment of the hospitality industry."

Timesharing involves the purchasing of the use of a property, such as a condominium, for specific blocks of time. Thus, multiple "owners" each use the same property, but at different times.

RCI, according to Jones, is the world's premier timeshare services provider. Seven out of 10 timeshare resorts worldwide are affiliated with RCI and eight out every 10 vacation exchanges are confirmed by RCI each year, he said. RCIC, the company's research arm, has conducted more than 80 percent of the research in the timeshare industry, Jones said.

The primary instructors for the course are John F. Sweeney and Richard L. Ragatz, co-executive vice presidents of RCIC. Another eight experts affiliated with RCI and its subsidiaries also will make presentations to the UNLV students enrolled in the course.

"What an opportunity for our students," Jones said. "I cannot remember when this much talent and expertise was assembled for just one course. All of the people contributing to this course are recognized authorities in their respective fields."

Sweeney is one of the timeshare industry's foremost authorities on the development, marketing, sales, and management of vacation ownership properties, Jones said. His career spans more than 30 years in resort development, including experience in land sales, design, development and construction, strategic planning, and sales and marketing.

Ragatz is a highly respected market researcher and feasibility analyst specializing in recreational real estate, according to Jones. He earned a doctoral degree from Cornell University.

Jones said this semester's class is well on its way to being a success. "My hope is that we can convince Dr. Ragatz and Mr. Sweeney to repeat this semester's course in coming years. More of our students need to hear their message."

For additional information on the course, call Jones at 895-3728.