Women's U. Press Release

Long Island, N.Y., May 26, 1998--The first virtual educational community exclusively for women opened its doors this month. Women's University (www.womensu.com) welcomes women from all over the United States and the world to come together to enjoy highly interactive and personalized educational programs--from the comfort and convenience of their own telephones. Teaching its affordable courses via teleconferencing bridge calls, Women's U. is opening up a world of cutting edge ideas to contemporary women who are hungry for a non-competitive learning atmosphere, open dialogue and supportive community. "I see Women's U. as a catalyzing agent," says Elyse Killoran, Women's U. founder and president. "Every woman who takes a class will come away equipped with practical information, affirmation and inspiration to create positive changes in her life."

Classes at Women's U. are not lecture programs offered for credit or degrees. Rather, instructors offer courses on life skills and enrichment in an interactive format: "At Women's U., you won't be able to take a class on 18th century literature," says Killoran, "but if you are an aspiring writer, you might join a workshop with other women who want to re-connect with their own creativity. We don't offer classes on macroeconomics, but entrepreneurs and business professionals looking to double their profits without sacrificing their personal lives in the process will find a number of courses that speak to their interests and concerns."

Women's U. is a collaborative effort of two dozen workshop leaders who see the tremendous potential of bringing their successful educational programs directly into students' homes. Built on a feminine model of interdependence and cooperation, faculty members of Women's U. encourage students to share their thoughts and viewpoints with one another in a safe and supportive environment. Killoran asserts, "It's the ideal environment in which to cultivate long-lasting change."

What is a Teleclass?

All Women's U. programs are offered via teleconference calls, which can support many callers simultaneously. With this technology, each student, regardless of geographic location, can join in the courses by just dialing a phone number at the designated time to connect with her teleclass leader and other students from all over the country and even the world. Teleclasses have been successful for other virtual universities because they are easy and convenient to attend--no traveling, hotels, meals, traffic or parking hassles. Classes each run for an hour a week, usually for four weeks.

Class size is small--usually around 15 students per class--so students feel a sense of community. The cost of taking classes at Women's U. is low: typically less than $45 per four-week class. Special free one-session classes are offered in addition to the regular for-fee classes. Students incur a standard long-distance charge to dial into the teleclasses. This runs about $6 an hour--about equal to the cost of hiring a babysitter and paying for the gas and parking to attend a class away from home. There are no additional teleconferencing charges.

Plus, says Killoran, "There are significant advantages to the teleclass format including a high level of intimacy, synergy among participants, a results-oriented focus and the opportunity to receive real-time personalized coaching from a highly trained expert experienced in facilitating group interactions. Whether a class focuses upon improving communication skills, creating a powerful resume, launching a new business or becoming financially assertive, our teleclass leaders encourage interaction, participation and experimentation with new ideas so that students can take what is discussed in class and apply it to their lives."

Wide Range of Course Offerings

Women's U. offers an enormous variety of daytime and evening courses under 10 subject categories Killoran sees as most relevant to contemporary women: Financial Prosperity, Personal Development, Career Enhancement, Business Building, Health and Vitality, Better Relationships, Creative Expression, Mothers and Parenting, Spiritual Paths, and Transitions.

Here are just a few of the intriguing classes currently available: Parenting in the '90s: Survival Skills for Moms of Children Ages 2-7, Workplace 2000: Working in a Multicultural Environment, Financial Assertiveness for Couples (both partners must attend!), Making the Leap from Employee to Free Agent, Divorce Recovery, How to Raise Financially Literate Children, Reclaiming our PMS - Premenstrual Strength, Women's Myths and Realities: How Cultural Conditioning Makes Us Sick, Establishing an Adult Relationship with Your Parents, Rhythms for Spiritual Connection, Integration of Work and Play: Effectively Living Life as One Expression, Enhancing the Inner Strength and Beauty of the Single Woman, and Small Office Home Office (SOHO) Solutions.

In addition to classes, social and networking calls will occasionally be offered, such as Brilliant Women's Tea Party (a cup of tea, ten brilliant women, great conversation) and Work-at-Home MomShare (a time to network and share work-at-home options, resources, stories, and support).

Faculty Members

Most faculty members, including Killoran, are trained personal or business coaches--the growing breed of consultants/personal advisors that people are hiring to help them succeed at their goals. Instructors have a wide range of professional experience and expertise from education to financial planning, business management to psychology. "Each one of us is committed to helping her clients and students bridge the gap between where they are today and where they aspire to be," says Killoran. Faculty photos and bios are listed on the Web Site. Killoran, who has been an educator for 11 years, is a member of the International Coach Federation, an instructor with TeleUniversity, and President of Aspirations Coaching for Women. She is based in Hauppauge, New York.

More Offerings by Women's U.

Women who do not have access to the Internet can participate in the teleclasses, but will be unable to benefit from some of Women's U.'s other online programs such as forums, chats, and buddy programs. Online, Women's U. also offers subscriptions to several free electronic newsletters, including "Success from the Inside Out," Killoran's weekly message on how to take one simple but key action that will strengthen one's "personal foundation." "Women's Wisdom" is a weekly "e-zine" that links to articles on personal, career and business success. Individuals can also subscribe to the Women's U. class schedule, a monthly listing of course offerings and special events. All e-newsletters can be subscribed to at the web site, http://www.womensu.com.

Prospective students with Internet access can begin their education by visiting Women's U.'s Web site at http://www.womensu.com, where they will find a complete listing of classes, faculty profiles and registration information. Others can contact Women's U., either by e-mail (send a blank e-mail to manager@womensu.com) or by phone (888) 833-7606, to request a list of classes, costs and registration information by fax or mail.

How to get the most from your visits to Women's U.

Return to "Learn More About Women's U."