Doors Open at University of the People-Changing the Terms of Engagement in Global Access to Higher E

Online, September 8, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Doors Open at University of the People
-Changing the Terms of Engagement in Global Access to Higher Education-

"If governments invested just a fraction of a fraction of their collective education budgets, the whole world could go to University."
Shai Reshef, University of the People

www.UoPeople.org

The United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UNDESA-GAID) and University of the People (UoPeople) today announced that the doors to the world's first tuition-free online university will open on September 10, 2009. One hundred seventy-eight students from across the globe start the first ever term at UoPeople, an initiative supported by prominent educators, humanitarians and organizations, which provides unparalleled access to post-secondary education on a global scale.

Comprising arguably the most diverse university class, the students beginning their degree program at UoPeople represent 49 countries. Ranging in age from 16 to 61, 105 are pursuing the Business Administration program and 73 the Computer Science program. Currently, a majority of students come from Indonesia, Colombia, Vietnam and the United States.

"In just a short period of time, University of the People has taken remarkable strides. The UNDESA-GAID fraternity is all about helping to ensure that such shining initiatives come to fruition and play their part in delivering change for the better through information and communications technologies," commented Sarbuland Khan, Executive Director, UNDESA-GAID.

"I am inspired by the breadth and depth of the response to our call for the democratization of higher education and I am eager to witness our students' journeys of development." said Shai Reshef, founder & president, UoPeople, and high-level advisor, UNDESA-GAID. "My hope is that governments, education policy makers and funding bodies around the world will recognize the global craving for higher education and the ability of UoPeople to fulfill this demand."

Students will begin their studies at UoPeople with two orientation classes to fully prepare them for their chosen programs. Computer Skills for Online Learning will provide a basic introduction to the computer applications which students will use to pursue their academic studies in an online environment, while English Composition will develop and enhance fundamental skills of reading and writing English. Passing grades in both courses are necessary to formally begin the Business Administration or Computer Science programs at UoPeople.

"This is a wonderful opportunity - really a chance to see a dream come true. I had no way of going to university before now," explained Ali Patrik Eid, 29, from Jordan, one of the first UoPeople students. "The University of the People gives me the opportunity to build myself, my family and my community into something better - I know I am capable of more."

Currently, students may attend UoPeople, a non-profit organization, entirely free of charge. As the University expands, the sustainability model requires that nominal admission and examination processing fees ($15-$50 and $10-$100 respectively) will be levied to cover operating expenses. These fees will be adjusted on a sliding scale based on the economic situation in the student's country of residency. Students will never be charged for applying, taking classes or accessing study materials.

Thousands of prospective students applied to attend UoPeople, which seeks to accommodate all who satisfy the entry requirements. With five terms per year, UoPeople allows students to commence their studies on a rolling basis. Enrollment for Term 2, beginning November 19, is currently open at www.UoPeople.org.