Online Learning Week Launches Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2003; Jones International University Provides People Information and Online Learning Trial at No Cost with Support of the United States Distance Learning Association

Business Wire, Oct 23, 2003

Business Editors/Education Writers

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 2003

Jones International University(R), Ltd. (JIU(TM)), the first fully online, accredited university, announced today that it has established Online Learning Week, to take place Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2003, with support from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA(R)).

The week was created to inform the general public about the benefits of online education and provide opportunities to experience it at no cost.

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens has issued a state proclamation declaring Oct. 27-Nov. 2 Online Learning Week. The Governor, long known in the state for his involvement in education, said the proclamation reflected his support of online learning and the role Internet-based education can play in changing the lives of those for whom traditional education is not possible or affordable.

Beginning Oct. 20, JIU will open registration for a free, online mini-MBA course that will be offered Nov. 9-16. The first 1,000 people who register for the course will also receive, free of charge, a 424-page companion book, The Virtual MBA Series: Financial Management, which mirrors the mini-course in its first chapters. Interested individuals may register for the free course and book at the Online Learning Week website at www.onlinelearningweek.com.

"Online Learning Week recognizes the opportunities that online education affords people everywhere," said Dr. John G. Flores, executive director of the USDLA. "The USDLA is involved in all forms of distance learning, but the online environment is one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry and we are pleased to support the JIU initiative, an online course at no cost."

The Online Learning Week website was created specifically for this event and will allow participants to:

-- Register for the free mini-MBA course referenced above;

-- Receive a copy of Financial Management, also at no cost;

-- Participate in the Online Learning Week Survey, which will

automatically qualify them to win a Dell desktop computer;

-- Attend a JIU Virtual Open House to tour the online environment

and chat with JIU faculty, enrollment counselors and current

students;

-- Explore the world of online education through a collection of

Jones e-global library(R) online resources; and

-- Experiment with some of the interactive elements of several

online JIU graduate courses.

"Online Learning Week is the perfect time for individuals thinking about pursuing a degree to examine all their options," said Steven W. Gampp, chief executive officer of Jones International University. "By registering for the free MBA mini-course in finance, people will get a chance to see its immediate applicability and find out if online education is something they'd like to pursue further."

More information on Online Learning Week can be found on the website at www.onlinelearningweek.com.

About Jones International University

As the pioneer in online education, Jones International University(R), Ltd. (JIU(TM)) provides quality online education for busy adults around the globe. It employs the brightest minds from the world's leading universities, including Stanford University, Columbia University, and Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management, to create highly relevant and practical learning experiences that help people advance their careers and enhance their lives. As the first fully online, accredited university, JIU offers 31 graduate and undergraduate degree specializations and more than 50 certificate programs in the fields of business, education and communications. Visit www.jonesinternational.edu.

About United States Distance Learning Association

The United States Distance Learning Association is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and located in Boston, Massachusetts. USDLA(R) promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and served the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre K-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. USDLA is also a leading source of information and policy for distance learning that focuses on all legislation impacting distance learning. Since 1993 USDLA has continued to establish state chapters in all fifty states as well as special interest groups throughout the world. For more information about USDLA, visit the organization's website at www.usdla.org or call 800-275-5162.