UWW featured in Boston Globe supplement on Schools for Moms

The UMass Amherst University Without Walls (UWW) was featured in the November 20 Boston Globe supplement article called Schools for Moms. Colleges are Eager to Lure Mothers Back to Class. UWW's Melanie DeSilva stated, "Online education provides a great opportunity for busy parents/moms. People don't have time to come to classes; they need to take classes that fit their lifestyles."

UWW student Nayroby Rosa, a case manager working in Holyoke, MA was also quoted in the piece. "'It's a great program and I don't know what I'd do without it," she says, explaining that the online learning eliminates the problem of finding babysitters, especially when they cancel last minute. 'Already my pockets are tight, and trying to get my education took a big toll on me. Now I can be home, and I can study. I can dedicate some time to my child and some to my schoolwork.'" 

"Rosa likes that she can interact a lot with her professors too. 'I sign on almost every day to post for discussions, respond to professors, submit papers due. It's not like online learning is wicked easy and you get to do it whenever you want. There are commitments. There are deadlines you need to meet.'"

Asked why many mothers come back to school, DeSilva said, "It's their turn now, and for whatever reason, it's time to get their degree. "