To overcome the barriers that deny part-time adult learners the opportunity for continuing their educations, the University of Mid-America proposes the creation of a nationwide American Open University (AOU). The AOU will be an independent, accredited institution with its own board, faculty, and administration. It will have regional centers across the country monitoring satellite study centers. Providing instruction through a variety of delivery systems, the AOU will offer credit for experience, provide counseling, serve as a credit "bank," and conduct continuing research in all phases of its own operations. The AOU will utilize technology wherever appropriate, including for computer-based and computer-managed instruction. The school will first offer bachelor's degrees and later offer master's degrees. Several of the technologically-based courses offered by the AOU will be designed and developed by the AOU, but more will be acquired from outside producers, at a cost of around $40,000 apiece. The faculty will use a team approach to curriculum development and will decide curriculum issues. Without competing with other institutions, the AOU will serve 50,000 students within 5 years. (Author/PGD)