The University's Warner Graduate School of Education is offering its first institute on educational leadership for women. The four-part program, titled "Educational Leadership: Women Making a Difference," is designed to redefine women's roles in education and society through lectures on current trends, updating technical skills and provision for practical application of current theories.

The sessions will be offered, beginning at 3:30 p.m., on March 4, 18, 25 and April 1. They will be held in the May Room of Wilson Commons on the University's River Campus. For registration materials, including fees, contact Edwardine Weaver, RSM, assistant professor at the Warner School. Registration forms are due Feb. 20. Continuing education units will be awarded upon completion of the institute.

The first session on March 4 will feature a keynote address by Muriel Moore, president of Buffalo State College, an overview of the institute, and a networking reception.

On March 18, the second session will spotlight a panel discussion, titled "Ways Women Lead: Developing a Leadership Style," chaired by Esther Denaro Maltese, president of the Greater Rochester area branch of the American Association of University Women. Panelists include: Kate Bennett, CEO of the Rochester Museum & Science Center; Jane Mt. Pleasant, director of the American Indian Program and professor of agronomy at Cornell University; Josephine Kehoe, superintendent of East Irondequoit Central Schools; and Kate Ross, a social studies teacher at Greece Arcadia High School. The panelists will also lead small group seminars on similar topics.

The third session on March 25 will feature a lecture by Ellen Bevan on writing effective resumes. Bevan is the senior associate director of the University of Rochester Center for Work & Career Development. Her presentation will be followed by a lecture on leadership by Cecelia Golden, executive director of academic operations, Rochester City School District.

On April 1, Ena Farley, member of the NYS Board of Regents and professor emeritus at SUNY Brockport; Ruth Hopkins, financial consultant; Cecelia Mitchell, a business woman; and Barbara Moore, RSM, director of Highland's Center for Women, will address the topics of the ethical leader, power and budgets, and inner balance.

Several organizations in the Rochester community are sponsors of this program, which has been coordinated by the Warner School's Office of Professional Development. For more information, call the Warner School at (585) 275-8270.