Boomers Zoom Back to Campus for Mini-University Dr. David J. Demko, professor of gerontology and editor AgeVenture News Service, 05-20-05 Why spend another Summer sitting in front of your TV, watching bob-sled re-runs from Oslo? Summer time is for excitement, adventure, broadening your mind instead of your backside. So back away from your TV, drop the remote, and call Indiana University, and say, "I'm bored as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore ... sign me up for Mini-University." Tell'em Dr. Dave sent you. Indiana University's Mini University program combines summer vacation and college courses. No, not the kind of courses with all those nasty exams and term papers. The kind of courses where you are the center of attention. Enjoy the challenge of learning, meet interesting classmates, and discuss ... talk ... debate ... and enjoy ... to your heart's content. You and your newfound campus buddies will be treated to the University's nationally recognized learning vacation at the Bloomington campus June 19-24, 2005. Everyone is invited ... boomers, seniors, retirees. Who knows, maybe the new classmates you meet this Summer will become friends for life. "Mini U" participants attend up to 15 non-credit mini-courses that they choose from more than 100 offerings, all taught by some of IU's finest faculty members. Each course lasts approximately 75 minutes and allows attendees to learn in a relaxed setting without the pressure of exams. You won't fall asleep in these classes. This year's offerings include: "Mummies, Neanderthals and Beyond: New Data from Old Bones" "Catastrophes: the Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster" "The Kinsey Institute in the Spotlight" "The European Union and Its Effect on the U.S." "The British Monarchy: Past, Present and Predictions" "One Nation Under God?: Religious Liberty and Church-State Relations" "Artie Shaw: A Life in Music" taught by jazz legend David Baker In addition to the courses, the week includes a picnic, films, a theater trip and social gatherings. Attendees also can enjoy IU Bloomington's pools, tennis courts and other recreational facilities and attractions. In 2002, Frommer's Budget Travel magazine chose Mini University as one of the nine best learning vacations in the United States. Frommer's also included Mini University in learning-vacation articles that appeared on MSNBC.com in February 2004 and on the Frommer's Web site in February 2005. In addition, Mini University has garnered attention from Indianapolis Monthly magazine and other publications. Registration for Mini University is open to all adults, not just IU alumni, and qualified teachers may be eligible to receive continuing renewal units for attending Mini U. The registration fee is $195 per person. On-campus lodging is available at the Indiana Memorial Union Biddle Hotel & Conference Center, conveniently located adjacent to class locations. To request a registration brochure, visit http://www.alumni.indiana.edu/bloomington/miniu or call 800-824-3044. Founded in 1972, Mini University is sponsored by the IU Alumni Association and IU Bloomington Continuing Studies. The Indiana University Alumni Association serves the university and its more than 466,000 living graduates through programs, services and communications. One of the nation's largest alumni organizations, the IUAA strives daily to connect alumni and serve IU. For more information, visit http://www.alumni.indiana.edu or call 800-824-3044. Indiana University Bloomington Continuing Studies provides degree and lifelong-learning programs for adults that draw upon the unique resources of IU Bloomington. For more information, visit http://www.continue.indiana.edu or call 812-855-4991. Photo credit: Indiana University. SEE RELATED ARTICLES IN THE AGEVENTURE ARCHIVES AgeVenture Lifestyle Features AgeVenture Headline News BACK TO TOP