Senior College of Central Nebraska
Department of the Month
April 2009
The UNK Staff Senate is pleased to recognized The Senior College of Central Nebraska as the April 2009 Department of the Month. Since 2005, a group of older learners have been taking classes on the UNK Campus as members of Senior College of Central Nebraska. One goal of Senior College is to provide opportunities for life-long learning in a relaxed environment at a reasonable cost. Classes are offered three times a year: for 6 weeks during the fall and spring, for four weeks in the summer. Volunteer instructors are recruited based on their expertise. In addition, special events featuring speakers, debates, and meetings are held with time built in for conversation and socializing.
Class offerings cover a wide variety of topics. Courses range from the humanities, arts, science, current events, health, and “how to” classes. During 2008, 34 classes were offered with 364 registrations. In addition to UNK, classes are held at various locations such as Good Samaritan Hospital, Rowe Sanctuary, and Northridge Retirement Community.
Since the beginning, annual membership in Senior College has included more than 200 individuals each year. During the 2008 membership year, 244 members are from 12 communities in Central Nebraska. There is no age minimum to become a member, but programs are designed to meet the interests of learners aged 50+.
The UNK College of Education assisted in establishing Senior College in 2005 as part of its Centennial celebration. The College of Education hosted the Senior College Website for three years, and continues to provide a telephone point of contact for inquiries. UNK has provided space for some classes based on space availability, and many UNK professors and emeriti have been instructors. Senior College members are grateful for the role UNK has played in establishing this successful program, therefore the UNK Staff Senate would like to recognized the Senior College of Central Nebraska as the April 2009 Department of the Month!
Thank you to the sponsors of the Department of the Month: UNK Athletics and Staff Senate.