Opportunities in Continuing Education

On November 9, 2006, panelists from five continuing education organizations came to the WCC General Meeting to profile classes and other offerings available to the public. Here are some highlights.

Roger Neale is the director of the Lifetime Learning Center, housed in the former Sand Point Elementary School two blocks south of the entrance to Magnuson Park. He described how the program is an excellent resource for older adults by offering low-cost, classes during weekdays. Students develop strong social networks while participating. Instructors are volunteers, often retired university professors. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported through fees, grants, and donations.

Discover U is different in that it is a for-profit venture presenting largely single-session, evening and weekend classes. Director Erin Brandon described how typical students are in their 30s to 50s, often new to the area, and looking for a fun way to meet people. New classes are offered continuously and Discover U is always on the lookout for people to teach fun classes in their areas of expertise. Discover U is located across the freeway from Northgate Mall in the same as City University. Because Discover U's classrooms are empty during the day, they can be rented for 1/2 day or full day (most rooms are $125 for a full day).

UW Educational Outreach offers a wide range of fee-based programs which were summarized by Susan Turner, Senior Director, Academic Programs. The UW Extension offers certificate programs and credit and noncredit courses. Some degrees, certificate programs, and individual courses are offered online. Also run as a fee-based program is summer quarter. Susan announced a new program called the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for adults over 50. For a $90 annual membership fee, you can take as many courses as you like—at this point, there are about 20 courses per quarter. Susan also noted that for those over 60, nearly any academic course may be audited for free on a space-available basis through the ACCESS program.

Hendrika Benjamin is Continuing Education Manager for North Seattle Community College. She described how continuing education classes through NSCC are offered days, nights, and weekends at three primary locations: the NSCC campus, Whitman Middle School, and the Sand Point Education Center at the former Sand Point Elementary. (Roger Neale noted that Lifelong Learning Center leases space through NSCC, who leases from Seattle Public Schools.) Classes need to reach a minimum enrollment to be conducted. NSCC offers popular online classes. Hendrika also noted that a networking breakfast tailored to business owners is hosted the first Friday of each month.

The ASUW Experimental College is the largest student-run educational institution of its kind, according to Stacey Taplin, Public Relations, and John Butler, Facilities Coordinator. Founded in 1968, the Experimental College offers scores of classes each quarter, from full 10-week courses to "one-night wonders." Those who enroll are about 50% students (UW students get a discount) and 50% adults no longer in school. Asked to name an unusual one-night wonder, Stacey and John offered "Ghosthunting." The Experimental College has a rigorous instructor and course selection process but is "always accepting new course proposals."

- David Atcheson