Range of free and low-cost courses includes gardening, computers, smartphones, jazz, and more
Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) offers a variety of non-credit courses and educational programs that aim to assist people of all ages gain skills and enrich their lives as we face today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.
CURE offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages through its Community Garden, Senior University, and Adult Education programs. CURE is enrolling now for spring and summer sessions. The offerings include:
IUN Community Garden: Implementing Rainwater Harvesting & Green Infrastructure in Community Gardens
Noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, April 7
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: Noon, April 6
Free and open to adults of all ages!
Many community gardeners cite a lack of reliable access to water for irrigation as a key challenge for maintaining a productive and vibrant garden. In this presentation, Kara Salazar, assistant program leader and extension specialist for Sustainable Communities at Purdue University, and Sara McMillian, associate professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue, will discuss techniques for capturing rainwater on-site, considerations for safe handling of the water for irrigation, and opportunities to include rainscaping and other green practices into your site plan. Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
IUN Community Garden: Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas: Partnering for Conservation
Noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 19
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: Noon, April 18
Free and open to adults of all ages!
Join Mandi Glanz, regional specialist for State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM), and learn about the Indiana Invasives Initiative (III) as well as Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs). CISMAs are grassroots organizations that build partnerships to promote conservation and collectively combat the problem of invasive plant species on a local level. The session will also include identification and management of some commonly found invasive plant species and the benefits of native plant alternatives. Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
IUN Community Garden: Vertical Gardening
1 to 2 p.m., Monday, May 9
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: Noon, May 6
Free and open to adults of all ages!
Vertical gardening is a great space-saving technique that is both easy and affordable. It is applicable to many types of plants and helps prevent disease and pests. Join the manager of the East Chicago Greenhouse for this live Zoom tutorial and learn tips and tricks for integrating vertical gardening into your growing space (indoor or outdoor). The session will also include a brief “tour” of the East Chicago Greenhouse, featuring the systems being employed to grow food for the community, including the 15,000-gallon aquaponics system. Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
Senior University: Life Hacks - Tips and Tricks for Everyday Life
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 20
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: Noon, April 19
Free and open to adults ages 55+
In this live Zoom meeting, Becky Mateja Lombardini will share life hacks specific to older adults. Life hacks are simple techniques or shortcuts for making everyday tasks easier or more efficient. Tying a piece of bright colored fabric to your luggage so that it’s easier to identify at baggage claim is an example of a life hack. Register today to learn how to make your life a little easier! Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
Senior University: Women in Jazz - The Instrumentalists
6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 25 and Thursday, April 28
Zoom Meeting – with option to dial-in by phone
Registration Deadline: Noon, April 22
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Join Billy Foster, jazz pianist and composer, for these live Zoom sessions and explore the many contributions of women instrumentals to the music of jazz. As with many other fields of endeavor, female jazz musicians have had to overcome numerous barriers to achieve and sustain success. Yet they have done so. As a result, the world of jazz has become ever more fascinating, particularly as women continue to contribute their unique techniques and perspectives to the music. In these sessions, we will listen to pioneers such as Lil Armstrong and Mary Lou Williams and cover the years up to current artists like Terri Lynne Carrington and Esperanza Spaulding. Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Cyber Security Basics
2:30 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 3
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: Noon, May 2
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Are you concerned about the security of your social media accounts? Not sure how to determine if an email is fraudulent? Would you like to ensure you are making a transaction on a secure site? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then look no further because this is the session for you! This live Zoom session will cover cyber security fundamentals with a focus on securing personal information, safely conducting online transactions, and identifying scams and phishing attempts. Register today so that you can learn to protect yourself while online! Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
Senior University: Microsoft Word
1 to 3 p.m., Fridays, May 6 and 20
In-Person Sessions at IUN
Registration Deadline: Noon, April 27
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Need a refresher in using Microsoft Word? Then join us at IU Northwest for this two-part course! In these sessions, we will be reviewing the basics, including terminology and steps for creating a standard document. Participants will also learn how to develop more advanced creations, including flyers and resumes, as well as shortcuts that make using Word easy and fun. Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Introduction to Zoom
2:30 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 17
In-Person Session at IUN
Registration Deadline: Noon, May 9
Free and open to adults ages 55+
If you are interested in learning the very basics of using the Zoom video communications platform, then this is the session for you! During this in-person session, Brittany Taylor will walk participants through the steps needed to begin using Zoom (downloading, installing, and joining a meeting), troubleshooting common issues along the way. Participants should bring the mobile device on which they plan to use Zoom (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.). Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
Senior University: Introduction to Streaming TV
2:30 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 24
Concurrent via Zoom and In-Person at IUN
Registration Deadline: Noon, May 16
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Have you ever wondered what’s to these Smart TV’s? Are you curious about how to use a Fire Stick or Roku Device? If so, then this session is just for you! Join us in-person at IU Northwest or online via Zoom to learn the basics about streaming TV. Participants will also learn how they can bundle favorite TV shows along with exclusive shows only available on Streaming Apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock. Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6907.
Adult Education/Senior University: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, April 14
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: Noon, April 13
Free and open to adults of all ages
Alzheimer’s causes changes in memory, thinking, and behavior that are not part of normal aging. Join Julie Collins of the Alzheimer’s Association to learn the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s and the 10 common warning signs. We will also discuss the importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis, expectations for the diagnostic process, and additional Alzheimer’s Association resources. Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
Adult Education/Senior University: Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
Noon to 2 p.m., Thursdays, May 5 through June 16
Zoom Meetings
Registration Deadline: Noon, May 4
Free and open to adults of all ages
If you feel like your health issues are dictating you what you can and cannot do, then join this workshop series and learn how to get back in charge. Sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation (NWICA), these sessions will help you put life back in your life! Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
Adult Education/Senior University: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 10
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: Noon, May 9
Free and open to adults of all ages
Alzheimer’s is not normal aging. It is a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Join Julie Collins of the Alzheimer’s Association to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease stages and risk factors. We will also discuss current research and treatments available to address some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s as well as additional Alzheimer’s Association resources. Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
Adult Education: Fundamental Courses
24/7 Access; All classes start new every month
Cost varies; Courses for adults and young adults/teens
Online fundamental courses are informative, fun, and convenient. Fundamental courses include instructor-led courses and self-paced tutorials. Instructor-led courses run for six weeks with monthly start dates and feature an instructor-moderated discussion board so that you can interact with your classmates. Self-paced tutorials are designed for completely independent learning, without instructor moderation, and can be started at any time. Complete any course entirely from home, at any time of the day or night. Popular courses include Speed Spanish, Accounting Fundamentals, Introduction to Microsoft Excel, and A to Z Grant Writing. Enroll, learn more, or view all Fundamental courses at ed2go.com/iunadulted.
Adult Education: Career Training Programs
24/7 Access; Start at any time
Cost varies; Courses for adults
The online, open-enrollment Career Training Programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional-level positions for many in-demand occupations. Our programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing you with effective web-based learning programs. Instructors/mentors are actively involved in your online learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, encouraging and motivating you to succeed. Enroll, learn more, or view all Career Training Programs at careertraining.ed2go.com/iun.
Adult Education: Comprehensive Career Tracks
24/7 Access; Start dates vary
Cost varies; Courses for adults
These online Career Track programs offer students a chance to hone their skills in a variety of professions—from the arts to healthcare to web development. All programs are available in the self-paced format and have opportunities for national certification, externship placement, and/or career support. For select healthcare programs, there is also the option for the instructor-led format, in which content is facilitated by live instructors with scheduled webinars and interactive activities. Enroll, learn more, or view all Comprehensive Career Tracks at iun.edu2.com.
About the Center for Urban and Regional Excellence
The Center for Urban and Regional Excellence at Indiana University Northwest engages the university and the community in partnerships that jointly formulate programs and policies to support thriving Northwest Indiana communities. The Center works collaboratively with organizations in all sectors to address challenges and co-create solutions in diverse areas including economic development, government efficiency, nonprofit leadership development, public safety, transportation policy, environmental sustainability, health disparities, and arts and culture.
