Range of free and low-cost courses include gardening, computers, smartphones, fitness 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 fall sessions. The offerings include:
IUN Community Garden: Hydrangeas for Northwest Indiana
5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday, September 12
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 9
Free and open to adults of all ages!
So many hydrangeas! How do you choose what will grow best in our area and in your landscape? Join Lynn Barbee, Master Gardener and horticulturist, for this live Zoom session and learn about the different species of hydrangeas, including some newer varieties, and why some will do better for you than others. We will also discuss resources that you can use to be successful with this versatile family of shrubs. Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
IUN Community Garden: Composting 101
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Monday, September 19
In-Person at Faith Farms, Gary
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 16
Free and open to adults of all ages!
Join Freida Graves, Master Gardener and Farm Administrator, for this in-person session at Faith Farms! After a brief walking tour of the garden/farm, participants will learn about three types of composting: Bokashi, vermicomposting, and cold composting. Event capacity is limited, so register online today at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
IUN Community Garden: Putting the Garden to Bed for the Winter
3 to 4 p.m., Friday, October 14
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: Noon, October 13
Free and open to adults of all ages!
Join Dolly Foster, Landscape Horticulturist, and learn how to prepare your garden for harsh winter weather. We will discuss whether to cut down perennials, how to prepare roses for winter, best practices for planting trees and spring bulbs in fall, how to start a compost pile with fall leaves, winter tool care, and much more! Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
Senior University: Exploring the Internet
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Thursdays, September 15, 22, and 29
In-Person at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 7
Free and open to adults ages 55+
The internet is a vast resource that can educate, inform, and entertain. This three-part course is geared for new internet user and beginners with an overview of browsers, websites, and online safety. Then it’s off to discover some of the best the internet has to offer, including sites for lifelong learning, entertainment sources for streaming music and movies, the best of shopping, and more! Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Introduction to Email
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fridays, October 7, 14, and 21
In-Person at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 29
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Want to know more about email? Then join Leslie Kiser at IU Northwest for this 3-part course to learn how to create an account, send and receive messages, attach pictures, avoid spam, create and organize folders, use email safely, and lots more! The course is based on Gmail, but the concepts are the same no matter what email provider you use. Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Connections: Lose Weight, Get Fit, & Lower Stress
1 to 3 p.m., Mondays, October 10, 17, 24, and 31
In-Person at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: Noon, October 2
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Get ready for the holidays with this mind, body, spirit experience created and led by Becky Mateja Lombardini, MPA. Each class in this four-week behavior modification program will include 45 minutes of interactive discussion, 15 minutes of inspirational teachings, 30 minutes of physical activity, and 15 minutes of get-to-know you/mingle at the beginning and end. Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Smartphones II for Androids
2 to 4 p.m., Tuesdays, October 11, 18, and 25
Concurrent via Zoom and In-Person at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: Noon, October 3
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Have you mastered sending text messages and making phone calls on your Android? Are you ready for the next level of smartphone usage? If so, then look no further because we have the live, online series for you! Join us and learn how to scan and send documents, copy and paste, and lock your private photos all from your Android! Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Microsoft Publisher Basics
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays, October 12, 19, and 26
In-Person at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: Noon, October 4
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Interested in learning about page layout and design? Then join Chelsea Whittington for this in-person series and learn the basic ins and outs of the program Microsoft Publisher. Participants in this introductory course will learn how to design documents including flyers, business cards, invitations, etc. as well as how to save them in various formats. Prior experience in Microsoft Word is recommended. Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Smartphones II for iPhones
2 to 4 p.m., Thursdays, October 13, 20, and 27
Concurrent via Zoom and In-Person at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: Noon, October 5
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Have you mastered sending text messages and making phone calls on your iPhone? Are you ready for the next level of smartphone usage? If so, then look no further because we have the live, online series for you! Join us and learn how to scan and send documents, copy and paste, and lock your private photos all from your iPhone! Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6907.
Senior University: Phishing and Identity Theft
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, October 28
In-Person at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: Noon, October 20
Free and open to adults ages 55+
If you have email, use social media, or even text on your mobile device, then you are a target for phishing. Phishing is an attempt to trick you into divulging personal confidential information that a cybercriminal can use to steal money or even your identity. Join Tatyana Otero at IU Northwest for this in-person session so that you can learn to recognize the hallmark signs of phishing and stay safer online. Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6907.
Adult Education/Senior University: Social Security 101
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Monday, September 12 via Zoom
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 9
OR
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Friday, September 23 offered in-person at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 15
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Public Affairs Specialists with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to get a crash course in Social Security! Participants will learn about Retirement, Disability, Medicare, SSI, Widows Benefits, as well as how to receive assistance from the SSA. The presenters will also discuss how you can protect yourself from fraudulent phone calls and other scams. Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6978.
Adult Education/Senior University: Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior
Noon to 1 p.m., Monday, September 26
Zoom Meeting
Registration Deadline: Noon, September 23
Free and open to adults of all ages
Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways people living with dementia communicate their needs and feelings as their ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Join Julie Collins of the Alzheimer’s Association to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common triggers, and learn strategies to help manage some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG.
Adult Education/Senior University: Detecting Fake News and Misinformation for the 2022 Election
Noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, October 11
Concurrent via Zoom and In-Person at IU Northwest
Registration Deadline: In-Person - noon, October 3; Zoom - noon, October 10
Free and open to adults of all ages
As we get closer to Election Day 2022, it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between unreliable news stories and unbiased coverage, including on candidates running for our local offices. Join Nico Casas, librarian from IU Northwest, either in-person at IUN or on Zoom to learn how to identify misinformation on the web and seek the best unbiased information for the upcoming elections. Session participants will learn simple steps to protect themselves from misinformation, to include news on popular social media networks. Email users, register online at: go.iu.edu/3AVG. All others call 219-980-6978.
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.
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.
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.
