Register now for a variety of free and low-cost fall sessions
Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) continues to expand its online presence to offer non-credit programs throughout the year, which 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 remote learning opportunities for all ages through its Adult Education, Community Garden, Reading Skills, and Senior University programs.
CURE is enrolling now for fall sessions. The offerings include:
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 both 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 some 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 https://iun.edu2.com.
Community Garden: Butterfly Gardening
6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Sep. 24
Enrollment Deadline: Sep. 23
Free and open to anyone age 18 and older
The time is now to begin a butterfly habitat in your garden. Now more than ever, butterflies need our help to thrive. Our home gardens stand as bridges from one natural habitat to the next. During this live, online session, participants will learn the best butterfly attracting plants and how to plan your garden to provide food, cover and host plants for caterpillars. The caterpillar/butterfly life cycle is also an integral part of planning a butterfly garden and will be covered. Join a new conservation movement. Raising caterpillars at home will also be discussed briefly. To enroll, contact CURE at cureiun@iun.edu or 219-980-6978 by Wednesday, Sep. 23.
Reading Skills Programs
Schedule and cost varies
Programs for students of all ages: Children and adults
Offered in partnership with the Institute of Reading Development, programs are specifically designed to give students the skills, motivation, and individual support they need in the fall, winter, spring, and summer of each grade level. Students attend a dynamic, live online class each week, during which they can see, hear and speak with each other and their teacher in real time. Every class is full of engaging discussions and class activities. Between classes, students complete independent reading assignments and interactive online lessons that build skills and confidence. Enroll, learn more, or view all Reading Skills Programs at iun.readingprograms.org or call 1-800-903-2173.
Senior University: Computers for Seniors I: The Basics and Beyond
24/7 Access: Available Now
Enrollment Deadline: Sep. 17
Free and open to anyone age 55 and better
If you have a functioning knowledge of computer use (you can log on and access your email account) and would like to brush up on your skills, then this online, self-paced tutorial is for you! You will learn at your own pace by watching and/or re-watching these video tutorials created by veteran instructor, Chelsea Whittington. You can review the basics, including the primary parts of a computer and commonly used computer terms, and then delve deeper into using Microsoft Word. When you are ready, you’ll be able to move on to email and internet fundamentals (common terms, sending/receiving emails, and surfing the Internet safely). To enroll, contact Senior University at curesu@iun.edu or 219-980-6907 by Monday, Sep. 17. Participants will have access to the tutorial after enrollment and until Oct. 22.
Senior University: Information Literacy Workshop for Fake News and Misinformation
12 to 1:30 p.m., Monday, Sep. 21
Enrollment Deadline: Sep. 18
Free and open to anyone age 55 and better
As we count down to the United States General Election 2020, it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell fact versus fiction with so much news and information coming out on TV and social media. Misleading headlines, biased news stories, and even doctored images and fabricated videos have been dominating cable news and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Join IU Northwest librarian, Nico Casas, for this live, online session and learn how to identify misinformation by using simple steps to keep yourself informed before you vote. Participants will learn the history of fake news and simple techniques and tools to use in everyday life. To enroll, contact Senior University at curesu@iun.edu or 219-980-6907 by Sep. 18.
Senior University: The Best Small Bands in Jazz History
12 to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sep. 23 and Thursday, Sep. 24
Enrollment Deadline: Sep. 22
Free and open to anyone age 55 and better
Join Billy Foster for this two-part, live, online exploration of the greatest small jazz groups in jazz from 1900 to 2020. During the session, we will watch videos and listen to the music of some of the best touring and recording groups of this time period. Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five, the King Cole Trio, Miles Davis Quintet, John Coltrane Quartet, etc. Come join us for this exciting tour of jazz bands! To enroll, contact Senior University at curesu@iun.edu or 219-980-6907 by Tuesday, Sep. 22.
Senior University: Budgeting Basics for Seniors
6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8
Enrollment Deadline: Oct. 7
Free and open to anyone age 55 and better
Have you noticed that towards the end of the month you're running low on funds to meet your monthly obligations? Is the balance in your checking or savings account always less than what you have expected? If you've encountered these issues before, then attend this live, online session and gain insight on developing a budget that can assist you in increasing your disposable income. To enroll, contact Senior University at curesu@iun.edu or 219-980-6907 by Wednesday, Oct. 7.
