IU's Mini University combines summer vacation and college courses
Mini University, a nationally recognized learning vacation for adults, will be held June 18-23 at Indiana University Bloomington. The week-long program gives participants the chance to engage with exciting topics and world-class faculty while enjoying the beauty of the Bloomington campus.
In 2002, Frommer's Budget Travel magazine chose Mini University as one of the nine best learning vacations in the United States. Frommer's also included Mini University in learning-vacation articles that appeared on MSNBC.com in February 2004 and on the Frommer's Web site in February 2005. In addition, Mini University has garnered attention from Indianapolis Monthly magazine and other publications.
"Mini U" participants attend up to 15 noncredit mini-courses that they choose from more than 100 offerings, taught by many of Indiana University's finest faculty members. Each course lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes and is designed to encourage discussion.
Photo by: IU School of Music
IU's resident rock 'n' roll historian Glenn Gass will lead a class on Elvis' America as part of IU's 2006 Mini University.
This year's diverse course offerings include "Dangerous Debates: A Scientific Understanding of Human Evolution," "A Look Back: The Campus 35 Years Ago," "The Life of a CIA Operations Officer," "The Ego Effect of Money," "Katrina: Fact and Fiction," "The Relationship Between Collegiate Athletics and Academics" and "Elvis' America: All Shook Up!" Jazz legend David Baker will mark the 35th anniversary of Mini University with a special concert, "Dave Baker's Quintet Celebrates Mini."
In addition to the courses, the week includes a picnic, films, an evening at the theater, social gatherings and other optional activities. Participants can also enjoy IU Bloomington's pools, tennis courts and other recreational facilities and attractions.
Registration for Mini University is open to all adults, not just IU alumni, and qualified teachers are eligible to receive continuing renewal units (CRUs) for attending Mini U. The registration fee is $205 per person; lodging and meals are additional. On-campus lodging is available at the Indiana Memorial Union Biddle Hotel and Conference Center, conveniently located adjacent to class locations.
To request a registration brochure or check lodging availability, call 800-824-3044 or visit http://www.alumni.indiana.edu/bloomington/miniu. A podcast featuring interviews with several Mini U faculty is also available on the Web site.
Photo by: IU Home Pages
IU ethnomusicologist Portia Maultsby will teach a course on "The Globalization of African Music: Gospel Music in the Netherlands."
Mini University is sponsored by the Indiana University Alumni Association and IU Bloomington Continuing Studies. IU Bloomington Continuing Studies provides both degree and lifelong-learning programs for adults that draw upon the unique resources of IU Bloomington. For information, visit http://www.continue.indiana.edu or call 812-855-5108.
As one of the nation's largest alumni organizations, serving more than 481,000 graduates worldwide, the IUAA is also a connection between alumni and the university. The association is a dues membership organization but provides many programs and services to the general university community. For information, visit http://www.alumni.indiana.edu or call 800-824-3044.
