Indiana University

Skip to:

  1. Search
  2. Breadcrumb Navigation
  3. Content
  4. Browse by Topic
  5. Services & Resources
  6. Additional Resources
  7. Multimedia News

Media Contacts

Nicki Bland
IU Alumni Association
nhbland@indiana.edu
812-855-6843

Jeanne Madison
IU Bloomington Continuing Studies
jmadison@indiana.edu
812-855-1171

Last modified: Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Mini University combines summer vacation and learning

Mini University 2006

Some members of the Mini University Class of 2006

Print-Quality Photo

"Mini U" participants attend up to 15 noncredit mini-courses that they choose from more than 100 offerings taught by many of IU's most distinguished teaching faculty. Each course lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes and is designed to encourage discussion.

Mini University recently received two awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, District V, which includes all of the Big Ten member institutions. Mini U won a gold medal for Best Collaborative Program and a bronze medal for Best Practices in Alumni Relations. The program also has been recognized by Frommer's Budget Travel magazine as one of the best learning vacations in the United States.

This year's diverse course offerings include, "The Grand Journey That Is Music," "Hot Spots: Emerging Global Markets," "FDR's Private Spies and the Intelligence Failure of Pearl Harbor," "Mexican Immigration to the United States: Policy and Human Experience," "The Identity Theft Hoax" and "Live Your Best Oprah: Studying an American Icon."

For a complete list of course offerings, visit www.miniu.alumni.indiana.edu.

A new podcast series called Mini University Conversations, comprised of interviews with faculty from Mini U 2006, was released in January. Addressing such diverse topics as creativity, the U.S. Supreme Court and the theory of evolution, the conversations provide a taste of the exciting courses offered at Mini U.

They may be heard online at www.miniu.alumni.indiana.edu using a Web browser or by downloading the multimedia files to a portable audio player.

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 pools, tennis courts and other recreational facilities and attractions.

Registration for Mini University is open to all adults, not just IU alumni, and qualified school teachers are eligible to receive up to 10 continuing renewal units (CRUs) for attending. The registration fee is $215 per person through June 1; thereafter registration will be $240. 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 hotel availability, call 800-824-3044 or visit www.miniu.alumni.indiana.edu.

Mini University is sponsored by the IU Alumni Association and IU Bloomington Continuing Studies.

The Indiana University Alumni Association is dedicated to serving the university and its diverse alumni, students and friends. As one of the nation's largest alumni organizations, serving nearly 490,000 graduates worldwide, the IUAA provides many programs and services to its members, non-member alumni and the university. For information, visit www.alumni.indiana.edu or call 800-824-3044.

IU Bloomington Continuing Studies provides opportunities for adults to engage in lifelong learning. Programs include General Studies degrees, noncredit courses in Lifelong Learning and Professional Development, Mini University and Leadership Bloomington-Monroe County. All programs draw upon the resources of IU Bloomington and are offered on campus and at community locations in Bloomington and the surrounding area. For information, visit www.continue.indiana.edu or call 812-855-5108.