IU Northwest Center for Urban and Regional Excellence offers non-credit online sessions for learners of all ages

Register now for a variety of free and low-cost summer sessions

Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) has expanded its online presence and continues to offer non-credit programs throughout the summer, 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, Senior University, and Summer Reading Skills programs.

CURE is enrolling now for summer 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. 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. 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. 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.

Community Garden: Common Garden Diseases and Other Ailments

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14

Enrollment Deadline: Aug. 13

Free and open to anyone age 18 and older

During this live, online session, Rebecca Koetz, Lake County Urban Agriculture Extension Educator, will present answers to the most common questions that come in to the Purdue Extension office related to garden pests, diseases, and other issues. This presentation will cover ailments of fruits, vegetables, trees, ornamentals, and lawns. Rebecca will provide the scientifically recommended solutions to these problems, including cultural, mechanical, organic and inorganic options for control. To enroll, contact CURE at cureiun@iun.edu or 219-980-6978 by Thursday, Aug. 13.

Senior University: WiFi the Unseen Hero: An Introduction to Wireless Networks

24/7 Access: Available on Aug. 3

Enrollment Deadline: Aug. 31

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

This self-paced, online tutorial will provide participants with a better understanding of wireless networks. Watch and re-watch Brittany Taylor’s recorded tutorials and learn information regarding how to SAVE data, search the web at HEROIC speeds, and RESCUE your phone from suspicious connections! To enroll, contact Senior University at curesu@iun.edu or 219-980-6907 by Monday, Aug. 31. Participants will have access to the tutorial after enrollment and until Monday, Sep. 21.

Senior University: Computers for Seniors I: The Basics and Beyond

24/7 Access: Available on Aug. 17

Enrollment Deadline: Sep. 14

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. 14. Participants will have access to the tutorial after enrollment and until Monday, Oct. 19.

Senior University: Smartphones II for Androids

2:30 to 4 p.m., Tuesdays, Aug. 18, 25, Sep. 1, and 8

Enrollment Deadline: Aug. 17

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

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! To enroll, contact Senior University at curesu@iun.edu or 219-980-6907 by Monday, Aug. 17.

Senior University: Smartphones II for iPhones

2:30 to 4 p.m., Thursdays, Aug. 20, 27, Sep. 3, and 10

Enrollment Deadline: Aug. 19

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

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! To enroll, contact Senior University at curesu@iun.edu or 219-980-6907 by Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Senior University: Remaining Safe in Times of Disaster: Emergency Preparedness for Seniors

10 to 11:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 21

Enrollment Deadline: Aug. 20

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

Join Crystal Shannon, associate professor of nursing, for this live, online session, which will explore the vulnerability of older adults to disaster and emergency events. Through the use of shared experiences, stories of survivors, and film footage, this session will highlight the value of disaster planning, the needed steps to prepare for emergency situations, and the specific tools required for our personal emergency response. Emergency plans and self-assessments of disaster vulnerability will be completed. To enroll, contact Senior University at curesu@iun.edu or 219-980-6907 by Thursday, Aug. 20.

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.

Summer 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, students in this program attend a dynamic, live online class each week. During class, students 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.

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.

About Indiana University Northwest

One of eight campuses of Indiana University, IU Northwest is located in metropolitan Northwest Indiana, approximately 30 miles southeast of Chicago and 10 miles from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The campus has a diverse student population of approximately 4,000 degree-seeking students and 1,500 dual-credit students. The campus offers Associate, Baccalaureate and Master’s degrees in a variety of undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional degree options available from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the School of Business and Economics, the School of the Arts and the School of Education. The campus is also host to IU School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, which actively involves students in research and local healthcare needs through its four-year medical doctorate program. IU Northwest emphasizes high-quality teaching, faculty and student research and engagement on campus and in the community. As a student-centered campus, IU Northwest is committed to academic excellence characterized by a love of ideas and achievement in learning, discovery, creativity and engagement. Indiana University Northwest is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. The University actively encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups.