About the Program
MISSION:
The Lifelong Learning Program at Shepherd University is a volunteer member-driven program dedicated to offering stimulating academic courses and activities to the community.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Courses – Six-week sessions of weekly 90-minute courses offered each semester (March-April and September-October) taught by volunteers in the community sharing their expertise and passions.
- Lectures:
- Spark Lecture Series – Formerly known as the “Brown Bag Lecture Series,” the series now features daytime lectures twice a week September-November and March-May. Most lectures take place after lunch in the auditorium at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education (213 N. King Street) and are also accessible via Zoom for registered participants.
- President’s Lecture Series – Partnering with the Office of the President, this evening lecture series occurs twice each semester.
- Lectures and Libations – Engaging, faculty-led discussions in a community setting offered two evenings each fall, spring, and summer at a local restaurant or venue. This series series offers accessible, thought-provoking presentations that help strengthen connections between the University and the broader local community. Read more about these in the course catalog.
- Community Conversations – Weekly discussion groups on Zoom designed to foster a more informed, engaged, and connected community.
- Interest Groups – Groups initiated and led by local volunteers on a wide variety of topics with meeting dates and locations determined by the group facilitator. These groups provide opportunities to learn and socialize outside the classroom.
- Day trips – Throughout the year with a break for summer.
- Community Access to FASTEnER Lab – Accessible through Lifelong Learning’s “FASTEnER Open Lab” offering, this open lab is for individuals intending to use the FASTEnER Lab to work on a self-directed project over the course of the semester during open lab hours. The instructors will provide support in areas of casting, digital fabrication, woodworking, and metalworking.
- Retirement Planning Workshop – Offered each fall and spring, this two-part workshop blends financial education with life planning to help you build wealth, align your money with your values, and achieve your retirement lifestyle goals. Read more in the course catalog.
- Wild Writers Retreat – Offered each fall and spring, this three-day retreat at Capon Springs and Farm offers a getaway for writers at all levels interested in developing their craft and expanding their writing community. Read more in the course catalog.
- International and national tours – Year-round group travel opportunities through Lifelong Learning led by Collette.
- Initiatives with community partners – We work on a committee to make Shepherd an Age-Friendly University and to offer an annual Aging Well Conference each May.
COST:
We have transitioned from a membership payment model to a simplified subscription model! You can now pay for individual classes (mostly $79) and lectures ($15) without purchasing a membership. You can can also purchase a subscription for the semester ($195), which includes enrollment fees for unlimited classes and lectures, as well as a parking pass. Day trips, tours, and special offerings are priced individually.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
The Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Program is pleased to be able to provide a limited number of scholarships to participants who would not otherwise be able to attend a course. Scholarships cover one Lifelong Learning course. Inquire about a scholarship by emailing Cindy Powers at Lpowers@shepherd.edu.
All classes and lectures are free to Shepherd University staff, faculty, and students.
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BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
Do you miss teaching? Share your passion.
Inspire others to learn and explore. Interact and engage with peers and community members. The Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Program is looking for course instructors. Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning educational program is centered on classes developed and taught by volunteers who share their time and knowledge. The program is an academic cooperative that provides mature adults with opportunities for intellectual development, cultural stimulation, and social interaction. To show our appreciation, we are offering free courses to instructors.
Help develop innovative, interesting, and compelling learning experiences. Join a national movement of adult learners in West Virginia. To become an instructor, please email Cindy Powers at Lpowers@shepherd.edu.
BECOME A CLASSROOM TECH ASSISTANT
The Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Program is looking for volunteers to be class assistants. Class assistants help the instructors to ensure that announcements are made, attendance is taken, hand-outs are distributed, and manages classroom technology (zoom, powerpoint, youtube, etc.). Class assistants are essential to the smooth functioning of the Lifelong Learning Program and enjoy the benefit of becoming better acquainted with both instructors and fellow class participants, as well as invitations to special events. If you would like to volunteer to be a class assistant in one or more of your classes, please email Cindy Powers at Lpowers@shepherd.edu. Thank you for volunteering!
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
Some of the courses require students to obtain books or material essential to the class. Four Season’s Bookstore is offering our students a 15% discount on most course books. Mention the Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Program to receive a discount.
PARKING – Read all about parking on campus here.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
Should an extreme weather emergency, power or water failure, or Executive Order from the Governor warrant the closing of offices, events will be cancelled for that day. Please refer to public notification via the Shepherd website. If this affects an event or course you have registered for, you will updated via email from the director or course instructors/assistants.
REFUND POLICY
Refunds are available upon request prior to the event, with the exception of a 6% administrative fee. For trips and events that involve reservations or pre-ordered materials, refunds may not be possible after a certain date. Please check with the director for details specific to your event.