The program is an adjunct of USM's Center for Extended Academic Programs and is affiliated with the national Elderhostel Institute Network. Earlier this fall, Senior College received the Year 2000 Distinguished Non-Credit Program award from the national organization, the Association of Continuing Higher Education. Membership in Senior College has grown to 465 members at USM's Portland site and over 900 members statewide. This fall, courses at Senior College are being offered at five locations affiliated with the University of Maine System. Courses are offered in York County, Lewiston, Bridgton, Brunswick and Mt. Desert Island, covering such topics as world history, spirituality, literature and computers.
Most courses are six to eight weeks long and meet one day per week.
The latest undertaking for the school is in the arts. Members are forming a Senior College Theatre Group to write and perform plays for senior audiences in assisted living facilities, community centers and churches. Senior College members are also launching an annual arts journal to include photography, fiction, plays, poetry and essays, music and artworks. For more information on classes, the journal and theatre group, please call USM's Senior College at 780-4512.