Lifelong University
Do you strive to continue to learn about new subjects on a regular basis? Then UNI's Lifelong University is the program for you. Courses and class formats include a variety of four-week, three-week and one-time workshops.
UNI’s Lifelong University is one example of our commitment to serving Iowans of all ages. The program, geared toward the lifelong learner, will offer non-credit courses taught by retired and current UNI faculty and staff. The courses will be taught on campus or in the community on weekdays.
UNI offers a world-class university education, providing personalized experiences and creating a lifetime of opportunities. So come join us for the adventure, and take a class just for the fun of it!

Western Home Communities and New Aldaya Lifescapes are now proud partners of Lifelong University at the University of Northern Iowa, providing space and funding for the services offered through the program.
Abraham Lincoln and The Constitution During the Civil War
This class will explore: The U.S. government faced many untested issues during the Civil War. In his effort to preserve the Union, President Abraham Lincoln and his government made many controversial decisions. Some but not all of them were ruled upon by the U. S. Supreme Court. This course reviews the issues Lincoln’s response to them and the rulings of the court.
- Week One: The Blockade, The Incomplete Supreme Court, The Prize Cases, and Legal Tender
- Week Two: Habeas Corpus
- Week Three: Emancipation, Secession
- Week Four: Catchup: Lincoln’s Second inaugural
Instructor: Grant Veeder, Retired Black Hawk County Auditor
Dates: Tuesday, February 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Western Home Communities - Windridge Dining Room
Cost: $50.00
Religions Iowa
This class will explore: The Iowa religious landscape is a Kaleidoscope of beliefs and practices that reflect the rich – perhaps even surprising – variety of our people. This course will explore the many faith traditions that have been present in Iowa from its early days as a state to the present time.
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Ruth Ratliff, St. Luke's Episcopal Church Deacon
Dates: Thursday, March 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 10:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m
Location: Western Home Communities - Windcove Dining Room (5300 S Main St., Cedar Fall) Note the new location
Cost: $50.00
Current Issues In American Criminal Justice
This class will explore: The major concepts of Modern Criminal Justice in America. Specific attention will be paid to basic theories of Law, Crime, and Justice; Police and Law Enforcement Issues; Prosecution and the Court System; and the Corrections System.
Instructor: Lee Weber, Retired Instructor
Dates: Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, and 25
Time: 10:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Western Home Communities, Windridge Dining Room
Cost: $50.00
Theatre: A User's Guide
This class will explore: A concentrated review of theatre basics, aiding theatre consumers in having a more fulfilling basics, aiding theatre consumers In having a more fulling experience.
- Week One: Theatre History and The Shakespearean Stage
- Week Two: Theatrical Design
- Week Three: The Playwright
- Week Four: The Playmakers and The Playgoers
Instructor: Steven Palmquist, Teacher, Director, Professor
Dates: Wednesday, April 8,15, 22, and 29
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Western Home Communities - Windridge Fish Room (off the main lobby). Note the new location.
Cost: $50.00
Before Christianity: Greek Religion, The Origins of Monotheism, and The Cults of The Roman Empire
An exploration of Greece-Roman polytheism, the origins of monotheism, and the Roman imperial cult and mystery religions.
Instructor: Bob Dise, UNI Emeritus Professor
Dates: Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20, and 27
Time: 10:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Western Home Communities - Windridge Dining Room
Cost: $50.00
Additional Information
Location Addresses
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
8201 Dakota Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Center for Energy & Environmental Education
8106 Jennings Drive
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Western Home Community
5311 Hyacinth Drive
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Registration Policies
Full refunds will be granted prior to the first day of each class. No refunds are allowed once the class has begun.
Minimum class size must be attained to hold class. If a class is cancelled because of low enrollment, a refund will be granted. You will receive a letter indicating which class(es) you are enrolled in. The letter will verify your registration and remind you of the day, time and location of your class.
UNI Severe Weather Announcements
You will receive an email if class is cancelled due to weather
Try the first class for FREE before deciding if you would like to continue with the rest of the classes. PLEASE still register to attend prior to the first class.