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.
The Music of Academy of St Martin in the Fields
This October, musicians from the acclaimed Academy of St Martin in the Fields come to the Gallagher Bluedorn for a performance of chamber music by Shostakovich, Dvorak, and Mendelssohn. This class will introduce the pieces that will be presented on the concert and discuss what to listen for and interesting history and context of the works and the composers behind them. Join us for the class and then attend the concert together!
MEET the performers of Academy of St Martin in the Fields in a special way on Friday, October 11.
- Master Class with the artists will be from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Gallagher Bluedorn Great Hall
- Question/Answer class with the artists will be from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Gallagher Bluedorn Great Hall
- Gallagher Bluedorn Academy of St Martin in the Fields show will be at 7:00 p.m. at Gallagher Bluedorn (ticket included in class registration fee)
Instructor: Erik Rohde
Dates: Thursday, September 26, October 3 and 4
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Room 30 at Gallagher Bluedorn (Fishbowl room)
Cost: $50.00 – Special meet and greets and ticket included
The Weather and the Witches: Climate Change and the Early Modern Witch Craze
This course will reexamine the witch trials of the early modern period in connection with the changing climate of the same period. It will argue that abrupt climate change and the resulting ecological disasters were the real catalyst for the witch hunts and that they did not stop until the climate of the northern hemisphere again stabilized in the middle of the 18th century.
Week One: Climate swings throughout history; the medieval warm period and its effects on economy and society in Europe, Asia and Africa. Witch beliefs in prosperous times.
Week Two: The Little Ice Age and the Black Death. An abrupt cooling and dampening of the climate began around 1300, followed in a few decades by the horrendous pandemic called the Black Death. In an early case of conspiracy theory, stories spread about evil actors who were causing both disasters and the hunt to find and eradicate them began.
Week Three: The depths of the cold and the height of the witch trials in the 1600’s.
Week Four: TA slow warm up coincides with a gradual end to the witch trials in the 18th century. Does this suggest anything about the climate crisis of the 21st century?
Instructor: Charlotte C. Wells, PhD
Dates: Thursday, October 10, 17, 24 and 31
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: AEB (Applied Engineering Building)
Across University Avenue from Gallagher Bluedorn
2900 Campus Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
ROOM 1050
Cost: $50.00
Project 2025 and the Function of the Federal Bureaucracy
In "Project 2025 and the Function of the Federal Bureaucracy," we'll explore the intricate workings of the federal bureaucracy and its role in implementing and maintaining government policies. We'll delve into Project 2025, a controversial initiative proposed by a conservative private foundation. Through discussions and real-world examples, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the bureaucracy operates and its impact on our daily lives. No prior knowledge is required—just bring your curiosity and eagerness to learn!
Instructor: Jayme Renfro, PhD, Associate Professor of Political Science
Dates: Tuesday, October 29, November 5, 12 and 19
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location :Western Home Community, Windridge West Lounge
Cost: $50.00
Reflections on Winter Holiday
Western culture (and especially the United States) celebrates Christmas in a big way. Retired teacher Steve Palmquist will share a stand-alone class that explores the traditional and biblical roots to this holiday. We will also enjoy a collection of Christmas cartoons. The session is titled “Magi, Gifts & the Star.” Please consider joining us.
Week One: Magi, Gifts & the Star
Week Two: Winter Holiday Traditions
Week Three: Santa Movies and Holiday Music
Instructor: Steve Palmquist
Dates: Tuesday, December 3, 10 and 17
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m
Location: Western Home Community, Windridge West Lounge
Cost: $40.00
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.