What is the Lifelong Learning Institute?
A Lifelong Learning Institute is a community of adults who have a passion for learning for the sake of learning. They are interested in various topics that they want to learn more about ....but they are not interested in credits, grades, tests or long term commitment. Members may choose to learn to play an instrument or better understand the Battles of the Civil War or delve into the differences between the Sunni and the Shiites. They want to be able to choose the topics for study as well as to learn with people of similar interests.
Why is NIACC starting the Lifelong Learning Institute?
Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) have been popular in many countries of the world for several years. Adults in North Iowa and Southern Minnesota have expressed a need for more learning opportunities. NIACC is responding to a community need and request.
NIACC has several programs already geared for adults. The
NOW program is developed for those 55 and over whereby
LLI is for all adults.
LLI is short duration classes without credit, grades, exams. In addition, LLI is more like a “club” and in addition to classes, lectures and discussions there are planned social events and activities for members.
How do I join the Lifelong Learning Institute?
You can visit our Lifelong Learning home page at
www.niacc.edu/lli/membership.html or you can call NIACC Continuing Education Division at 641-422-4358. The membership fee is $99.00 for the year. This membership fee entitles you to join all classes, discussions and study circles without additional tuition costs.
What are the additional membership benefits?
Do I need to have a college background to join the Lifelong Learning Institute?
Absolutely NOT! All adults who have a love of learning are welcome to join. A formal college education is not a prerequisite for this learning opportunity. You will need a love of learning, and an interest in exploring new ideas and learning new things and that is it!
Is there an age limit to join the institute?
The classes, lectures and other learning opportunities are developed for the adult learner. Twenty-one is considered the minimum age and there is no upper age limit. There is no age limit for curiosity and a love of learning.
Where are classes held?
Classes will initially be held at the NIACC campus but if the majority of the
members of the class are from another community, and there is space available closer to them, the course could be held in their community. For example: If all of the members of the History Study Circle are from Garner, the
LLI coordinator would try to find a meeting place in Garner for the Circle.
What is the tuition for the classes?
Once you have joined the LLI, you will not pay additional tuition. You may be asked to purchase a book or materials but the tuition is covered by the membership fee.
What are the other activities besides classes that are offered by the Lifelong Learning Institute?
The Institute will offer short classes on a variety of subjects. In addition to the (1) classes, there will be (2) lectures which are a one time event, (3) discussions in which the learners participate in the learning—i.e. discussion of a book read by all or of an event seen by all and (4) study circles, which is an interactive group all studying one topic at the same time with a facilitator of discussions. In addition,
LLI members can participate in (5) Artist Chats which will take place prior to a Broadway event, musical event or lecture. A member of the cast or crew will meet with
LLI members prior to the performance to discuss what they are about to see and/or hear.
Who are the instructors of the classes?
This depends on the class. NIACC faculty and retired faculty will teach some of the classes.
LLI members will also teach some of the classes depending on the level of expertise. Members of the community and faculty from other colleges and Universities will also be called on for faculty.
What if I have an idea for a class/I would like to teach a class. What do I do?
Contact the Lifelong Learning Coordinator. We are always looking for new topics and qualified instructors.
How can I receive information about future classes?
You can be added to Lifelong Learning Institute’s email list. The membership application has a place for email address. If you are not a member, simply send an email to
LLI@niacc.edu and request to be added to the email list.
I still have questions. How can I talk to a person?
Call the Continuing Education Department at 641-422-4358 and ask to learn more about the Lifelong Learning Institute. Susan Nagle is the coordinator of the Lifelong Learning Institute.
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641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC
www.niacc.edu