It surprises me every time I hear it, and I hear it often. “What do you do here?” is the most common question of visitors to the Center for Lifelong Learning.
The easy answer is the Center for Lifelong Learning is the non-credit division of Athens State University. That means you will not get a degree for attending classes at the Center. It also means you won’t have to take tests, do homework, or fill out an entrance application.
Classes at the Center are for personal or professional learning. We offer traditional classes with a teacher in a classroom but we also offer classes in non-traditional settings. For example, we offer Blacksmith classes at the blacksmith shop. Students who attend the course will use actual forges, welders, hammers, and other equipment needed for learning the craft. We also offer classes that are held in comfy chairs with tablets on them. We have offered movie night, dance night, and paint nights. We have offered cake decorating, bridge, and book discussions. Our personal interest courses are as varied as the people who plan to attend.
Sunday, November 4th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, we will offer the Introduction to the iPad class in our lobby. Our instructor, Karen Tucker, will show you how to use the iPad you have or what to look for in the one you want to buy. This is a great class for those who got early presents and for those who are thinking about getting one while they are on sale for the holidays.
We also offer classes for professional development. These are offered at our offices or we can take them to your place. Whether you want to learn a new skill, increase your knowledge, or change directions in your career path, we can help you get the most out of your learning. We offer traditional classes and online learning for career development, and certificates to get you started in your career or to advance your prospects. Our instructors are experts in the field. New to our professional development courses are the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certificate and OSHA 10-hour Training.
But classes are just part of what we do. We also have a free wi-fi hot spot and our lobby is set up with comfortable chairs and tables so that you can meet with clients or just enjoy a cup of coffee. The Undergrounds Coffee Shop at the Center offers a variety of hot and cold drinks to enjoy while you relax. If you are looking for a gift, you can stop by The Athens Shop located in the same building. The Athens Shop has gift ideas, clothing, and books as well as office and school supplies.
If you are looking for a place to hold a meeting or a party, the Center is the place to meet. Our Training Room is available for 12-16 people and can be set up classroom style, conference style or theater style. The Conference Room will seat 12-20 in a more formal setting. Both rooms are set up with state-of-the art display features for audio/visual presentations. The Mezzanine is an adaptable room that can be set up for many different functions. We have used long tables, round tables, and couches and chairs set in informal settings. The Mezzanine has been used for wedding rehearsals, conferences, and trainings. It can be used for dinners, receptions, and so much more.
What do you do here? The answer is, a lot. We hope you will stop by to see what is going on next at the Center for Lifelong Learning. Learning is a lifestyle and the Center is all about learning.
By: Wanda Campbell
