IU’s Mini University record-setting enrollment tops last year’s class of 468; program begins on June 17

For the first time in the program’s 35-year history, registration for IU’s popular Mini University has topped last year’s record-setting enrollment of 468, prompting organizers to close registration. \nMini University is a program offering an “education vacation” program for adults, according to a press release. The weeklong program begins June 17 and is co-sponsored by the IU-Bloomington Continuing Studies department and the IU Alumni Association. \nIn the past, participants brought family, lived for a week in a college dormitory and attended a variety of lectures and courses while their kids attended a children’s program held at Shawnee Bluffs on Lake Monroe, according to a press release.\nNow the program is significantly different. There is no longer a children’s program, and participants no longer live in the dormitories. Participants can choose from close to 100 short courses taught by IU faculty, offered mainly at the IU Memorial Union, which is also where a majority of participants stay. Evening activities now include a picnic, a trip to Brown County Playhouse and a reception at the University president’s residence, according to a press release.\nThe IU Bloomington Continuing Studies department provides opportunities for adults to engage in lifelong learning. Programs include general studies degrees, non-credit courses in lifelong learning and professional development and Mini University. All the programs draw upon the resources of IU-Bloomington and are offered on campus and at community locations in Bloomington and the surrounding area, according to a press release. \nThose interested in the program can call the IU Alumni Association to add their names to a wait-list or sign up for the Mini University 2008 mailing list.