Mini University nearly full

The Mini is almost at its max. \nLast week, IU’s Mini University reported having only about 20 seats left, said Kyla Cox, communications and outreach director for IU Continuing Studies.\nFor the 37th year, the IU Alumni Association and IU Continuing Studies are co-sponsoring Mini University, a week-long learning program for adults. Mini University offers 111 classes in subjects such as arts, business and technology, domestic issues, health and science. \n“Last year, we barely made it into June and we were sold out,” Cox said. \nAdults of all ages can attend, and being an IU graduate is not a requirement. This year it will take place June 15 to 20.\nThe regular registration fee is $225 per person. After June 1, the registration fee increases to $250. However, those interested are encouraged to act quickly, Cox said. \nParticipants take three different classes per day. By the end of the week, they will have experienced 15 different class sessions taught by IU faculty. Participants can stay in focused areas such as science or pick and choose, said Jeanne Madison, co-director of Mini University. \n“Classes are more in-depth and less textbook,” said Nicki Bland, co-director of Mini University.\nLast year, the 490 participants came from 31 different states and Canada, Bland said. In previous years, there was a participant from Turkey and one from Japan. Many people from Bloomington also attended.\n“There are a number of participants who literally walk from their homes to Mini,” Cox said. \nIn conjunction with classes, Mini University also provides special events, including a welcome dinner, a picnic, a chance to see Brown County Playhouse’s production of “Suds” and a faculty reception. All of the special events except the faculty reception will cost extra. However, all events are less than $20, Cox said.\n“(The special events) are very popular,” Madison said. “Some events are already closing.”\nMost participants stay in the Biddle Hotel at the Indiana Memorial Union. However, they are responsible for \nmaking their own reservations, and the housing is not part of the original registration fee, according to the Mini University Web site. Commuters can still participate in Mini University, but living on campus enriches the overall experience, Madison said.\n“It is a unique opportunity to get back and experience college again in an abbreviated form,” she said.\nMini University is an award-winning program. In 2006, the Council for Advancement in Support and Education honored Mini University with a gold medal for Best Collaborative Program, Cox said. In addition, it won a bronze award for Best Practices in Alumni Relations. But Bland said many participants attend Mini University for the social aspect.\n“Some people use this as a reunion,” she said.