Former IU students are returning to campus next week, but it’s not a typical homecoming. Instead around 520 people will attend the 48th annual Mini University at the Indiana Memorial Union from June 9 to 14.
During Mini University, adults of all ages visit campus for a week to attend classes covering a variety of topics, such as domestic issues, international affairs, the arts and technology. The university is offering 106 different classes this year, Mini University director Betsy Watson said.
“If you are intellectually curious, it is a smorgasbord of delight,” Watson said.
She said Mini University is different from the typical undergraduate experience.
“Professors are just thrilled, they have an audience that is enthusiastic and who has a lot of life experience, they have their entire attention,” Watson said.
Some of the classes offered are “News Coverage and Responsibility in the Age of Trump,” “From Women's Suffrage (19th Amendment) to the 'Me To' Movement” and “Art in the IU Auditorium.”
Classes will be taught by 113 faculty members, Watson said.
Anyone older than 18 is allowed to attend, but most of the attendees are retired people who have the time and means to come, Watson said. Some have returned for over 25 years.
Classes vary from year to year for the students’ changing interests.
“That’s the challenge, that we have so many people return, so we need to have fresh material,” Watson said. “They don’t want to hear the same old thing every year.”
While the tuition is $375 per person, the fee does not include room and board. Attendees must have their own living arrangements in Bloomington. Tuition covers classes and events such as movie screenings and social gatherings hosted throughout the week, Watson said.
The environment of Mini University is different from that of a traditional classroom, said Glenn Gass, a professor teaching a class about The Beatles and popular music.
“You can have fun with it, there’s no pressure, it’s a perfect environment,” Gass said. “The students are there because they want to be and they’re interested.”
He said traditions and unique experiences like this make IU feel like a small school.
“It’s very high energy,” Watson said. “We have a lot of participants who say this is the highlight of their year because they say there’s nothing else like it.”
