A Look Back: 2015-2016 A Success

August 11, 2016

The 2015-16 year was another successful year for Seniors College of PEI. In three semesters, the College offered over 100 courses which included a good mix of past favourites and twenty-five percent new courses. The popularity of Seniors College continued and the volunteer Board worked hard to ensure there were exciting topics and experiences from which members could choose.

‘Know Your IPad’ and ‘Seasoned Cooking’ proved to be so popular that additional sessions were added to the spring semester to meet the demand. Other new courses such as Gentle Yoga, Art for the Beginner, Write Your Story, Your Neighbours Faith, Politics and Governing and Sharing Our Research also were well subscribed by members. In Queens, ongoing favourites such as Island History, Computers, Drawing and Painting, Hiking and Friday Afternoon at the Movies continue to be large number courses. In Prince county Historical Jesus, the History of Israel and Astronomy were the most popular, while in Kings county Rug Braiding and Ten Operas in Ten Days drew good numbers.

A number of new initiatives were developed in 2015-16, these were the addition of learning opportunities outside the regular curriculum. Through a Wellness Grant from the PEI Department of Health and Wellness, College members were given a chance to participate in an 8-12 week personal wellness program. Through cooperation with go!PEI, a separate program was delivered in each county, and each was extremely popular with members. The popularity of these pilots will lead to future new courses at Seniors College.

In addition to these wellness pilots, Seniors College also introduced a number of special learning opportunities for members. In partnership with CAA Travel, five different travel sessions were offered; with the help of CLIA, two Legal sessions were delivered in Montague and Georgetown; and in cooperation with the UPEI School of Sustainable Design Engineering members were treated to a tour of the Fab Lab, with its 3D printers, in February. Working with the UPEI Fitness Centre, College members also were offered the chance to improve their personal fitness with special rates at the Fitness Centre. All of these new initiatives were well received by members.

While the primary objective of Seniors College is course delivery, it is not the only objective. The College is aware of the importance of providing opportunities for members to meet and socialize. This year the Board arranged for a number of relaxed social opportunities. In the fall of 2015 a Facilitator ‘Meet and Greet’ was held to allow facilitators to exchange experiences and interact with the Board. In December a successful member Holiday Social was held at Belvedere Golf course. This year ended with the Patron of Seniors College, Lt. Governor Frank Lewis, hosting the facilitators and Board at Fanningbank to thank them for their dedication to the success of Seniors College.