Ryerson’s Programs for 50+ keep minds engaged
As part of its effort to support both the professional and personal enrichment of learners of all ages, the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University facilitates a range of unique offerings, says the school’s dean. Among these are its summer intensives and Programs for 50+ series.
“These are just two examples of how the Chang School is student-centric,” says Marie Bountrogianni. “The summer intensives are very popular as they condense a certificate that may take two years to complete on a part-time basis to three months. Students should be ready for a summer of study. Programs for 50+, meanwhile, is for those who are retired and have fulfilled family obligations but want to stay engaged through lectures, workshops and courses.”
The Chang School currently offers 14 summer intensives that range from computer security and data analytics to project management, publishing and interior design.
While the courses vary in delivery(some are in-person or online and others are offered in a blended format of both), Bountrogianni says they do share some commonalities.
“It is very hands-on and very experiential,” she says. “For some areas that are technical in nature, the intensives can lend themselves to a better experience, as students are constantly learning and applying what they have learned right away. However, we recognize that not all learners can commit seven hours a day, five days a week so all of the intensives are, of course, also facilitated as traditional part-time offerings.”
While the summer intensives attract recent graduates who are looking for more practical skills as well as working professionals who want to update their knowledge, the Programs for 50+, says Bountrogianni, are not career training. Rather, she says, they focus on personal interest, building new skills, making social connections and remaining active.
“Programs for 50+ is a great opportunity for people to increase their quality of life,” she says. “In addition to the courses and workshops that we offer in areas such as dramatic arts, liberal arts and media arts, there are also tours, festivals and lectures. What a great way to keep the mind active.”