School back in for P.E.I. seniors
Seniors college announces plans for 23rd year of unique and varied programming
After having a year’s classes cancelled due to the COVID19 pandemic, the Seniors College of Prince Edward Island has announced plans to return to normal programming this fall.
College president Pat MacAulay says that’s good news for anyone age 50 years and older who is looking for something to keep themselves stimulated and active.
“With no academic requirements, and no exams, it’s learning just for the fun of it,” she says.
MacAulay, vice-president Andy Smith and others involved in organizing the Seniors College, say face-to-face classes will return in September. It will mark the college’s 23rd year of holding classes.
A full list of programming for the 2021-22 academic year will be available in early August on the college’s website at seniorscollege.ca. Registration for classes opens Wednesday, Sept. 8.
For an annual fee of $160, college participants can enjoy an unlimited array of courses spanning three semesters — September to November, January to March, and April to May.
The Seniors College offers courses in the greater Charlottetown area, Summerside and Montague.
Seniors College courses run the gamut in terms of offering a wide variety of subjects and activities. A few of the many topics include astronomy, computers, gardening, physical fitness, outdoor activities, art, literature, history and climate change. Those interested should check out the online list to see all the options.
A unique offering, with a special lecturer, will take place this fall on the grounds of Fanningbank, the residence of Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry. Perry, the patron of the Seniors College, will be conducting the tours.
“We are really concentrating on trying to get people to be active again,” says Smith, pointing to a planned sixsession course involving the Island Trails organization.
The Seniors College is not a brick and mortar entity. It conducts its classes in a multitude of meeting rooms and locations. For example, Beaconsfield, the Eptek Centre, churches and community halls, or wherever it can arrange its classes to be held.
While COVID-19 left the college’s classrooms dark the past few months, the college’s Facebook page allowed it to offer 15 online presentations through the winter. Presentations from SaltWire meteorologist Cindy Day and the UPEI Climate Lab were particularly popular.
MacAulay says the Senior College is especially popular, and perhaps very relevant, for people adjusting to their new status as retirees.
“They go from 60 miles per hour to a full stop in many cases. It’s a big change.”
She says along with a significant change in daily routines comes the loss of contact with friends and colleagues.
Smith agrees the social importance of the college cannot be overstated.
“It’s a chance to expand your social circle.”
He says while the college’s online component was successful, it didn’t offer people an opportunity to socialize. Seniors College courses always make a point of having a break in the middle to allow people to mingle, he says.
When the Seniors College resumes in the fall it will face a challenge many P.E.I. organizations will also be facing — what will the new normal be in terms of people wanting to socialize and enjoy life.
“One of the major challenges is we don’t know how many of our members will come back,” says MacAulay.
One thing the Seniors College is keeping in mind is the tyrant who cancelled the past year’s classes.
Smith says in terms of COVID-19 protocols, whatever they may be, the college will be able to adapt and people should have no concerns in that regard.
The college can be reached by email at seniorscollege@ upei.ca or by phone at 902894-2867.