Center for Urban and Regional Excellence courses for September, October

Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) offers a variety of non-credit courses and educational programs that aim to assist people of all ages gain skills and enrich their lives as we face today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. 

CURE offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages through its Community Garden, Senior University/Senior Planet, Reading Skills and Adult Education programs. CURE is now enrolling for the following offerings:

Senior University & Adult Education Courses
For Senior University and Adult Education Courses, register online at the link below or call 219-980-6907.
Senior & Adult Ed: Enroll

Senior Planet: Cloud Storage
2-3:15 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8
In-person at the Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: Sept. 4
Free and open to adults ages 60+
In this lecture, you’ll learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images and other media files remotely while giving you greater accessibility, reliability and protection for your important data. We’ll discuss what it is, why it’s the future of data storage and demonstrate a few of the most popular services currently available to consumers.

IUN Community Garden: Hügelkultur Workshop
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 4
Free and open to adults of all ages
Join Oakley Molinaro, master naturalist and Lynn Barbee, master gardener and horticulturist, at the IUN Community Garden for a hands-on workshop and learn how to build a hügelkultur bed. Hügelkultur, pronounced “HOO-gul-culture,” is a gardening technique that utilizes layers of decaying wood and other organic matter to create a raised garden bed. Participants will learn about the benefits of this gardening method and how to construct one.
Register online or call 219-980-6978.

Senior University: Smartphones I for Androids
4:30-6 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 9, 16 and 23
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 4
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Is your smartphone outsmarting you? It won’t be for long if you register for this three-part series on how to operate your Android smartphone. Join technology wiz, Brittany Taylor and learn how to download apps, check email, send texts, customize settings and much more! Register today and show your smartphone who’s smarter!
Prerequisite: Participants should have an Android smartphone. Registration Priority will be given to those new to Smartphones I.

Senior Planet: Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10
In-person at the Whiting City Hall
Registration deadline: Sept. 7
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Did you know that technology is an essential part of being prepared for emergencies and natural disasters? In this session, we’ll explain how technology can help you prepare. We’ll discuss and demonstrate useful features of the FEMA and Red Cross apps, including setting alerts. Additionally, we’ll review built-in smartphone features that can come in handy in the event of an emergency and explore how to keep phones and essential devices charged during a prolonged power outage. Finally, we’ll discuss how you can use social media to get emergency and other important information from local and national authorities.

Senior University: Smartphones I for iPhones
4:30-6 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 11, 18 and 25
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 4
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Is your smartphone outsmarting you? It won’t be for long if you register for this three-part series on how to operate your iPhone smartphone. Join technology wiz, Brittany Taylor, and learn how to download apps, check email, send texts, customize settings and much more! Register today and show your smartphone who’s smarter!
Prerequisite: Participants should have an iPhone smartphone. Registration Priority: Will be given to those new to Smartphones I.

Senior Planet: Affordable Home Internet
12:30-1:45 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12
In-person at the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus, Chesterton
Registration deadline: Sept. 9
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Having home internet can help you save money, look for a job, connect with others, make everyday tasks easier and much more! This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service so that you can understand all your options. You’ll also learn about resources for finding low-cost programs for internet service.

Senior Planet: Digital Tools for Brain Health
1-2:15 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15
In-person at the Munster Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Sept. 11
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Stay sharp with technology! In this lecture, we’ll explore digital tools to support habits that can help you stay sharp, including wearable devices, engaging websites and informative podcasts. Discover practical resources to keep your mind active and enhance your cognitive wellbeing in today’s digital world.

Senior Planet: Technology for Aging in Place
1-2:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 14
Free and open to adults ages 60+
In this lecture, you’ll learn how home assistants, smart appliances and wearables can save you time and money, help you manage health conditions and even give you greater peace of mind. We’ll also discuss best practices for maintaining your privacy and security when using this technology.

Adult Ed/Senior U: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Reverse Mortgages
12:30-1:45 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 16
Free and open to adults of all ages
This session will provide an overview of the Reverse Mortgage Product offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Joe Kellogg, certified reverse mortgage counselor, will discuss how reverse mortgages work as well as their pros and cons. This session will inform those considering a reverse mortgage, as well as those who already have one. Time will be allotted for questions and answers, so please come prepared. Note: The presenter will be joining via Zoom.
Register online or call 219-980-6978.

Adult Ed/Senior U: Financial Guidance for an Even Better Tomorrow: Budgeting and Debt Management
12-1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Sept. 19
Free and open to adults of all ages
You’re invited to a comprehensive financial education session with Centier Bank! Designed for adults of all ages, this insightful presentation will provide you with valuable knowledge on effective budgeting, smart strategies for paying down debt and essential information about credit checks. Join us and gain the financial guidance you need for an even better tomorrow! Note: A recording of this session will not be made available.
Register online or call 219-980-6978.

Senior Planet: Passwords, Passkeys and More
10-11:15 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 25
In-person at Hammond Senior Center at Pulaski Park
Registration deadline: Sept. 21
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Protecting your online accounts starts with strong password practices. In this lecture, we’ll review password basics before exploring options like single sign-on, passkeys, multi-factor authentication and password managers. Learn why these password alternatives are safe ways to simplify your digital life and keep your personal information secure.

Senior Planet: Healthcare & Tech at a Glance
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26
In-person at the Merrillville Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Sept. 22
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Curious how recent technological advances have changed healthcare? In this lecture, we’ll explore how doctors are using cutting-edge tech, like AI and smart devices, to diagnose, monitor and treat medical conditions. We’ll also discuss how patients can use technology to manage and improve their health. We’ll cover how to prepare for and what to expect from telehealth appointments, common healthcare wearables and best practices for using AI for medical information.

Senior Planet: Online RX Drug Resources
1-2:15 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3
In-person at the Banta Center, Valparaiso
Registration deadline: Sept. 30
Free and open to adults ages 60+
This lecture offers an overview of useful online prescription drug resources. Attendees will learn about MedlinePlus, a reputable website that provides information about the uses and side effects of prescription medications, as well as other health topics. We will also discuss other helpful tools for understanding medication costs, comparing pharmacy prices and finding discounts and coupons, including GoodRX, FamilyWize and SingleCare.

Senior Planet: Intro to Chatting with AI
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 2
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Curious about using ChatGPT or Gemini but not sure where to start? In this lecture, we’ll explore tips for using generative AI chat programs so you can make them work for you. You’ll learn how to write questions, or prompts, that are specific and effective at getting helpful responses. Whether you plan to use them at work, for personal projects, or just for fun, we’ll show you how this tech can help you with all sorts of tasks. We’ll also cover best practices for privacy and security so you can be a confident user.

Senior University: Watercolor Sketching
1-3 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 8, 15, 22 and 29
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 2
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Join Deb Weiss, state-licensed, 30+ year visual and art history educator, for this introductory-level class in which we will explore the use of watercolors as a sketching tool. Not precise or intimidating, this process will be about looking, not thinking. Like impressionism, our watercolors will be instant and light-filled, let it be lighthearted and whimsical! Our pieces will be small in size but filled with information and character. Participants will produce many pieces quickly, without thought or pressure.

Senior University: Introduction to Computers
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fridays, Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 7
Free and open to adults ages 55+
If you are interested in learning the basics of operating a personal computer (PC), or could use a refresher, then this is the series for you! Led by Chelsea Whittington, this four-part, in-person series will introduce those who have little to no knowledge about computer use to the fundamentals while also providing a refresher for computer users with a bit more experience. Participants will learn to identify the primary parts of a computer, understand commonly used terms, access basic programs such as Microsoft Word and the internet and gain new tips and tricks!

Senior Planet: Cloud Storage
12:30-1:45 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10
In-person at the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus
Registration deadline: Oct. 7
Free and open to adults ages 60+
In this lecture, you’ll learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images and other media files remotely while giving you greater accessibility, reliability and protection for your important data. We’ll discuss what it is, why it’s the future of data storage and demonstrate a few of the most popular services currently available to consumers.

Senior Planet: Managing Privacy Settings on Your iPhone
2-3:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13
In-person at the Crown Point Community Library
Registration deadline: Oct. 5
Free and open to adults ages 60+
With so much to explore online, it’s important to keep in mind some basic precautions that everyone can take to safeguard the privacy of their online activities. In this workshop, we’ll review iPhone basics and then learn about the built-in privacy features of the Safari app, as well as the iPhone’s other privacy settings. We’ll explore Safari’s Private mode and look at how to manage app permissions and tracking on an iPhone.
Prerequisite: Participants should have an iPhone smartphone.

Senior University: Smartphones II for Androids
4:30-6 p.m., Tuesdays, Oct. 14, 21 and 28
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 7
Free and open to adults ages 55+
If you have mastered sending text messages and making phone calls on your Android and are ready for the next level of smartphone usage, then register today for this 3-part series! In these sessions, Brittany Taylor will teach participants how to scan and send documents, copy and paste and lock your private photos.
Prerequisites: Participants should have an Android smartphone and have taken Smartphones I for Androids.

Senior University: Smartphones II for iPhones
4:30-6 p.m., Thursdays, Oct. 16, 23 and 30
Concurrent: Zoom and in-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 7
Free and open to adults ages 55+
If you have mastered sending text messages and making phone calls on your iPhone and are ready for the next level of smartphone usage, then register today for this three-part series! In these sessions, Brittany Taylor will teach participants how to scan and send documents, copy and paste and lock your private photos.
Prerequisites: Participants should have an iPhone smartphone and have taken Smartphones I for iPhones.

Senior University: The Marsalis Jazz Family
6-7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20 and Wednesday, Oct. 22
Zoom meetings
Registration deadline: Oct. 19
Free and open to adults ages 55+
Join Billy Foster, jazz pianist and composer, for this two-part Zoom series about the story of the Marsalis family – one of the most remarkable in jazz. In these sessions, we will explore the careers and music of the father Ellis Marsalis (piano) and his sons Wynton (trumpet), Branford (saxophone), Delfeayo (trombone) and Jason (drums and vibraphone) from their beginnings up to today. It is unusual for one family of musicians to reach the top level of playing as these gentlemen have in the last forty years. We hope you will join us for these exciting sessions.

Senior Planet: Navigating Medicare Resources Online
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22
In-person at IU Northwest
Registration deadline: Oct. 19
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Medicare is a complex topic, but there are online resources to help! In this lecture, we’ll discuss ways to find information about Medicare online. We’ll explore medicare.gov and an example private insurance website to learn about the tools and resources they offer. You’ll learn how to navigate these websites confidently to find what you need, including using the search bar and Chat features. We’ll also introduce the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or shiphelp.org, which is a great resource for getting trusted 1:1 guidance on Medicare.
Note: this lecture focuses on how to find reliable information on Medicare and does not provide advice on Medicare enrollment or plans.

Senior Planet: AI & Disinformation
10-11:15 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 23
In-person at Hammond Senior Center at Pulaski Park
Registration deadline: Oct. 20
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Disinformation refers to false information created to mislead people and it’s nothing new. But today’s AI-powered tools and social media have made it easier and faster to create and spread disinformation. In this lecture, we’ll explore how AI is used to create convincing deepfakes and clone voices, making it challenging to distinguish between real and fake content. We’ll also review best practices for evaluating information and explore tech tools that can help identify content created with AI.

Senior Planet: Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31
In-person at the Merrillville Branch of the Lake County Public Library
Registration deadline: Oct. 28
Free and open to adults ages 60+
Learn how online tools can help you stay informed and get your voice heard. We’ll review several non-partisan websites that can help you identify your elected officials, find their contact information, understand how they vote on bills and tell them what you think about important issues.

Reading Skills Programs
Schedule and cost vary
Programs for all grade levels
Reading Skills Program: Enroll
Offered in partnership with the Institute of Reading Development, these programs are specifically designed to give students the skills, motivation and individual support they need at each grade level. Students attend weekly classes that build skills and provide great experiences with terrific books. Between classes, students practice reading and complete fun, interactive lessons that develop core skills and build confidence.

Adult Education: Fundamental Courses
24/7 Access; All classes start new every month
Cost varies; Courses for adults and young adults/teens
Fundamental Courses: Enroll
Online fundamental courses are informative, fun and convenient. Fundamental courses include instructor-led courses and self-paced tutorials. Instructor-led courses run for six weeks with monthly start dates and feature an instructor-moderated discussion board allowing you to interact with your classmates. Self-paced tutorials are designed for completely independent learning, without instructor moderation, and can be started at any time. Complete any course entirely from home, at any time of the day or night. Popular courses include Speed Spanish, Accounting Fundamentals, Introduction to Microsoft Excel, and A to Z Grant Writing.

Adult Education: Career Training Programs
24/7 Access; Start at any time
Cost varies; Courses for adults
Career Training Programs: Enroll
The online, open-enrollment Career Training Programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional-level positions for many in-demand occupations. Our programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing you with effective web-based learning programs. Instructors/mentors are actively involved in your online learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, encouraging, and motivating you to succeed.

Adult Education: Comprehensive Career Tracks
24/7 Access; Start dates vary
Cost varies; Courses for adults
Comprehensive Career Tracks: Enroll
These online Career Track programs offer students an opportunity to hone their skills in a variety of professions—from the arts to healthcare to web development. All programs are available in a self-paced format and offer opportunities for national certification, externship placement and/or career support.

All Indiana University events/programs, groups, activities, educational, cultural, and historical observances are open to all members of the Indiana University community.