The College of Extended Learning promotes access to educational opportunities for all learners through regular academic courses, continuing and professional education, and lifelong learning opportunities provided by the University. A few of the University’s programs for lifelong learners are listed here.
ALVA is a leadership development program, offered in partnership with the Vital Aging Network, for experienced adults, focused on leadership for the common good. ALVA strengthens leadership skills, focuses energies, and connects participants with others who share their vision, interests, and passions.
This life-changing course will help you overcome challenges of leadership in later life and find new ways to use your leadership skills.
Course includes 8 sessions:
October 9, 2009 Introduction; Opportunities in Leadership: Vital Engagement for a Vital Society; What is your Lifework?
November 13, 2009 Dimensions of Leadership; The Social and Political Climate
December 11, 2009 Leadership for the Common Good; Matching your Interest, Skills, and Experience to the Need
January 8, 2010 Vital Communities: Making it Add Up; Planning your Project
February 12, 2010 Making Connections: Building
Partnerships: Building and Maintaining a Network
March 12, 2010 Storytelling: Crafting your Message to Achieve Your Goals
April 9, 2010 Presentation of Projects
May 14, 2010 Certificate Award Ceremony
Course cost is $750. Scholarships are available [scholarship application ]. ALVA Leadership Development Program Certificates will be awarded at the conclusion of the course.
Register online or call 507-389-2572 to register as early as possible to receive course materials that will help prepare for the first class.
Mankato Area Lifelong Learners (Formerly MSU for Seniors) welcomes anyone 55 years or older who wishes to share the joys of learning and friendship in an academic setting.
Classes are usually taught by members who share their knowledge and experience in areas of interest. There are no prerequisites, examinations or grades. Special events and social activities provide opportunities to make new friends. Minnesota State Mankato for Seniors is affiliated with the Elderhostel Institute Network.
The Good Thunder Reading Series began as Minnesota State Mankato's contribution to a set of informal exchanges between faculty writers at several state universities in Minnesota. Since 1983, the series has committed itself to programs that balance emerging and established talent drawn from Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, and the rest of the nation.
The standard schedule involves six one-day residencies during the academic year, in addition to the Robert C. Wright Minnesota Writers Conference and the Eddice R. Barber Visiting Writer program.
All events are open to the public. The audience includes students, faculty, and community members from Mankato and more rural areas in south central Minnesota.
The Kessel Institute for the Study of Peace and Change is dedicated to advancing the understanding and the existence of peace at all levels, from the individual to the global community. The Institute sponsors seminars and workshops, public lectures, artistic and cultural presentations, and other school-and community-based activities.
