History

Established in the fall 2002 at the University of Maine in Orono and affiliated with the UMaine Center on Aging, Penobscot Valley Senior College serves the greater Bangor-Orono area. The college's mission, like that of other senior colleges, is to offer adults who are at least 50 years old opportunities to learn about a wide array of fascinating topics. The college's emphasis is on enjoyable learning in a relaxed non-competitive atmosphere. Socialization is an important part of all activities and programs. Approximately 200 adults attend PVSC classes during each fall and spring term, and more than 300 were PVSC members during 2006-2007.

Senior colleges provide unique educational and social opportunities, and are largely volunteer-driven. Members volunteer to serve on their college's board of directors and committees as well as to plan and present all courses and special programs. Their interests are the foundation of all program planning

Membership

A college education is not a requirement for admission to senior college! Senior colleges have no educational admission requirements, require no tests and assign no grades. They stress "Learning for the fun of it!" PVSC courses are offered to its own members as well as to members of other colleges in the Maine Senior College Network. Similarly, members of PVSC may also enroll in courses offered by other colleges in the network. Annual membership fees at PVSC are $25 per individual or $40 for two people living at the same address. This fee provides membership benefits for up to 12 months beginning on July 1. (There are no part-year membership dues rates.)

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities exist on both committees and the board of directors. The most well-developed committee is the Curriculum Committee. A Member Services committee is being developed and the Marketing Committee needs both leadership and members. Computer based systems are now in place to maximize the use of data with minimal record keeping effort.

Location

Classes are held at University of Maine in Orono unless listed as being offered at University College of Bangor.

Courses

A variety of non-credit courses, with topics ranging from the humanities and the arts to science and technology, are offered in the spring and fall of each year. Classes are presented by volunteer teachers who are experts in their respective fields and enthusiastic about lifelong learning. Most classes meet at the University of Maine in Orono, with morning sessions from 10:00 AM to noon and afternoon sessions from 1:10 PM - 3:10 PM. Tuition is $30 per person per course and includes all learning materials.

In addition, about 6 to 8 one-day special programs are offered on a regular basis and are announced to members via our newsletter. These programs are held at various locations and occasionally involve field trips.

Course Catalogs

Visit Penobscot Valley Senior College website for current course listings

For More Information

Penobscot Valley Senior College
450 Essex St.
Bangor, ME  04401

By email: seniorcollege@mainecenteronaging.org

Online: http://www.umaine.edu/mainecenteronaging/seniorcollege.htm

Phone: 207-992-0118