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ABOUT THE CENTER: In March 1992, a group of administrators and faculty active in Elderhostel programming at Hartwick College and the State University of New York College at Oneonta were invited to attend an Institute Development Workshop at SUNY Binghamton. The purpose of the workshop was to familiarize participants with the Institute concept and to encourage them to develop Institutes on their campus. Both Hartwick and SUNY Oneonta, recognizing the importance of creating new opportunities on campus and for people in the community, decided on a joint venture. On June 17, 1993, a group of persons who had attended Elderhostels or were retired educators were invited to Hartwick College. This group organized itself into three operating committees with a provisional chairperson. From this beginning, CCAL has organized, incorporated, and regularized its practices. Courses were first offered in 1994.
We have been a recognized affiliate of the Elderhostel Institute Network since 1995 and would like to invite you to join with us in the activities of The Center for Continuing Adult Learning, Inc.
COURSES: The courses provide opportunities for adults living or visiting in the area to continue learning in academic areas of interest and importance without the constraints of regular college enrollment or credit, but at a level that challenges and encourages individual learning. Courses are designed after consultation with the membership and offer a variety of challenges, topics, and opportunities for socialization. Our offerings range from one-day seminars to six and eight-week courses meeting on a regular basis once or twice a week with the schedule set well in advance at a facility in the Oneonta area. (Usually one of the two colleges.) The classroom facilities are handicapped accessible.
For the convenience of our members, classes meet during daylight hours, Monday through Friday. Most classes are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
ADMINISTRATION: CCAL is a non-profit organization with a Board of Directors comprised of CCAL members. All CCAL members are encourged to serve on one of the standing committees (Administration & Finance, Curriculum, Membership & Promotion, and Nominating). Thus everyone will have an opportunity to be a part of the course selection process as well as the operation and direction of CCAL.
COST: The CCAL membership voted to charge a fee of $100 per calendar year for each membership. The cost will be kept at a level that will not discourage participation but will allow CCAL to operate independently and provide excellence in educational programming. The annual fee allows a member to select courses and participate in all activities without additional charge. (On occasion it will be necessary for participants to purchase course related materials or pay entry fees.)
Our goal is for The Center for Continuing Adult Learning to be self-sustaining and operate under bylaws that recognize the various needs, talents, and abilities of all the members. CCAL will seek to continue an affiliation with the Elderhostel Institute Network and both colleges, but recognizes the need to become financially independent.
Every effort will be made to keep costs to a minimum and CCAL will account to its members, on a regular basis, expenditures and income.
MEMBERSHIP in The Center for Continuing Adult Learning is open to all adult residents and long-term visitors who have an interest in continuing their learning opportunities.
We promise an organized program, leadership, and an opportunity to participate in the operation and direction of CCAL, as well as academic and social interaction.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS available to you at both colleges when you become a member are:
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