Change is coming a mile a minute these days, and with it, the challenge of transitioning quickly to our current reality as we try to prepare for an unknown future.

One thing we know for sure is that learning never stops. In these unprecedented times, its more important than ever to engage with your world, think critically and learn.

Continuing Studies remains committed to our learning community. Weve been hard at work creating learning opportunities to address your professional development and personal enrichment needs. Many previously in-person classes are now online so you can build the skills and knowledge to keep moving forward. And were adding new programs all the time to help you address this ever-changing world.

For more than a decade, Continuing Studies has been a leader in providing high-quality online education at the University of WisconsinMadison. Our instructors are experts in their fields as well as proficient online educators who bring connection and community to their classes. Our online classes offer breadth and depth in a range of subject areas, in formats ranging from one-on-one training to small discussion groups and traditional lectures.

COVID-19 has brought its share of challenges, but its also offered some exciting new opportunities to bring high-quality education to learners in Wisconsin and beyond. Here are just a few of the many ways our programs are continuing to meet the needs of our learners.

The Summer Institute, featuring internationally recognized dementia care expert Teepa Snow, is now a one-day, live online event on Thursday, July 30. Snow will share her positive approaches to providing physical and emotional support for people living with mid-to-late stage dementia as well as demonstrate these strategies. In addition to this immersive, full-day learning opportunity, Snow will also offer a free online community presentation on best practices in dementia care on July 9 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Our Grief Support Specialist Certificate is more relevant than ever, and the next session begins on July 10. Delivered online, this flexible eight-week program is the only such certificate granted by a major university. Participants learn to counsel people who have suffered from a major loss and participate in facilitated discussions with renowned experts in the fields of addiction, therapy, psychology and grief education.

Build skills and express creativity with our classes in dance, music and visual arts. Youll find beginner offerings like Introductory Ballet, along with classes for more advanced learners, such as the new offering in Django Reinhardt Guitar. Visual artists can explore fundamentals classes in subjects like Drawing: Classical Approach, as well as some more unusual classes like Puppet Making and Performance, a one-day online workshop taught by interdisciplinary artist and puppeteer Anwar Floyd-Pruitt.

Our Languages program has long offered online classes in in reading and translation, and were excited to add new classes for those who are at the beginning of their language journey. Spanish language learners in Brush Up the Basics or Brush Up Past Tenses gain practical experience to grow your command of basic language skills and keep you moving forward.

If there was ever a moment that called for thoughtful, careful leadership, this is it. Our program has pivoted quickly to meet the needs of new and experienced leaders by transitioning classes online and incorporating new learning strategies. Join Encouraging a Culture of Civility and Respect to learn practical strategies for building respectful teams, or Leading at a Distance to gain skills for building trust, navigating conflict and conducting engaging meetings with virtual teams.

Were proud that our writing program has been a leader in online education for a long time, and we know many people are turning to writing to capture and make sense of this tumultuous time. Whatever your reasons, Creative Nonfiction a particularly hot topic these days or Let Your Characters Write the Novel for You, taught by Writers Institute favorite Angela Rydell, can help you meet your writing goals.

Dont throw away your shot to join our summer class, Hamilton: An American Story. Youll explore how LinManuel Mirandas masterpiece brings history to life with contemporary music, draws on historical documents, and knits together drama, music, and dance to create compelling musical theater. Register now class starts June 15.

In short, Continuing Studies still offers many opportunities for learning in your professional and personal life. You and the world are changing, and were changing right along with you. Were excited to join you for the journey and explore new opportunities for learning.

Check out our complete class catalog and be on the lookout for new additions for late summer and early fall. We look forward to meeting you in an online class soon. In the meantime, please be safe, support each other and never stop learning.

For more information and to register for classes, please visit our website.

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Continuing Studies offers online summer classes to help meet personal and professional needs - University of Wisconsin-Madison