The Office of Community Education and Outreach at Southern Arkansas University provides a variety of affordable non-credit courses that educate, entertain, and enrich the diverse interests and needs of the community.

Classes are offered in the fall, spring, and throughout the summer each year. Summer classes have a well-established program of educational, creative, and athletic courses specifically designed for young people. Class sections are available by age and skill level, so students will always feel comfortable and confident.

According to a press release, you can register by contacting Caroline Waller at (870) 235-4006, carolinewaller@saumag.edu, or visiting our website at web.saumag.edu/ce.

Children’s Programs:

Youth Swimming
All classes are certified through the American Red Cross. This is a comprehensive course that places a child according to the child’s ability and strives to advance the child as far as possible. Basic water safety will be taught. Class sizes are limited to 10.
Dates: Session 1: June 4-14 Session 2: June 18-28
Days: Mon – Thurs Mon – Thurs
Times: 2 – 2:30 p.m. 2 – 2:30 p.m.
2:30 – 3 p.m. 2:45 – 3:15 p.m.
3 – 3:30 p.m. 3:30 – 4 p.m.
3:30 – 4 p.m. 4:15 – 4:45 p.m.
4 – 4:30 p.m. 5 – 5:30 p.m.
4:30 – 5 p.m.
5 – 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 4 - 12
Location: SAU Aquatic Center
Instructor: Pam Mayo, Cassidy Smith, and Stacy Heard
Fee: $65

Yoga Camp for Kids
Practice yoga while having fun and challenging yourself. Focus will be on the classic poses, building on the basics, and an emphasis on alignment of the standing, sitting, and twisting poses.
Dates: June 11 - 14
Days: Monday - Thursday
Time: 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Ages: 7-12
Location: MBITC 200
Instructor: Krystle Crumpler
Fee: $30

Infant Swim
This beginner level swim program puts parents in the pool with their baby as early as two months old. Our teachers work with parents to help develop the natural instincts that a child has for the water, as well as the primary skills of breath control and buoyancy. These classes are just as much fun for the parents as the babies! Class size is limited to 10 students per session. Must bring a swim diaper and wear a swimsuit.
Dates: July 9 -12
Days: Monday - Thursday
Time: 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Ages: 2 Months – 3 Years
Location: SAU Aquatic Center
Instructors: Kathleen Dingman
Fee: $60

Children’s Art Workshop
Children will be involved in a hands-on 1-1/2 hour art experience involving painting, drawing, and 3-D art using various media. All materials are supplied. The workshop will end with an “Artists’ Reception.” Class size is limited to 12 students in each age group.
Dates: July 16 - 19
Days: Monday – Thursday
Times: Morning Session: 10 – 11:30 a.m. Afternoon Session: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 4-13
Location: Brinson 107
Instructors: Laurie Hicks and Patricia Leslie
Fee: $60

Cookie Decorating with Kids
Join our instructor Amanda Blanchard and learn how to decorate fun sugar cookies. This is a basic class where your kid will learn the process of icing and turn sugar cookies into edible works of art. Fee includes 1 dozen cookies. Class size is limited to 12.
Date: Tuesday, July 17
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: 8 and Up
Location: Science Building, Room 103
Instructor: Amanda Blanchard – Cookie Doughmain
Fee: $50

 

Adult Programs:

Digital Photography Basics
Understanding your camera beyond “AUTO”, taking control of shutter speeds, ISO, exposures, lighting, lenses, and depth of field. Class will also include basic photo-editing and instruction in Photoshop. You will need a digital camera (DSLR or fixed lenses), tri-pod, and a jump drive. Class size is limited to 15 students.
Dates: May 30 – June 27
Days: Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 9:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Location: Brinson 101
Instructor: Steven Ochs
Fee: $150

Scuba Diving for Beginners
Obtain the knowledge and skills required to become a P.A.D.I. certified instructor. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors is the largest and most recognized training program in the world. The course consists of classroom, pool sessions, and open water checkouts (Lake DeGray). Minimum age is 10. Class is limited to 6.
Dates: June 4 – July 16
Day: Monday
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: SAU Aquatic Center
Instructor: Clay Raborn
Fee: $300 (includes equipment)

Get Fit with Aquacize!
Enjoy the benefits of a low-impact workout while socializing with friends. Using water resistance, you will enhance your flexibility, muscle balance, and cardiovascular fitness to develop a healthier you. Ideal for all fitness levels.
Dates: June 5 – August 1
Days: Tuesday and Wednesday
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: SAU Aquatic Center
Instructor: Elizabeth Ray
Fee: $60

Real Estate Workshop for Sales Agents
These workshops have been approved by the State Real Estate Commission for seven hours of continuing education credit. Danny Been, Principal Broker with Danali Real Estate and Arkansas Real Estate School will host two workshops. This workshop is for sales agents and will touch on the following topics: 2018 forms and contracts for salespersons, best ethic practices, and safety procedures.
Date: Tuesday, June 5
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (1 Hour Lunch Break)
Location: Business Building, Room 205
Instructor: Danny Been, Principal Broker – Danali Real Estate
Fee: $70

Introduction to Bees and Beekeeping
This class will focus on the principles of beekeeping. Those principles include: the history of beekeeping, honeybee biology, plant and pollinator relationships, and essential equipment and requirements. By the end of the first course, individuals will be able to start a hive and help experienced beekeepers with their colonies. Class will be taught by an experienced instructor with the Midwest Master Beekeeper Program.
Dates: June 5 and 7
Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Science Building, Room 103
Instructor: Midwest Master Beekeeper Instructor
Fee: $75 (includes book / study guide)

Cookies with Amanda – Summer Theme
Amanda Blanchard, owner of Cookie Doughmain, will explain basic cookie decorating tools, bags, and give her expert tips. She will demonstrate how to properly outline, flood, and decorate cookies and you will put those tips to practice on summer themed cookies in this hands-on class! Fee includes 1 dozen cookies. Class size is limited to 12.
Date: Tuesday, June 5
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Science Building, 104
Instructor: Amanda Blanchard – Cookie Doughmain
Fee: $50

Real Estate Workshop for Brokers
These workshops have been approved by the State Real Estate Commission for seven hours of continuing education credit. Danny Been, Principal Broker with Danali Real Estate and Arkansas Real Estate School will host this workshop for Brokers only and will include the following topics: 2018 forms and contracts for brokers, best ethic practices, and safety procedures.
Date: Wednesday, June 6
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (1 Hour Lunch Break)
Location: Business Building, Room 205
Instructor: Danny Been, Principal Broker – Danali Real Estate
Fee: $70

Tai Chi: Medicine in Motion
This Tai Chi is based on Sun style Tai Chi. This style was chosen because of its healing component, its unique Qigong. Qigong is an exercise that improves relaxation and vital energy. Tai Chi has the ability to improve mobility and balance. The program contains a carefully constructed set of warming-up and cooling-down exercises, Qigong breathing exercises, a Basic Core six movements, an Advanced Extension six movements, and adaptations of the movements for older adults. This is an AoA approved Tier III evidence based health promotion program.
Dates: June 6 – June 27
Day: Wednesday
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Location: MBITC Building, Room 200
Instructor: Nancy Bailey
Fee: FREE for adults 60 and older

Arkansas Boater Education
This course is required for all people born on or after January 1, 1986, to legally operate a motorboat / personal watercraft on Arkansas waters. No minimum age, but rated for 5th – 6th grade reading and comprehension level.
Dates: June 11 and 12
Days: Monday and Tuesday
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Science Building, Room 103
Instructor: Laura Rogers, Regional Educator, AGFC
Fee: FREE!

Apprentice Beekeeper Course
This class will focus on hive health and management. Those principles include: how to check the health of your hive, monitoring for pests and diseases, honeybee biology, swarm management, queen replacement, and other IPM recommendations. Class will be taught by an experienced instructor with the Midwest Master Beekeeper Program.
Dates: Session 1: July 10 and 12 Session 2: August 14 and 16
Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Science Building, Room 103
Instructor: Midwest Master Beekeeper Instructor
Fee: $75 (includes book / study guide)

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