NSU packs summer with fun classes, camps

Haven’t made plans for summer yet? Want something you and your children will enjoy?

The Office of Continuing Education at Nicholls State University has a diverse lineup of youth and adult non-credit classes worth considering.

“Each year, community members immerse themselves in a variety of summer programs conducted from the middle of May through the middle of August,” said Brandie Toups, director of the Office of Continuing Education. “Just over 4,500 community participants visited the campus during summer 2007. We expect that number to exceed 5,000 this summer.”

The sports camps, academic enrichment programs and performing and visual arts programs are a big draw for school-aged children, Toups said. (The complete youth and adult schedule is available at www.nicholls.edu/news.)

Adult non-credit classes in physical enrichment, professional enhancement and living skills are also available.

One college-credit course for adults, the Sugar Institute, will be held in June and July and will offer international visitors the opportunity to earn three credit hours – and enjoy Cajun hospitality, Toups noted.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Adapted Aquatics

A physician’s written permission is required for this course, which is designed for people with limited physical mobility. Participants should be able to enter and leave a pool via stairs or a ladder. A friend or relative is allowed to help – at no additional charge – those with limited flexibility, strength, endurance and/or balance.

Aqua Aerobics

Dr. Marie Zannis teaches this water exercise course. It is both entertaining and a great way to build strength and endurance, develop muscle tone, increase circulation and trim body fat. The class is open to all ages, weights and skill levels.

Co-Ed Hatha Yoga

America’s most popular yoga, Hatha Yoga, is included in the summer lineup. This form of yoga concentrates on the total body, relieving anxiety and stress by employing posture and breathing techniques to link the mind and body.

Beginners Middle Eastern Dance (Belly Dance)

Jessica Martin of Mehlika’s Mirage will teach the essence of the ancient art of belly dance Wednesdays, from 6 to 7:15 p.m., June 4 through July 16.

Classes feature yoga-inspired stretching and detailed instruction, but the main focus is the enjoyment of the dance itself. Appropriate to all ages and body types, belly dance promotes balance in mind, body and spirit.

Advanced Middle Eastern Dance

Mehlika’s Mirage instructor Jessica Martin will lead tribal-based choreography and group dances. The course will also cover choreography learned in beginning-level classes. Enrollment in the class will require approval by Martin.

Pilates

Rachal Pujol teaches this method of condition. Exercises focus on developing an awareness of breath and alignment of the spine while strengthening the deep torso muscles, which are important in alleviating and preventing back pain. Pilates focus on core muscle strength and overall flexibility.

PETS

Cat & Dog Behavior Training

Is your cat or dog attacking? Biting? Scratching furniture?

Stress no more, Martha Anthony is prepared to share the “Follow the Leader Method” to improve your pet’s behavior. The fast, humane approach to obedience will net results in just three days. Learn your pet’s true instincts and how to better communicate with your animal as well as basic commands.

COMPUTERS

Introduction to Windows XP: Level 1

Designed to provide a broad foundation, instructor Brett Bourg shares practical information and skills, such as the definition of a computer, how to manage personal files and folders and how to use the Windows XP programs.

Microsoft Excel 2007: Level 1

The first in a series, this course will provide the skills needed to create, edit, format and print basic worksheets and charts in Excel. Prior knowledge of the program is not required, but participants should have an understanding of the basic concepts involved in working with a personal computer.

Microsoft Excel 2007: Level 2

This course expands on the previous session. Bourg teaches the more advanced features of Excel, including templates, sorting and filtering, importing and exporting, advanced formulas, analysis tools and collaboration. Participants should have completed Level 1 and an intro Windows course or have equivalent knowledge.

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007

If you need to brush up on your PowerPoint skills – or learn the program – this is the class. Learn to identify on-screen features; navigate through a presentation; create and edit bullet slides; use PowerPoint drawing tools to create a slide; create and enhance organizational charts; create and edit graphs; and change the overall appearance of a presentation by using design templates and the Slide Master.

Also learn how to run a slide show, use slide show options, add notes, preview and save the presentation as a Web page and open a locally-stored presentation in Internet Explorer.

Microsoft Word 2007: Level I

The first in a series of three courses, Level 1 covers all the basic concepts required to produce common business documents – and a chance to apply them.

Microsoft Word 2007: Level 2

Level 2 picks up with Microsoft Word’s intermediate features for creating custom templates and styles, managing tables and table data, inserting graphics, creating newsletters, sending form letters, creating a Web page and managing document changes.

INSURANCE

Life and Health Insurance

Pre-Licensing Courses

Earn the 32 hours of life and health instruction needed to prepare for the state insurance exam. Topics include basic terminology, concepts, sales, the fundamentals of insurance law and the agent’s responsibilities.

Property and Casualty Insurance Pre-Licensing Course

Again, designed to prepare participants for the state insurance exam. Topics include basic terminology, concepts, sales, the fundamentals of insurance law and the agent’s responsibilities.

PARANORMAL

Ghost Hunting 101: A Scientific Approach to Paranormal Investigating

Does the paranormal fascinate you? Are you up for being spooked?

Brad Duplechien leads this scientific approach to paranormal investigation, using high-tech equipment as well as skeptical and analytical methods of evidence analysis.

Join paranormal investigators as they conduct three sessions: a classroom presentation; a hands-on investigation of a reportedly “haunted” site near Nicholls; and a final meeting to review findings.

For more information about any of the classes or to register, visit www.nicholls.edu/cnc or call the Office of Continuing Education at (985) 448-4444.