Purdue University North Central offers a variety of non-credit professional development and personal enrichment classes taking place this fall. Registration is open for these continuing education classes for all community members of all ages who seek to develop skills and abilities or pursue new passions and interests.
Special rates are available for PNC alumni. Additional information about any of these programs can be found online at www.pnc.edu/gel. Contact the PNC Office of Graduate and Extended Learning at (219) 785-5343 or gel@pnc.edu to register or inquire. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cassandra Boehlke, coordinator of Graduate and Extended Learning, at (219) 785-5748.
Business:
- Social Media Marketing Workshop Series: This workshop will teach the use of social media platforms and strategies to meet professional business needs. Participants will learn about the effectively using Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, and Twitter and how to create an editorial calendar and learn about social media trends and strategies. Mondays, Sept. 8 through Oct. 13, 4 to 6 p.m.; $165; registration deadline is Sept. 2 at 4 p.m.
- Advanced Social Media Marketing Retreat: This class covers how to create and maintain sophisticated, dynamic digital marketing plans involving multiple platforms and resources. Included is information on blogging and creating other types of content, such as newsletters, videos and infographics and a look at brands that have successfully expanded their digital marketing efforts beyond Facebook to social networks like YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest and how to decide which to use. Learn about popular data reporting tools such as Google Analytics and Facebook Insights and how to use the data. An hour-long networking lunch is included. Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $99; registration deadline is Nov. 7, 4 p.m.
Computers:
- Microsoft Excel 2013 for Intermediate/Advanced Users: Topics covered in beginner program will be briefly reviewed. Instruction will include how to create data and pivot tables, as well as shared and merged workbooks, how use financial and logical functions, advanced sorting features and other custom and advanced features. Also included will be Goal Seek, Solver, Dashboards, Scenarios and more. Thursdays, Oct. 2 through Oct. 23, 5 to 7 p.m.; $159 (includes book); $129 (if completed beginner class and have book); registration deadline is Sept. 18, 4 p.m.
- Microsoft Word 2013 for Beginner/Intermediate Users: Teaches how to create and format documents, flyers, brochures, tables and charts using MS Word 2013; how to use mass mailing and other advanced functions. Wednesdays, Oct. 29 through Nov. 19, 5 to 7 p.m.; $159 (includes book); registration deadline is Oct. 15, 4 p.m.
- “So You’ve Never Touched a Computer” Workshop: Covers the basics of using a computer with the Windows 7 operating system. The hands-on workshop will include topics such as understanding the equipment, basic computer terminology, working with files and folders, working with email and the internet, downloading images from digital cameras, printing and more. Mondays and Tuesdays from Nov. 3 through Nov. 11, 5 to 7 p.m.; $159 (includes book); registration deadline is Oct. 17, 4 p.m.
Photography, Videography and Editing:
- Video Editing Bootcamp: Participants will learn basic video shooting and editing skills and other techniques necessary to create short videos that can be shared with audiences through various mediums, such as Facebook and YouTube while using Sony Vegas video editing software. Mondays, Oct.6 through Oct. 20, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; $16. Registration deadline is Sept. 30, 4 p.m.
- Introduction to Digital Photography and Adobe Photoshop: Includes the basics of photography technique and composition through hands-on and traditional instruction. Participants will receive general and individualized assistance with the settings of digital cameras. Learn how to use Adobe Photoshop to take digital photography skills to the next level. Thursdays, Oct. 2 until Nov. 6, 5 to 7 p.m.; $189 (includes book). Registration deadline is Sept. 18, 4 p.m.
- Advanced Video Editing Topics: This will cover how to use the settings, filters, and special effects found in Sony Vegas video editing software, including multiple line editing and stacking, color adjustment, audio and video envelopes, and other features. Participants will gain better knowledge of how the software works and the special enhancements and adjustments that can be added to videos to correct problems and create art. Saturdays, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $139. Registration deadline is Oct. 27, 4 p.m.
Personal Enrichment:
- Silent Film Seminar Series: Movies in the Age of Opportunity. Join Jerry Holt, chair of the PNC Department of English, for this three-part seminar exploring the diversity of the silent film age and view seldom-seen masterpieces of film history. The screening of these films will take place at the historic Barker Hall in Michigan City. Oct. 3: “Sherlock Jr.,” 1924. Oct. 10: “Sunrise,” 1927. Oct. 17: “London After Midnight,” 1927. Series tickets for $40, single night tickets for $15. Find more information online at www.pnc.edu/gel
- Sudden Fiction: Writing Short-Short Stories: In-class writing exercises and mini lessons on craft will lead participants into writing short stories of 300-1,000 words. Open to writers of all ages. Tuesdays, Oct. 7 through Nov. 11, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; $139; registration deadline is Sept. 30, 4 p.m.
Online:
- Instructor-Led Courses: A variety of online instructor-led courses are offered in partnership with Ed2Go. There are more than 350 topics to choose from. These courses are taught entirely online; they are each six-weeks long and begin each month. More information is online at www.ed2go.com/pnc.