Welcome to the life of the mind
Midcoast Senior College is one among over 400 independently functioning retirement-age lifelong learning experiences across North America. Retirees are eager for continued social activities that bring them together with their peers. Many crave intellectual stimulus and encouragement. Many wish to continue using a lifelong skill. Many desire to contribute something to the community beyond their own doors.
Programs of life-long learning speak to each of these needs, but these programs differ significantly from college-age education. Our volunteer, retired faculty are co-learners who encourage among their peers what has been described as a "conversation among equals". Faculty come from many experiences and not solely from teaching careers. Students are notably self-motivated and arrive at their weekly two-hour study-groups with enthusiasm to engage with courses in the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and natural sciences. Early each semester, they come to feel themselves gathered into a community of eager learners, with ample discussion, agreement and disagreement, and insight. There are no examinations and no grades or credit hours earned. At semester's end, faculty may suggest readings that invite students to continue to pursue topics of the course on their own. Thus, learning continues beyond the course at one's own pleasure.
There are fifteen senior colleges in Maine, each one sponsored by a host campus. No two programs are alike. By-laws guide our Board of Directors and standing committees, and their chosen membership is drawn from interested students who wish to offer their expertise and passion for the cause of this significant educational endeavor. Thus, here at the College retirement-age learners design and implement the educational experience which expresses their own values and interests.
Welcome.