Community Education
CONTACT US
Community Education and Workforce Development
Phone: 541-888-7214
Email
Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)
Take Classes For Fun and Personal Growth!
Southwestern offers a wide range of life-long learning and personal exploration opportunities to enrich your life. We offer a variety of community education classes at our beautiful Coos and Curry campuses, and online as well. All of our Community Classes are noncredit, and taught by highly qualified individuals from our local communities.
Spring Term classes start Monday, March 31, 2025 and are listed below.
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER TERM COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES OPENS JUNE 4, 2025 AT 8:00 AM. (Classes available will be updated on this page prior to registration opening).
To register for a class:
- You must have an active SWOCC Student ID number. If you have taken classes at Southwestern within the last year, you will have an active SWOCC Student ID number .
- If you have NOT taken a class at Southwestern within the last year, complete the Community Education & Personal Enrichment application form. This will get you an active SWOCC Student ID number. Skip this step only if you have taken classes at Southwestern within the past year.
- When you have an active SWOCC Student ID number, call or email:
- Coos: 541-888-7352, Email
- Curry: 541-813-1667, Email
CONTACT US
Community Education and Workforce Development
Phone: 541-888-7214
Email
Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
(Closed on Fridays during summer)
Coos Campus In-Person
The Arts
ART 0257 65 CERAMICS BASICS
Explore in a studio setting the art of working in clay. In this course students are guided to develop skills with hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Perfect for beginning and intermediate potters.
Instructor: Annie Pollard
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $129
Day: Tue
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
ART 0259 65 ADVANCED CERAMICS
An independent study course for potters and clay artists, who have a good understanding of basic techniques, to gather together to learn from each other, share ideas, and create new pieces. You will define your own learning goals and work towards them in a supportive environment. Because there is a wide range of skill levels and technique focus among students, emphasis is placed on individual development and one-on-one attention. Course cost does not include clay. Clay is purchased as needed in class through the ceramics department.
Instructor: Aimee Bennett
Location: Eden 5
Cost: $209
Day: Mon, Wed
Time: 2:30pm-5:30pm
MUP 0105 65 COMMUNITY CHOIR
The SWOCC Community Choir provides an opportunity for singers of all levels to participate in a musically rich, and socially engaging choral ensemble. The Community Choir will focus on providing a safe and stimulating environment for people of all backgrounds to learn, practice, and perform quality choral literature in a large group setting. Focus will be placed on healthy vocal production, musically inspiring performance, strong social connections, and effectively working with others. A wide variety of musical styles will be explored, and participants will present a concert performance at the end of each term. This is a non-auditioned ensemble, but the ability to match pitch is requested.
Instructor: Ken Graber
Location: Sunset 2
Cost: $30
Day: Mon
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Special Interest
G 025CA 65 REGIONAL GEOLOGY – CAPE ARAGO FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight significant geologic features along the Oregon Coast. Highlights are stops at Fossil Point, Sunset Bay, Shore Acres and Cape Arago (construction dependent), Bullard’s Beach, Bandon South Jetty, Face Rock overlook, and more. The field trip is arranged to illustrate the geologic settings, stratigraphy and structure, topography, age and origin, significant events through geologic time, and special features unique to the region.
Instructor: Ron Metzger
Location: Itinerary and details in Canvas and sent via email
Cost: $60 (includes transportation; bring lunch)
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 7:30am-5:00pm
G 025LB 65 REGIONAL GEOLOGY – LAVA BEDS FIELD TRIP
A lecture in the field to highlight the significant geologic, cultural, and historic features focusing on the area in and around Lava Beds National Monument in northern California. The course consists of a three-day camping field trip arranged to illustrate the geologic setting, stratigraphy and structure, topography, age and origin, significant events through geologic time, and special features unique to the region associated with Modoc prehistory and oral traditions, the Modoc War, CCC camp, WWII history, Japanese Internment Camp in Newell, water rights issues, etc.
Instructor: Win McLaughlin
Cost: $120
Days: May 9-11, 2025
Time: Fri 7:30am-Sun 7:00pm
WR 0100 65 WRITING YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Who better to tell your story than YOU? Come and learn how to put together all of your stories into a book. Your autobiography is sure to be something cherished. This course will introduce you to the techniques of writing an autobiography.
Instructor: Sally Harrold
Location: Zoom
Cost: $105
Day: Tue
Time: 11:30am-1:50pm
CIS 0165 65 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): EMBRACING THE FUTURE TODAY!
This course unlocks the world of tomorrow which is being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI). Starting with a quick look at the captivating history of AI, you will then learn to harness its power for creative pursuits – from writing, art and music, to transforming your home into a tech utopia, revolutionizing travel, and discovering the impact AI is having on health and longevity. If you’re eyeing the future job market, we’ve got you covered with AI-driven opportunities. This course offers a blend of foundational knowledge, practical applications, and hands-on experiences. At the conclusion, you’ll be equipped to harness the power of AI in various aspects of life and work. Sign up and start shaping your future today!
Instructor: Dr. Alla Sergueeva
Location: Stensland 201
Cost: $50
Day: Thur
Time: 6:00pm-7:20pm
TA 0104 65 SAYING YES! INTRO TO THEATRE IMPROV
Saying Yes has never been easier! Join us in this fun, adventurous, and inspiring class where we create a safe space to explore the fundamentals of improvisational drama. No prior experience necessary. Improv is not only fun but can pave the way for limitless possibilities while providing expanded avenues for more courageous, spontaneous and creative moments in your life, along with more opportunities to listen, give, compromise and collaborate.
Instructor: Micha Silvius
Location: Umpqua 184
Cost: $89
Day: Wed
Time: 5:30pm-6:50pm
TEAM OREGON: MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAININGS
DRIV 0622 65 BASIC RIDER TRAINING
Basic Rider Training is a fifteen-hour (three-day) course for novice riders to build fundamental street-riding skills and strategies. Training motorcycles and helmets are provided. For individuals with no riding experience, this is the recommended course. Registration must take place prior to the date of the class at http://team-oregon.org/.
Instructor: Michael Heinen
Location: Newmark 201
Cost: $229
Day: Fri, Sat, Sun: 3/28/25-3/30/25
Time: Fri 5:00pm-8:30pm, Sat 7:00am-4:30pm, Sun 12:00pm-4:30pm
TEAM OREGON: MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAININGS
DRIV 0623 65 INTERMEDIATE RIDER TRAINING
This is an eight-hour course for riders who already know how to get underway, turn, shift and stop a motorcycle or scooter. This one-day course builds fundamental street-riding skills and strategies. Training motorcycles and helmets are provided. For riders with limited riding experience or those who haven’t ridden in some time, IRT is the recommended course. This course meets Oregon’s requirement for riders 21 or older who want to earn a motorcycle endorsement.
Instructor: Michael Heinen
Location: Newmark 201
Cost: $199
Day: Sat, 3/29/25
Time: 7:00am-4:30pm
DRIV 0620 65 AARP SMART DRIVER COURSE
This course is for all ages and offers you an important opportunity to learn how to drive more efficiently and safely. The course contains up-to-date information about changes over time in ourselves, our vehicles, and our roads. For more information and to pre-register call 541-260-1539.
Location: Eden 1
Instructor: Ginny Carpenter
Day: Tuesday 3/4/25
Time: 9:30am-4:00pm
Cost: AARP members $20, non-members $25, check or cash is payable to AARP at the class.
Fitness & Recreation
PE 0509 01 ZUMBA®
Zumba® Fitness is a global brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an addictive dance-fitness class. Zumba® utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning, and total body toning.
Instructor: Tina Woodworth
Location: Rec Center 131
Cost: $95
Days: Tue, Thur
Time 5:30pm-6:20pm
PE 0503 01 PILATES® EXERCISE
Pilates® is a body-conditioning routine that helps build flexibility and muscle strength. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core, as well as improving coordination and balance.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $105
Days: Tue, Thur
Time: 12:00pm-12:50pm
PE 0505 01 TURBO KICK
Turbo Kick is a combination of intense kickboxing moves, as well as a unique blend of intense interval strength and endurance training all perfectly choreographed to high-energy and motivating music. Turbo Kick requires no previous kickboxing experience or equipment.
Instructor: Melissa Loudenbeck
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $105
Days: Mon, Wed
Time: 5:30pm-6:20pm
PE 0507 65 YOGA FOR HEALTH – BEGINNER
Restorative, therapeutic yoga practice, safe and comfortable. Improve posture, balance, strength, flexibility and stress reduction while calming and quieting the mind. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers will not be provided. Patrons may bring their own for use.
Instructor: Linda Laverty
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $75
Day: Mon
Time: 1:00pm-2:15pm
PE 0506 65 YOGA FOR HEALTH – INTERMEDIATE
A more challenging yoga practice with restorative and therapeutic benefits. Yoga mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and foam rollers will not be provided. Patrons may bring their own for use.
Instructor: Linda Laverty
Location: Rec Center 121
Cost: $75
Day: Wed
Time: 1:00pm-2:15pm
Curry Campus In-Person
Instructions on how to register for an in-person Curry Campus community class are found at the top of this page (simply scroll up). Contact us at the Curry Campus directly with any questions at 541-813-1667 or Email.
Interested in teaching a class? These classes are taught by the community, for the community. We welcome new course ideas and enthusiastic instructors! Complete this form and we’ll be in touch.
Fitness
PE 0502 99 BETTER BONES AND BALANCE®
Better Bones and Balance® is an exercise program that was developed and tested by researchers at Oregon State University. This program targets strength and balance through key exercises shown to reduce the risk of falls and fractures and is suitable for ambulatory individuals who are at beginner and intermediate exercise levels.
Instructor: Lisa Reed
Location: Langlois Lions Club
Cost: $89
Day: Mon, Fri
Time: 9:00am-10:20am
PE 0570 99 LOW-IMPACT AEROBICS
This class uses easy-to-follow dance steps and rhythmic movements that are choreographed to upbeat music. It’s a fun way to get moving while improving your cardiovascular system, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and boost your overall fitness level. This is a great class for active seniors no matter your level of fitness. Mats are not supplied and are needed for floor exercises.
Instructor: Mary Whitaker
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $63
Days: Tue, Thur
Time: 8:30am-9:50am
PE 0504 99 TAI CHI
This course in Tai Chi is a gentle, relaxed, non-sweat, personal exercise (translated as the “Grand Ultimate”) for any age. The ‘Yang Form’ will be taught along with ‘Chi Gwa’ (circulating breath) and ‘Silk Cocoon Chen’ (fine intertwining energy). This course is noncompetitive and will start with the basics, and then individuals will progress at their own rate.
Instructor: Deane McConnell
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Cost: $63
Day: Tue
Time: 10:00am-11:20am
PE 0504 98 TAI CHI
Location: Curry Campus 137A/B
Cost: $63
Day: Tue
Time: 5:30pm-6:50pm
PE 0506 99 YOGA FOR HEALTH
An introduction to the Hatha physical yoga. Includes the background, safety precautions, and value of yoga. Stretching postures, proper breathing techniques, and stress reduction are emphasized. This course will focus on the health and wellness aspects that are gained in making yoga an integral part of everyday life.
Instructor: Amanda Whittemore
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $88
Days: Wed, Fri
Time: 8:30am-9:50am
PE 0506 98 YOGA FOR HEALTH
Instructor: Mariann “Luna” Weed
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $68
Days: Wed
Time: 5:30pm-6:50pm
Special Interest
ASL 0501 99 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Introduces the natural, signed language of American deaf people. Includes instruction in proper sign formation, American Sign Language (ASL) grammar and vocabulary, expressive and receptive skills. Emphasis on the history of ASL, the deaf community in North America, and deaf education.
Instructor: Bj Farris
Location: Curry Campus 206
Cost: $115
Days: Tue, Thur
Time: 4:00pm-5:20pm
ART 0115 99 FUSED GLASS BASICS
Glass fusing is the process of joining compatible sheet glasses together then heating them in a kiln until the glass fuses or melts together. It grants you the power to create colorful, dynamic works of glass art that are completely unique. Fused glass is used to fabricate plates, tiles, bowls, jewelry, wall hangings, and other artistic creations. You only need a kiln, glass and a few simple tools to create a finished fused glass piece. This class teaches the basics of fusing glass while creating a soap dish. We will cover an overview of the art, cutting glass, and safety while creating a design with glass to be fused then slumped into a soap dish. Instructor: Rosa Little
Location: Curry Campus 118
Cost: $100 – includes materials & supplies
Day: Fri 4/18/25 & 5/16/25
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
ART 0147 99 COLOR DRAWING
This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of color theory applied to colored pencil and marker drawings. Using elements of design, students will learn to combine different color combinations of the color wheel to produce works that enhance drawing mark-making techniques.
Instructor: Gary Christensen
Location: Curry Campus 138A/B
Cost: $90
Day: Mon, Wed
Time: 1:00pm-3:20pm
Writing
ENG 0150 99 WHAT MAKES A GOOD STORY
Whether seasoned, aspiring, or a novice writer, you will learn basic writing techniques and untangle the mysteries that make a story come alive! You will be bringing home a first chapter that will have you hungry to write the next chapter and the next, and the next! Most importantly, you will walk away with a confidence that your fears and doubts have vanished. In their place, you will have gained a priceless gift of courage to write your story and maybe even change the world! This is an online class.
Instructor: Judy Howard
Location: Online via Canvas
Cost: $50
Day: Mon 4/7/25 – Fri 5/16/25
WR 0115 99 INTRODUCTION TO GRANT WRITING
This Introduction to Grant Writing course provides a basic understanding of grant writing and the foundations of project development. We will cover how to prepare your organization to apply for grants and identify local sponsors and small grants to consider. The course is open to all but geared toward smaller non-profits.
Instructor: Alisa Green
Location: Curry Campus 109
Cost: $75
Days: Sat 4/5/25 & 4/19/25
Time: 10:00am-12:50pm
WR 0100 99 WRITING YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Who better to tell your story than YOU? Come and learn how to put together all of your stories into a book. Your story is sure to be something cherished. This course will introduce you to the techniques of writing an autobiography or memoir. Instruction will include method, style, and organization. You will collaborate with your classmates and the instructor in class in order to develop writing techniques.
Instructor: Coral Anderson
Location: Curry Campus 118
Cost: $70
Days: Thur 5/1/25 – 6/12/25
Time: 1:30pm-3:20pm
WR 0105 99 CREATIVE WRITING & STORY WORLDS
This course introduces the theory, techniques, and practice of fiction writing to the beginning student. It emphasizes the short story. Part of the term is spent reading and analyzing published work in terms of such writing techniques as characterization, scenes, dialogue, thematic content, and structure. Writing exercises, both to take home and to do in the classroom, complement these discussions, and are critiqued. Part of each week is spent in a writers’ workshop where student writing is discussed, analyzed, and critiqued by the whole class and the instructor.
Instructor: Coral Anderson
Location: Curry Campus 118
Cost: $75
Days: Thur
Time: 9:00am-11:50am
Teach A Class
Our vision at Southwestern is to lead and inspire lifelong learning. Do you have a skill, hobby or interest that you would like to share with others? Do you want to offer a course that is going to harness inspiration and give others an opportunity to learn? Does it support personal enrichment, enhance a life skill, or meet a need in our local workforce? Community Classes are taught by people in our community, for our community.
We are always looking for enthusiastic people who want to combine an interest in serving the community with the benefit of supplementing their income. Depending on the class, certification and/or formal education may not be required. The first step is filling out the Adjunct Faculty Community Education/Workforce Development Instructor application.
