SHREVEPORT – LSUS is more than just courses for academic credit.
Community members can enrich themselves through LSUS leisure classes, which more than doubled coming into this fall.
LSUS Continuing Education, which oversees non-credit experiences, are offering 42 new classes for a new total of 72.
Some courses are one-day offerings, such as a series of Sweet Celebrations classes about how to create tasty treats for different holidays to Fluid Art, abstract art using a variety of techniques like flip cup and pumpkin pour.
Others are series of classes like Pawtraiture (Drawing Your Beloved Pet) and Understanding Your Credit Score.
Tulin Melancon is in charge of leisure class creation and management, and she said connecting with new instructors while deepening relationships with current instructors has led to the increase in offerings.
“I go out and meet new people at different events, and a lot of people are interested in partnering with us in different ways,” Melancon said. “Our instructors take pride in their classes and ownership over spreading the word via social media and through their relationships.
“It’s a team effort.”
Leisure participants enjoy classics like the various dance classes and motorcycle riding, but there’s also been a return of a fan favorite in wine pairing and tasting.
“Taking a class that interests you can help you find like-minded people and create your own community,” Melancon said. “These are great social tools.”
Leigh Chambers, executive director of events and community initiatives, said community members also voiced interest in new leisure activities.
“We’ve increased our offerings in response to direct feedback from the community,” Chambers said. “LSUS is deeply committed to lifelong learning and meaningful engagement to the Shreveport-Bossier community, and that includes expanding access to opportunities that foster creativity, physical well-being and personal enrichment.
“We want everyone to feel like LSU Shreveport is their university, and leisure learning is one more way we’re fulfilling that mission.”
Most leisure classes do require a course fee.
For a full list of fall leisure classes and to see classes in future seasons, visit the LSUS Continuing Education website.
