Promising twice the course offerings in its second year, Bethel's free "pop-up university" is returning next month. Registration is now open for over 40 courses and meet-up groups. Bethel University course offerings range from the history of beer to conversational French.
Bethel University is a project of the Bethel Revitalization Initiative and is run entirely by volunteers. The Bethel University website states it is "a unique community pop-up university."
"For one month each year," the website states, "anyone can teach courses on any topic under the sun. And anyone else can take courses for free."
A press release announcing Bethel University's return states: "Members of the community are offering 36 free mini-courses throughout the month. Courses are open to anyone (not just residents of Bethel). This year, Bethel University also includes seven 'meet-up groups' – a chance to get together with people who share an interest, but without the structure of a course."
Organizer Kirk White noted that in its second year Bethel University has attracted "professors" from seven towns, and as far away as Montpelier and Middletown Springs. Courses are offered on various dates throughout the month of March.
Bethel University 2015 will officially conclude with a graduation celebration on Sunday, March 29, which includes the presentation of diplomas.
