Shenandoah Adult Growth & Enrichment
S A G E
SAGE provides lifelong learning opportunities for older adults by allowing them to take part in selected undergraduate daytime classes alongside traditional students.
SAGE Scholars Lifelong Learning Program at Shenandoah University
Experience the joy of learning something new without worrying about tests or homework. You’ll keep your mind active as you forge new neural pathways, engage in self-discovery, and connect with students of all ages, over the course of just a few hours each month.
Shenandoah Adult Growth & Enrichment (SAGE) is a unique lifelong learning opportunity for adults 60+. Serving as a pillar of our Age-Friendly University initiative, the program invites you to participate in authentic undergraduate courses alongside current students as space allows. Bring your unique life perspectives to the classroom, enriching our academic environment while fostering meaningful intergenerational bonds.
What are the courses like?
- Join undergraduate face-to-face classes in Literature, History, Art, Psychology, and more!
- There is no requirement to attend every session; instead, instructors provide syllabi highlighting “SAGE-Friendly” dates, typically involving a 3-6 hour commitment per month.
- Class length ranges from 50-90 minutes and are held between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at SU Winchester Main Campus.
- Courses are non-credit-bearing and require no written homework or exams.
Interested in being a part of the program?
SU is an Age-Friendly University
Shenandoah University earned the designation of an Age-Friendly University, becoming the first private university in Virginia to earn membership into the Age-Friendly University Global Network, a consortium of 140 such institutions across the world.
As an Age-Friendly University, Shenandoah University endorses the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University.
Shenandoah offers several programs for working professionals to pursue second careers or additional credentials.
- Office of Educational Outreach, which emphasizes careers and credentials in the education field, but also provides courses to non-teachers in topics like cybersecurity or dual-enrollment programs with community colleges.
- Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a 15-month nursing bachelor’s degree available to students with non-nursing degrees.
- Shenandoah houses a Veterans, Military and Families Center (VMFC) within the Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE) to support veterans and family members pursuing degrees, and has been awarded a Military-Friendly School Silver designation, indicating it is in the top 20% of institutions evaluated.
Shenandoah offers enhanced access for older adults in several areas of arts and wellness at the university:
- The Shenandoah Conservatory offers discounts for adults 62+ to its performances, including the popular Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre program.
- The Shenandoah University School of Pharmacy supports older adults by offering an “Annual Medicare Part D Day” to aid patients during Medicare Part D open enrollment period.
- The Shenandoah University Dance and Physical Therapy programs offer Community Adaptive Dance & Sports courses for older adults in the community, such as those with Parkinson’s Disease, to enhance balance and strength.
Shenandoah actively engages with its own retired community, including opportunities to serve in a consultative capacity to the university. Shenandoah University faculty and staff are well represented in advisory boards and leadership roles for organizations representing the interests of the aging population.
SAGE in the News
Contact
Questions? Email Scott King at sking4@su.edu.
Dr. Scott King serves on the Board of Directors for the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging and co-leads the Winchester Intergenerational Network education task force. His classes have partnered with the local senior center since 2012.