Community Classes
If you have any questions about classes or have ideas for a class you'd like to see
us do, please call Michelle Bartlett at 907-474-7021, or email summer@alaska.edu.
麻豆原创F Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning offers a variety of non-credit bearing classes accessible to members of the community without the requirements of typical college courses. Many of these courses are practical, hands-on workshop style classes taught by local experts.
To register and pay for a class, follow the link below:
Spring courses:
Instructor: Emily Smola
Meets: March 19 - April 23, Thursdays, 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: SRC, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Join us for a fun-filled six-week intro to rock climbing course at the
SRC climbing wall! This course will teach you the basics of rock climbing, so that
you can enjoy this amazing activity. Topics that we will cover include belay technique,
basic climbing movement, anchor building, indoor/ outdoor climbing comparisons, how
to best use each climbing hold type, and how to manage the risks involved with climbing.
We want to set you up for success, enabling you to enjoy rock climbing and achieve
your goals.
Cost: $125
Summer courses:
Field Sketching and Botanical Art WorkshopInstructor: Kristin Link
Meets: August 29 - 30, Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Georgeson Botanical Garden, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Discover the art of observational drawing in this hands-on botanical sketching workshop set in the beautiful Georgeson Botanical Garden. Over two days, participants will develop foundational sketching skills while deepening their understanding of the plant world, learning to see, draw, and describe plants with both artistic sensitivity and scientific curiosity. Working from life in the garden and in the classroom, students will practice pencil, pen, watercolor, and mixed media sketching techniques, explore basic botany and plant families of interior Alaska, and learn to create field sketches that capture not just the plant itself, but its relationship to the surrounding environment and ecosystem. No prior drawing experience is required, only a curiosity about the natural world and a willingness to look closely. Please see the materials list for this course.
Cost: $175
Instructor: Margo Klass
Meets: May 1 - 3, Friday, 6 pm - 8:30 pm, Sat & Sun, 10 am - 4 pm (waitlist only)
Location: Murie 306, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: This workshop explores the historic binding technique of sewing on cords,
re-imagined for contemporary bookmaking. Traditionally hidden within the spine, the
cords in this variation are intentionally exposed, creating a striking spine. Instead
of folded sections, the text block will be built from single pages of richly colored
Japanese Momigami paper. Each page incorporates a thread embedded along the spine
edge, making it possible to sew single pages across, rather than up and down, the
spine. Participants will personalize their elegantly chunky books with content of
their own design using collage, stamping, drawing, or writing.
Cost: $225
Instructor: Evolutionary Thread: Lyndsi Harris
Meets: May 5 - 14, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Murie 107, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Do you have a favorite garment that you鈥檝e had to retire due to holes
and long-time wear? Are you ready to push against the fast fashion industry and find
ways to make your beautiful clothing last longer? Join Lyndsi of Evolutionary Thread
Designs for Functional Embroidery: Bringing new life to well loved garments. In this
class Lyndsi will guide you through the process of identifying the best method for
repairing holes in garments, and how to repair them with a splash of artistic whimsy.
Bring one or two items from your 鈥渃an鈥檛 bear to throw away but don鈥檛 know how to fix鈥
pile, and we鈥檒l provide the rest!
Cost: $175
Instructor: Patricia Carlson
Meets: May 8 & 9, Friday 6-8 pm, Saturday 10-5
Location: Art 403, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Learn to make arm bangles from copper, bronze and sterling silver wire!
We can cut, file, solder and hammer our bangles the way we wish! Using stamps, hammers,
and bangle presses we can form beautiful, personalized bangles for you and yours.
Cost: $150
Instructor: Simon Rakower
Meets: May 7 - June 4,Thursdays, 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: O'Neill 359, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: This comprehensive, practical, hands-on bicycle maintenance and repair
class focuses on road and mountain bikes. We will cover drive chain, shifting, brakes,
wheels, (straightening), tires, tubes (flats), steering systems, cable replacement,
and lubrication. We will also review the geometry and physics of the bicycle, the
world's most efficient means of transportation. All students must bring a bicycle
to class.
Cost: $140
Instructor: Simon Rakower
Meets: May 8 - June 5, Fridays, 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: O'Neill 359, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Students will have the opportunity to complete a bicycle project of their
choosing using the information and techniques covered in the Bicycle Maintenance and
Repair course. Taking the intro class is recommended but not required for students
familiar with bicycle repair basics. Students will work with the instructor individually
to map out the project(s) to be completed during this in-depth course. Students must
bring a bicycle to class.
Cost: $140
Instructor: Robert Snowden, Alaska Songbird Institute
Meets: May 29 & 30, Friday, Saturday, Friday 6 pm - 8:30 pm, Saturday 7 am - 12 pm
Location: Creamer's Field Farmhouse
Description: Join the Alaska Songbird Institute to learn about Interior Alaska鈥檚 migratory
birds and the amazing ways they navigate their epic annual journeys. This course includes
a classroom session introducing participants to the migratory songbirds of Fairbanks,
the incredible ways they find their way, and the conservation challenges they face.
The classroom session will be followed by a Saturday morning of guided birding at
Creamer's Field including a visit to ASI's Creamer鈥檚 Field Migration Station, the
northernmost songbird banding station in North America! There you will learn firsthand
about ASI鈥檚 migratory bird research, check mist nets, and release recently banded
birds. Be ready to be outside for several hours. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring
bug protection, binoculars (if you have them), and water. Binoculars will also be
available to borrow. Snacks and coffee will be provided.
Cost: $110
Instructor: James Contreras
Meets: June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, Wednesdays, 1 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Fairbanks Golf Course, Fairbanks Alaska
Description: Do you want to learn how to play golf? Or improve your swing? PGA professional
J.C. Contreras will work with you to help you achieve your goals.
Cost: $225
Instructor: Celia Miller
Meets: June 5 - 7, Friday, 6 pm - 8 pm, Sat and Sun 1 pm - 6 pm
Location: Murie 203, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Learn about the biology, ecology, and identification of these symbiotic
organisms. We will spend time both outdoors, exploring lichen-rich habitats, and indoors,
looking at specimens close-up. Participants will be introduced to collecting lichens,
and how to use microscopes, keys, chemical tests and other tools to identify them.
You'll leave recognizing the most common lichen species around Fairbanks, and with
a greater understanding of what makes lichens unique.
Cost: $140
Instructor: Kayla Clark
Meets: June 8 - 12, Monday - Friday, 10:30 am - 12 pm
Location: SRC, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Are you curious to try out the fastest growing sport in the USA? Pickleball
is a net sport that takes elements of tennis and ping pong, combining them into a
game that is accessible for kids as well as senior citizens. This course will cover
the basics of serving, dinking, volleys, lobs, rules of game play and more! A full
week of practice will have you feeling confident to join in on Open and Relish Play
with the Farthest North Pickleball Club. Beware, this game is quite addicting and
very social too! This course is ideal for brand new players, or players looking for
more practice.
Cost: $125
Instructor: Carol Wilbur
Meets: June 13, Saturday, 12 pm - 4 pm
Location: 401 Gruening, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Students will explore several simple earring-making techniques in this
fun, hands-on workshop. We will work primarily with beads and wire. The instructor
will provide tools, metal findings, and various glass, metal, and semi-precious beads.
Although materials will be provided, students are encouraged to bring their bead collections
if they have one. Spend the day learning a new skill and making holiday gifts for
friends, family, and yourself!
Cost: $80
Instructor: Shann Jones
Meets: June 13 & 14, Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Location: 104 Chapman, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: This weekend short course introduces students to the art and science
of fly fishing and provides participants with the necessary knowledge to make educated
fly tackle selections. Students will learn how to use a fly rod to cast a fishing
fly, tie fishing knots, construct their own leaders, select fishing flies, and, most
importantly, learn where fish live and how best to catch (and release) them. Scientific
information on Alaskan freshwater fish, habitat, entomology, and stream ecology will
be covered in the context of practical fishing advice. Registrants should obtain a
current State of Alaska sport fishing license in order to fully participate in all
field sessions. Non-residents can obtain one or three-day licenses at local vendors
or online through the Alaska Department of Fish & Game website. A limited number
of fly rods and reels are available for participant use. Please contact the instructor
to arrange. Participants are responsible for supplying their own footwear and field
clothing.
Cost: $140
Instructor: Mary Albanese
Meets: June 22 - 26, Monday - Friday, 3 pm - 7 pm
Location: 303 ART, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Following a brief lecture on the life and style of Sydney Laurence, we
will study images of his works and re-create them. We will also discuss Fred Machetanz.
Students will explore and learn their styles through their own paintings, capturing
and recreating elements of the master's work, focusing on elements of composition,
color scheme, and brush stroke techniques. Students are to come ready to paint (oils
or acrylic work best), brushes, and canvases. 8 x 10-inch canvases are a good size
to start. Recommended paint colors: black, white, yellow ochre, cobalt blue, sap green,
alizarin crimson, and yellow hansa.
Cost: $200
Instructor: Derek Sikes
Meets: July 10 - 12, Friday 6 pm - 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 1 pm - 6:15 pm
Location: 302 Murie, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Learn collection and processing methods needed to build an insect collection.
Skills necessary to identify most groups to Order will be taught. Students will create
a collection which will be broken into three groups: specimens the student can take
home, specimens for the 麻豆原创 Museum Insect Collection, and specimens
for the Teaching Collection.
Cost: $140
Instructor: JR Ancheta
Meets: July 18, Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 107 Murie, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Explore downtown Fairbanks while you learn how to use your digital camera.
No photo skills are necessary. Basic editing will be covered back in the classroom.
Class time will be split between downtown and the 麻豆原创F campus.
Cost: $70
Instructor: Allison Juneau
Meets: July 25, Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm
Location: 303 ART, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Palette knife painting, sometimes referred to as 鈥渋mpasto鈥 painting,
is a fun and engaging way to create paintings with a beautifully textured and sculptural
surface. Work with artist Allison Juneau to learn methods of mixing and applying paint
with a knife, silicone tools, and even household items to create interesting textures.
This workshop is suitable for both new and experienced painters, and participants
can work with either oils or acrylics. If you would like to work with oils, please
bring your own paint. Impasto medium (for both oil and acrylic) will be available
for everyone to use. Practicing acrylic painters may want to bring their own paint,
but acrylic paint will be available for those who need it. Painting tools and wood
panels will be provided. Everyone should bring an apron.
Cost: $95
Instructor: Kate Powers
Meets: July 31 - August 2, Friday 6 pm - 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm
Location: Georgeson Botanical Garden, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Botanical Impressions is a three-day immersive workshop exploring the
ecology, color, and expressive potential of Alaskan wildflowers through mixed-media
art. Participants will sketch and create layered botanical studies on site in the
Georgeson Botanical Garden, with a focus on the Ginger Gauss Wildflower Garden and
Wetland Pond. Using water-based mixed media and watercolor underpaintings, participants
will observe, experiment, and share ideas in a collaborative environment. Open to
adult learners of all experience levels.
Cost: $150
Instructor: Linda Wies
Meets: August 8 & 9, Saturday and Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm
Location: Georgeson Botanical Garden, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: Participants will carve, ink, and print their own designs on fabric in
this two-day workshop at the Georgeson Botanical Garden. On the first day, students
will learn about carving tools, different types of inks, and common block-printing
materials such as wood, linoleum, and rubber. Participants will be introduced to both
a lever press and a roller press, experiment with hand-printing techniques, plan their
designs, and begin carving their blocks. On the second day, students will finish carving
and bring their designs to life through printing. Canvas tote bags, tea towels, baby
onesies, and fabric squares will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring
T-shirts or other fabric items to create beautiful, functional pieces.
Cost: $150
Instructor: Anna Kindberg
Meets: August 14 - 16, Friday 6 pm - 8 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm, and Sunday, 11 am
- 2 pm
Location: 203 Murie, 麻豆原创F Campus
Description: In this weekend intensive course, you will gain a basic understanding
of the kingdom Fungi and learn how to identify some of the common species of mushrooms
in Interior Alaska. We will spend time in the field collecting mushrooms, learning
how to use a dichotomous key, making spore prints, and learning which features to
hone into when identifying mushrooms. Finding choice edible species is not guaranteed,
but you will leave the class knowing how to identify at least four edible species.
Cost: $140
All registrations for Non-credit Short Classes are completed through CampDoc. Please visit the Campdoc website at to create a profile and register for classes. If you have previously registered with CampDoc, you will not need to create a new profile.
Payment can be made during registration through CampDoc. Please note that Non-credit Short Classes require a $25.00 non-refundable deposit that must be paid at the time of registration. The final payment is due 1 week before the class start date. If you register for a class and decide not to attend, you MUST drop the course via CampDoc a week before the start date or you will be charged for the full class. For additional information contact Summer Sessions at 474-7021 or summer@alaska.edu. How do I register with CampDoc?
If you are unfamiliar with Campdoc, this handy guide might help you get started.
How do I find out more information about Parking?
If your Non-credit Short Class takes place on campus between 8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday, you will be required to have a current parking decal or short term parking permit displayed in your vehicle. Outside of these times, no permit is required. For more information about parking on campus call 474-7275 or view parking locations at uaf.edu/campusmap.