NATCHEZ — Each semester “untraditional” college students enroll at Co-Lin Natchez. They aren’t embarking on new educational goals, they are just there to have a little fun.

The classes they take are part of the continuing education program sponsored by Co-Lin and range in subject matter from yoga to guitar to computer training to a study of current events.

The Fall 2008 semester is no different. And while a number of the classes offered have already begun, many options still remain. Registration is still open for six classes scheduled to begin in October and November.

Program coordinator Beth Richard said the classes give students the opportunity to increase their knowledge in a casual enviroment.

“The classes are for any type of learner,” Richard said. “It gives everyone a chance to go and enrich yourself. You can learn something new or different. It may be for a hobby or just to increase your knowledge about it.”

The six remaining classes are Paper Crafts, Microsoft Office 2007, A Survey of Global Hot Spots: The Old That Explains The News, Digital Photography, Beginning Oil Acrylic Painting and BlackBerry Basics.

Paper Crafts

Class will be from 6 until 8 p.m. each Tuesday between Oct. 7 and Oct. 28

A different unique and creative project will be completed during each class and will incorporate home décor, organizational items, scrapbooking, gifts and great ideas for classroom use. Supplies will be provided.

Pam Frank is the instructor. A $85 registration fee is required and class will be in the CTEC Dining Room.

Microsoft Office 2007

Class will be from 6 to 8 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday between Oct. 6 and Oct. 29.

Your computer can be your friend. Learn the basics of the Office 2007 programs including Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint.

The instructor is Coretta Logan. A registration fee of $80 is required. Class will be in CTEC 220.

A Survey of Global Hot Spots: the Old That Explains the News

Class will take place from 6 until 7 p.m. each Tuesday from Oct. 7 until Dec. 9.

The class will offer insight into today’s headlines through the historical and cultural perspective that commercial news media doesn’t provide. The usual suspects from the Middle East will be included, but also the rise of China, the new assertiveness of Russia and the Pakistan-India rivalry will be covered. The class has flexibility to cover whatever crises emerge in the meantime.

Jim Wiggins is the instructor and a registration fee of $50 is required. Class will be in ACAD 305

Digital Photography

The class is scheduled for 6 until 8 p.m. each Monday from Nov. 3 through Nov. 24

Bought the camera and now you are not sure what to do with all of those pictures? This class will provide information on downloading, printing, and managing digital photos. Bring your camera and instruction manual to class.

Allen Richard will be the instructor. A $40 registration fee is needed. Class will be in CTEC 220.

Beginning Acrylic Painting

This class is from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. each Tuesday between Nov. 4 and Dec. 9.

The sessions will teach tips and techniques for painting with this versatile, quick drying and easy to use medium. Supply list will be provided upon registration.

Lorraine Griffin will be the instructor. A $35 registration fee is required. Class will be taught in the CTEC Dining Room.

BlackBerry Basics

The two-hour class is scheduled for each Thursday Nov. 6 and Thursday Nov. 13.

Your BlackBerry is connected to the network, now what? Maximize the capability of your BlackBerry including managing attachments and shortcuts. Bring your BlackBerry to class.

A $40 registration fee is needed for this class taught by Allen Richard. It will be taught in CTEC 220.

The registration fee is kept as low as possible to encourage enrollment.

“All we seek to do is make enough money to pay the instructor,” Beth Richard said. “We want to make the classes available to as many people as possible.”

These classes, and all other classes provided through the continuing education program, are designed for everyone regardless of educational background.

Preregistration is required for all classes and can be completed at the Willie Mae Dunn Library in the Tom Reed Academic Building on the Co-Lin Natchez campus, 11 Co-Lin Circle. Registration hours are 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

These courses do not lead to any academic degrees or carry any college credit, but CEU credit is available for some classes. Special fees and arrangements are required to obtain CEU credits.

For more information contact Beth Richard at 601-446-1103 or by e-mail at beth.richard@colin.edu.