Come this summer, those mature adults who want to learn more about the arts, history or even yoga will have classes available in downtown Braselton through a program by Brenau University.
The Gainesville-based school’s BULLI program — which stands for Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute — is working on the details to offer non-credit classes in Braselton for those who want to expand their knowledge and stimulate their thinking.
“This is our first venture into a satellite campus,” said Kathy Amos, director for the center for lifetime study at Brenau.
For 18 years, BULLI has offered mature adults — those who are typically in or near retirement age — the opportunity to learn from academic, technical, recreational and artistic classes. No college experience is required and no grades are given for the classes.
But in the coming months, some of those classes will be offered in Braselton — mostly in the lower level of the Braselton Police and Municipal Court Building, along with other buildings in downtown.
BULLI organizers saw a need to offer its classes in South Hall and West Jackson, Amos said. She credits town manager Jennifer Dees for encouraging BULLI organizers to consider a new location in Braselton for its classes.
“Her enthusiasm is contagious,” Amos said. “When she said, ‘We’ll jump in here, we’ll help you get this started.’ And she really has. It has just been a wonderful collaboration so far.”
Braselton officials have long-discussed ways to get more folks to visit downtown Braselton — one of the key principals in its revitalization efforts for the area. During the recent town council retreat, council member Tony Funari suggested targeting a higher-education institution for downtown Braselton.
Amos said a focus group favored BULLI classes in Braselton. The class offerings in Braselton will mark a new adventure and partnership for the program, she added.
BULLI’s classes are not considered continuing education classes, but are academic classes, Amos explained. Its courses include those in the arts, health and wellness, and academics.
Some of its current classes in Gainesville include those on globalization, calligraphy, architectural history and anatomy. For those who aren’t savvy with social media, there’s a BULLI class about Facebook, smart phones and iPads.
In Braselton, the summer BULLI courses will include a drawing class, creative non-fiction writing, wine without pretense, senior issues, estate liquidation, an introduction to yoga, healing arts for everyone and a class about Appalachian culture. Other than the writing and yoga classes, the courses will be offered during the daytime.
“BULLI works very hard to provide something for everyone,” Amos said.
In Gainesville, BULLI offers about 14 classes per a quarter; however, Amos said she expects fewer initial classes in Braselton.
While art classes may have 16-17 students, some other BULLI courses may have as many as 100 students, according to Amos. Its instructors include Brenau professors, experts in their fields and members of BULLI.
BULLI classes are available to those who join the program through a membership, which costs $130 for an academic year. Members — who are referred to as students — also have to pay $35 for each course. Amos said members are eligible to participate in BULLI’s hiking club, dining groups and travel groups.
Amos said BULLI is a member-led, member-driven program.
“Which means the students themselves actually help decide the curriculum (and) actually help decide what we’re going to do in the way of special events, for example, like going to the High Museum (of Art in Atlanta),” she explained.
Beyond the classroom, BULLI members can also travel together — and learn about their adventures before leaving home. Two current classes on Eastern Europe include members who will take an upcoming cruise to the region, Amos said.
Although complete details are still in the works, registration for BULLI in Braselton is expected to be held on Thursday, May 17. Classes will begin on June 4.
The classes will include six-week courses that meet for an hour and a half once a week. BULLI will also offer shorter classes in Braselton.
For more information, visit www.breanu.edu and click on the “BULLI” page link.
