College isn’t just for 20-somethings seeking an education with which to go forth and change the world. Sometimes college is about personal growth and fulfillment. Learning for the fun of it is the unofficial motto of the Penobscot Valley Senior College.

PVSC is affiliated with the University of Maine Center on Aging and is one of 15 senior colleges sprinkled throughout the state. Annual membership is $25 per individual and $40 for two people living at the same address.

Membership in Senior College has many perks, such as notice of courses, invitations to free one-day programs, free annual meeting luncheon with a guest speaker, and the ability to enroll in other senior colleges’ classes.

There are no entrance exams and no academic requirements, and no test at the end of the course. In fact, the only actual requirement is that you have reached the tender age of 50.

The spring semester runs Fridays, from Feb. 29 to April 4, with the two-hour courses held either mornings or afternoons at the UM campus in Orono, Dirigo Pines in Orono or University College in Bangor.

So just what will your $30 per course tuition get you? The brochure can answer that question fully, but here is the short version:

. “Constitutional Law: The Current Supreme Court Term” course covers some of the issues confronted by the court, explore the legal and political views of the justices and take a look at how some current cases might be decided.

. “The Ecology and Management of Maine’s Wildlife” course covers the ecology, behavior and management of many wildlife species. Expect to examine large raptors, waterfowl, wetlands, beaver, island nesting birds and large carnivores.

. “Hot Enough For You?” discusses climate change, including the human-induced variety, forest soils, carbon and the response of glaciers and ice sheets to climate change, paleo-ecology and the study of climates past, and carbon footprinting.

. “Living Well” is a workshop that helps people stay well and maintain an active, fulfilling life. This course is especially useful for those with chronic health conditions.

. “Meet The Mystics” discusses the age-old questions regarding mystics: Who are they? How are they different? Do they have any relevance in today’s world? An open mind and a healthy sense of humor are recommended.

. “Ethics When It Matters” discusses the four moral theories often used for addressing ethical issues, and some of the factors that have led to ethical failures in personal and institutional settings.

. “Faith of Our Neighbors: Religious Belief in Local Context” uses guest presenters who will describe their faith traditions and how they co-exist in our community. Among faiths to be presented are Judaism, Evangelical Christianity, Roman Catholicism, Greek Orthodoxy, Anglican Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.

. “Introduction To Memoir Writing” is designed for the beginner interested in trying out memoir writing. You will perform exercises that will help you record your memories creatively and effectively.

. “Understanding Mutual Funds” will focus on the “big picture” that accounts for 80 percent of investing success.

This is sampling of the offerings from PVSC. The other courses are just as interesting.

For more information on senior college and the classes offered, visit www.mainecenteronaging.org and click on Senior College, or call its message phone at 262-7927.

Class sizes are limited, so be prepared with a second choice in case the class of your dreams is full. Senior College is just the thing to pull your brain out of its winter slump.

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. E-mail Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865 or

toll-free 800-432-7812 e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.