January 2024 Resource Spotlight: Universal Class

Happy New Year! Have you set any resolutions for yourself? Perhaps to learn something new? If picking up new skills or learning new crafts is on your agenda, check out Universal Class, opens a new window. It is a free library resource found on our Learning Resources, opens a new window webpage.

With over 500 courses to choose from on a wide variety of subjects, from academic skills to hobbies to general interests, there's something for everyone. If you're interested in...

• Arts and crafts: see How to Draw, Watercolor Painting 101, Candle Making 101, just to name a few
• Kitchen skills: try Cake Decorating 101, Spanish Cooking 101, and many more!
• Healthy living options: there’s Lifetime Wellness 101, Nutrition 101, and Weight Loss Management
• For jobseekers: check out Interview Skills, Writing Effective Emails in the Workplace, and Business Etiquette

Universal Class is great because of its flexibility. You can actively work on five courses at the same time, allowing you to take up to six months to complete a course. Courses can be completed at your own pace when they fit your schedule – whether that's during the day or at night!

All Universal Class, opens a new window courses are fully accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education Training (IACET), with each course listing its C.E.U.s (Continuing Education Units). Finding a specific course is easy with the option to browse or use keywords for a quick search.

The classes involve a mixture of reading lessons, watching videos, submitting assignments for grading and taking tests. Successfully completing and passing all your assignments and tests will earn you a certificate for that course.

Here's an added bonus for those with jobs and careers which require continuing education: Check with your work supervisor or licensing board to see if the Universal Class course you are interested in fulfills your continuing education requirement. This can save you money – as all Universal Class courses are free for library cardholders logging in through the library’!

For more guidance on using this online educational resource, check out this Niche Tutorial, opens a new window.

Here's to a new year filled with new knowledge and skills!