Senior Institute
The Senior Institute at FVCC is for community members 65+ and occurs annually in February and March. The Senior Institute is a vibrant community of older adults who are excited to learn, build relationships, and explore new ideas.
From long-time returning students to those new to FVCC, the Senior Institute is a welcoming community for anyone who is interested in learning new skills and growing their social network. Join us in the upcoming Senior Institute to see what the excitement is about!
Details and paper registration will be mailed out early January.
Senior Citizen Discount for FVCC Credit Courses
Adults 65 years of age and up who are residents of Flathead and Lincoln counties receive discounted tuition and fees when registering for credit courses. See the current Tuition and Fees Schedule for more information.
Senior Institute 2024
Fridays, February 16-March 22
Classes 1-3:05pm
Lunch program 12-12:50pm
Enrollment is limited - Registration begins February 1 by email, mail or in-person on campus.
Steps to Apply and Register
- If you are new to FVCC or have not enrolled in a credit course in the past two years, a non-degree application for admission is required.
- View classes and complete the registration form.
- Submit your completed registration form (and non-degree application if necessary) to FVCC:
- Email: registrationinfo@fvcc.edu
- Mail: 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901
- In Person: drop off at the Learning Resource Center beginning February 1 (see Facilities & Maps to locate building on campus)
2024 Class Titles & Descriptions | Course # | Instructor |
Beginning Ukulele Learn to play chords and various strums using fun songs and music theory as applied to ukulele. Bring your Soprano, Concert or Tenor ukulele to class—ukulele’s can be purchased at or rented online or from local music stores (please no plastic ukes). All other learning materials provided. | SR.81.2_01 | Dee Fleming |
Birds of Northwest Montana Learn about Northwest Montana’s beautiful birds. Gain insight into bird biology, behavior, song and identification. We’ll take an in-depth look at several native species as well as a wealth of other birds found in our area. | SR_82.1_01 | Denny Olson |
The Complexity of Human-Animal Relationships This short survey of the field of human-animal relationships focuses on animals’ lives and histories as they relate to numerous aspects of the human experience. | SR_88.6_01 | Ranell Mueller |
Conflict Resolution in Global Hotspots, Then and Now This course explores conflicts in places around the globe like Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Africa, and Israel/Palestine by examining how the conflicts started, the damage they’ve caused and how these regions might be able to move towards peace. | SR_80.9_01 | Jon Hatch |
Glacier Park: Transcending Time This course is a historical exploration of connections between geographic landscapes, emerging states and early communities (including Fort Benton, Bannack and Virginia City) and the creation of Glacier National Park. | SR_88.4_01 | Sharon Randolph |
Reconstruction and the Rise of the Jim Crow South The aftermath of the Civil War left the United States in political, social and economic devastation. An unprecedented dilemma faced the nation as it coped with the consequences of having 4 million enslaved people immediately freed. Federal activism clashed with vehement opposition from the recently defeated southern states in the era known as Reconstruction. This class will explore this episode in our history through original documents as we learn about how this vital time left a legacy that is still alive today. | SR_80.8_01 | Bruce Guthrie |
Staying Sharp, Resilient and Happy while Aging Through current scientific research and experiential learning, gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others through Brain Dominance Patterning. Learn simple, profound tools to stop stress, maintain physical and mental agility, stay healthy and remain curious and joyful as you age and share your wisdom. | SR_82.6_01 | Carla Hannaford |
Tech Savvy Seniors As more and more everyday processes are moved to online, this course will help seniors improve their ability to navigate and efficiently use technology. Students will learn how to effectively use smart phones, tablets, and/or personal computers for a variety of daily activities such as scheduling appointments, participating in virtual medical visits, engaging in online classes, shopping, and connecting with family and friends, all while keeping safe online. Technology is a useful tool for seniors in their daily lives and in achieving a vibrant and healthy lifestyle. Students may bring their own phones, tablets, or computers, or they may use the FVCC computers. | SR_86.5_01 | Amelia Ward |
Watercolors for Seniors A study of the materials and techniques of transparent watercolor with a variety of subject matter considered. No previous experience needed. | SR_83.1_01 | Karen Leigh |
Creative Writing for Seniors Learn how to write and edit a variety of poems and short fiction through guided exercises and examples in a workshop setting. | SR_87_01 | Kathy Dunnehoff |
Connect with us at seniorinstitute@fvcc.edu or 406.756.3832 for more information.