News from Maine Senior College Network May

When Acadia Senior College was in its infancy ten years ago, location was a central problem. It was solved by decentralization. The undergraduate program at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor was so successful (and so full) that it could provide only one or two classrooms each year. Our initial administrative center, at the University College in Ellsworth, was likewise crowded, and too distant.

Led by Mary Jones, a small volunteer task force surveyed churches, public libraries, and other non-profit organizations across the Island. Seven organizations agreed to provide space on a trial basis for the first classes, held in the fall of 2000. Thus was born Acadia Senior College's "dispersed campus." Now a dozen or so non-profits are supporting ASC programs in this manner.

Arrangements for use of the space were established on the basis of a "smile and a handshake." And this policy continues today. As the College grew, so did the number of "site partners" and the extent of the "dispersed campus."   Acadia has found a warm welcome at these sites. Typical is a recent note from the Executive Director of one of their partners: "The College is a wonderful organization and a real asset to this community. -- The Neighborhood House is thrilled to be able to offer space for classes.   In fact, part of our capital campaign is aimed at relocating and renovating our industrial kitchen -- perfect for their cooking class!"

Once on its feet financially, ASC began making a modest annual donation to each site that provided space for classes during the previous calendar year.

These are the "site partners" that have become the backbone of the curriculum:

Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor
Acadia National Park
Birch Bay Retirement Village (a division of Bar Harbor Hospital), Hulls Cove
College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor
Harbor House, Southwest Harbor
Maine Sea Coast Mission, Bar Harbor
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove
Mount Desert Island Historical Society, Sound
Neighborhood House, Northeast Harbor
Northeast Harbor Library
St. John Episcopal Church, Southwest Harbor
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Northeast Harbor
Southwest Harbor Public Library
Union Church, Northeast Harbor

For administrative meetings -- Board of Directors and College Committees, Acadia uses several of the above and these businesses:

Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, Bar Harbor
Machias Savings Bank, Bar Harbor
Union Trust, Town Hill

Submitted by James L. Clunan, Acadia Senior College