Southwestern University, located at 1001 E. University Ave., offers members of the public several opportunities throughout the year to come onto campus to participate in events, lectures and other activities.


1. Lifelong Learning


Southwestern offers class audits for area residents. Participants can sign up for any class that has enough space. Audit students do not earn credit but can take classes at a lower cost. Register for spring courses by Oct. 15.


$300 (per course for individuals age 50 and older) , $600 (per course for individuals age 49 and younger)


800-252-3166. [email protected]




2. Public Talks


Southwestern hosts the Shilling Lecture Series and the Brown Symposium every other year. In 2017 the Brown Symposium will be focused on topics relating to “Art & Revolution.” The free event will be March 1-3 in the Alma Thomas Theater on campus and features a variety of speakers.

www.southwestern.edu/academics/brownsymposium




Yoga Under the Stars The 16-inch Meade telescope is open to the public several times per year.[/caption]

3. Yoga Under the Stars


Georgetown-based Moksha Yoga and Pilates and Fountainwood Observatory partner several times a year to bring yoga to Southwestern. The class is donation-based with proceeds benefitting the observatory, and telescopes are open for viewing after. The observatory also hosts other public nights during the year.


4. Dine at Southwestern


Mabee Commons cafeteria in the McCombs Campus Center is open to students and the public. The cafeteria offers fresh fruit, pizza and omelets, among other dining options.
Costs vary. 


Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30-9:30 a.m. (breakfast), 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (lunch), 5-7:30 p.m. (dinner); Sat. and Sun. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (brunch), 5-7:30 p.m. (dinner). (Hours vary during the summer).


512-863-1901. www.southwestern.edu/dining


5. Presidential Podcast


In a weekly KUT podcast, ”Higher Ed”, Southwestern University President Edward Burger and co-host Jennifer Stayton talk about higher education and lifelong learning.


www.kut.org/term/higher-ed-podcast