Miami University
EN-11: Continuing Education

1. Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica
PURPOSE: To better understand the astonishing diversity and sustainability of tropical ecosystems. Students in this course work together to investigate the ecology and cultures of Neotropical Ecosystems: how they were formed, how they are changing and how we can make a difference.
2. Outdoor Leadership in Argentina
Students will spend the fall semester exploring concepts such as outdoor leadership, group dynamics, expedition behavior, and environmental ethics. Then the students will put theory into practice while backpacking through southern Patagonia over the winter break. Students will have the opportunity to hike on the Torre Glacier. Students will guide their learning experience by way of practical immersion into the Argentinean culture and environment.
3. Tropical Marine Ecology
Students are introduced to the marine environments of the Bahamas and Florida Keys. They explore: Land Use Issues & the Florida Everglades Mangroves, Seagrass beds & Tropical Lagoons Coral Reefs, Associated Marine Communities Fossil Reefs Intertidal Zones, Sustainability in marine ecosystems, Climate disruption in coastal ecosystems. Days are spent in the field making observations and responding to questions and what we call "ecosystem challenges."
The following courses are offered through the Institute for Learning in Retirement
4. Trash Talk, and tour of Mt. Rumpke (Landfill)
The landfill tour provides a first-hand look at where garbage goes when it leaves our homes and businesses. The tour includes a brief history of the company—family owned and operated for more than 80 years—and explanations of landfill construction, environmental protection, methane gas removal, leachate collection, and surface water controls. The tour emphasizes the importance of conserving landfill space and natural resources by recycling.
5. Fall Neotropical Migrants
Fall Neotropical bird migrants are often a challenge to identify—hence the “confusing fall warblers” label. We will use the AREI bird banding stations to get a close look at these challenging species. The class will emphasize both bird identification and Neotropical bird conservation.
6. Guided Walks in Miami's Natural Areas
As we see the effects of urban sprawl growing closer to Oxford, we give thanks for the establishment of a greenbelt sanctuary – Miami University Natural Areas – of over 1000 acres with 17 miles of trails surrounding much of the university. Wildlife abounds: 121 species of birds have been seen and 61 species breed in the Natural Areas; beavers are found along Four Mile Creek. The area contains a good cross section of native species of trees, including Kentucky coffee tree, American hop hornbeam, pawpaw, Osage orange, American beech, and shingle oak. Each class we will hike a different section of the trail system to see the unique features and habitats each offers.
7. Hobby Greenhousing
Learn about plant containers, buying plugs, propagation, specialty crops, watering and growing care, and soil and fertilizer mixes. Learn about different types of structures, coverings, and heating and cooling systems. Learn how to control insects and disease through an organic program emphasizing prevention, organic sprays, and beneficial insects. The basic costs and income potential of greenhouses will also be covered.
8. Let's go Krogering, Fall semester
Recycling – Things Kroger Does to be a Good Partner, Ordering System (C.A.O.),and the Kroger Big Picture (All of Kroger Companies!)
9. Our Nation's Troubled Transport
The road, rail, and air transport systems of the United States are overcrowded, deteriorating, inefficient, polluting, and underfunded. How did we get into this situation? What can be done about it? What innovations might we be seeing in the near future? How does this impact Oxford?
10. Wednesday Brown Bag
“Why the Buffalo Still Roam: A History of Zoos and Conservation” – Caryn Neumann (1 of 5 courses that demonstrate sustainability/ conservation)
11. Bicycling for fun and fitness
The first session of this course will be in the classroom to discuss bicycle gearing, adjustments, safety, etc. The next three sessions will be bike rides on the Hamilton/Fairfield bike trail, the bike trail to the Rentschler Forest Preserve, and on the Miami Whitewater Trail. The fifth session’s final ride will be on nearby lightly travelled “country” roads. The instructor has commuted to work or school by bicycle for the last 40 years and has had many other bicycling experiences. He became a certified “Effective Bicycling Instructor” in 1990
12. Let's go Krogering, Spring semester
This course offers insights into the operation of the Kroger Oxford store. You’ll witness behind the scenes presentations and departmental demonstrations from one of America’s largest grocery store chain’s locations. Learn how the store integrates itself into the community, from the individual level up to what’s on the shelves. Includes sessions on
“Produce Growing Season(s): Where Products Come From, Costs of Items, and Growing Seasons Around the World”
“Sustainable Seafood – Kroger’s Global Big Picture and What Our Store Offers”
“Alternative Foods – Living Healthier by Eating Healthier”
13. Spring Neotropical Migrants
In the spring, most neotropical migrants are beautifully garbed as they wing northward to their nesting grounds. We will use the AREI bird banding stations to get an up-close look at these challenging species. The class will emphasize both bird identification and neotropical bird conservation.
14. Walk into Spring
As we see the effects of urban sprawl growing closer to Oxford, we give thanks for a greenbelt sanctuary—Miami University Natural Areas—of over 1000 acres with 17 miles of trails surrounding much of the University. Wildlife abounds. 121 species of birds have been identified and 61 species breed in the Natural Areas. Beaver are found along Four Mile Creek. The area contains a good cross section of native species of trees, including Kentucky coffeetree, American hophornbeam, pawpaw, osage orange, American beech, and shingle oak. Each week we will hike a different section of the trail system to see the unique features and habitat each offers.

Miami's Global Initiatives Programs offers online professional development programs through ed2go. Ten programs are in the category of Sustainability and Growing Green. Of these, the following three are designated as certificate programs:
Certified Green Supply Chain Professional
Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager
Senior Certified Sustainability Professional
and the following course prepares students to take a certification exam:
Certified Indoor Environmentalist

The list of continuing education courses covers Miami-created courses for FY2015. It does not include ed2go courses.