Montana State to offer short-form community courses during fall semester and beyond

BOZEMAN - Montana State University After Hours will bring a series of hands-on courses to the Gallatin Valley community this fall.

MSU After Hours provides educational opportunities for adults who wish to connect with others and learn about topics such as art, computer science, the environment and more. Courses are taught on the MSU campus by faculty and staff, and they are facilitated by MSU Academic Technology and Outreach.

"MSU After Hours was created this year to welcome the community to campus and share the wealth of expertise and innovation found here," said Anna Reardon, assistant director of continuing and professional education for ATO. "These short, affordable and interactive sessions allow our faculty and staff to bring a diverse range of topics to life through engaging and fun learning experiences. It has become a space where learners can discover new passions, form real connections and enrich their lives."

The courses are open for registration through ATO's course catalog.

Fall courses include:

• Wildfire-smart residential landscape design and maintenance: Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Participants will learn about wildfires in Gallatin County and how to better protect their homes with fire-resilient landscaping.
• Simulating the world through computer models: Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. With hands-on simulations and demonstrations, participants will explore how simple models can become predictors for questions related to climate, medicine, molecular science and more.
• The cliché next door: Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Chrysti the Wordsmith, who hosts a radio program at MSU's KGLT-FM station, will guide participants through the surprising histories behind some of the most common expressions in the English language.
• Demystifying generative AI: Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Participants will learn what generative artificial intelligence tools can do, where they fall short and why understanding the tools matters.
• Playing with printmaking: Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Participants will experiment with beginner-friendly printmaking techniques and create a collection of handmade prints.
• Happier holidays with a stoic mindset: Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants will discover how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism can help them navigate the holidays calmly and with purpose.

Interested community members can find new MSU After Hours program offerings and additional continuing and professional education courses as they become available by visiting ATO's course catalog.