Our mission is to enrich lives by providing forums for sharing the pleasures of active learning.
Five College Learning in Retirement (FCLIR) is a lifelong learning opportunity for residents of the Pioneer Valley and beyond. Our members are a diverse group of intellectually curious people pursuing new fields of interest or revisiting former subjects. Members enjoy sharing the knowledge and insights they have gained from varied backgrounds and experiences.
Our core program of peer-led seminars and workshops is designed to engage the active learner. Interest groups and extracurricular programs present further opportunities for members to share activities and pursuits.
Some of our programs, including the semi-annual Previews, the online Encore! presentations, the annual Great Decisions series, and occasional Special Programs, are also open to the general public.
FCLIR is governed by its volunteer elected officers and Council. Programs are created by committees composed of member volunteers. Administrative assistance is provided by our office manager, the sole paid employee.
FCLIR is a program of Five Colleges, Inc. (FCI), a nonprofit consortium of the five colleges and universities in Amherst, Northampton and South Hadley. FCLIR is a membership organization and is not a degree- or credit-granting entity.
