The Open University of Wellfleet (OUW)--established in spring 2013-- is a forum for academic courses offered in spring and fall on Cape Cod. 

Founding director, Dr. Rhoda Flaxman and her informal advisory group continually search for exciting leaders and course ideas that will enhance our rich curriculum. Innovative course ideas and instructors are always welcome. Although we especially solicit courses with an emphasis on our local history and culture, we have broadened our reach to include all kinds of topics, from literature courses about Cape writers to natural history courses that connect global issues to our own waters.  We avoid courses such as studio art and creative writing, since these subjects are amply covered already on Cape Cod.

We encourage active learning and therefore structure our courses as directed discussions enhanced by lectures and light reading assignments. You need not be a teacher; to qualify as a course leader you need only to know your subject well and have enthusiasm for sharing your knowledge with others. Of course, experienced teachers and professors are most welcome, as well. 

Individual instructors choose to offer their courses once a week during any four to six-week sequence, spring or fall, during any two-hour period of the day from Monday ro Friday. Our courses meet at Wellfleet Preservation Hall, The Wellfleet Library, and Wellfleet Harbor Actors’ Theatre (WHAT). Course leaders have free rein to construct their own syllabi within the guidelines mentioned above.  

We’ve already received many wonderful suggestions, but now we need your help in identifying awesome course ideas, and experienced teachers, leaders, or  professors who might be interested in teaching with us. Participants are charged a small amount for enrolling and teachers receive a modest stipend, though community service, a chance to learn with others, and the excitement of being involved in our new venture, will be their greatest reward. 

But we need names! Don’t be shy about volunteering yourself. Please fill out the form above with recommendations of people we should consider approaching, and we’ll do the rest.

Yours for an enriched Wellfleet experience,
Rhoda 

Dr. Rhoda L. Flaxman                                                  
Brown University (Ret.)