The Board of Directors of Coastal Senior College, one of 17 senior colleges in the Maine Senior College Network, voted unanimously April 20 to transition to independent status from the University of Maine System.

With the full support and encouragement of its UMA Rockland Center affiliate, Coastal Senior College will become the 6th independent senior college in the Maine Senior College Network by July 1, 2021.

Independent nonprofit status will give CSC the increased flexibility and benefits that come with full autonomy, according to the College, in a news release.

“For example, in addition to our excellent classes, more opportunities to participate in a variety of activities, groups and programs will be available for our members. Also, once this transition is complete, students will be able to register for CSC courses online,” said Shelly Swazey, president of Coastal Senior College, in the release.

The decision to transition coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the cancellation of the entire Spring 2020 trimester of CSC courses.

“We plan to resume in-person classes and programs once it is safe again to gather in groups,” said Swazey. “However, if this remains untenable, then we will be ready to use technology like Zoom to keep our CSC learning community connected. Zoom technology is easy to learn to use, and can offer the community the opportunity to get to know the many benefits of becoming a member of Coastal Senior College.”

The College invites seniors to visit the Coastal Senior College website (coastalseniorcollege.org) and Facebook page to stay informed as the transition and planning continue.