About UFM

UFM Community Learning Center is a creative educational program serving Kansas State University, Manhattan and communities across Kansas. UFM offers a variety of noncredit and credit classes for all ages and interests.

Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development. Instructors represent all areas of the campus and community and have ranged in age from 6, sharing knowledge about rabbit care, to 98, teaching a class on healthy living. Topics include arts and hobbies, cooking, languages, martial arts, aquatics, career and computer skills, recreation and fitness, health and wellness and youth.  Over 15,000 people participate in UFM programs and activities each year.

UFM serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and as a catalyst for new programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all. In addition to the noncredit and credit classes, UFM coordinates several other programs.

Donate to UFM

UFM accepts donations to assist with program needs and for special projects. To make a donation today, please click the link below. Thank you!

DONATE

FAQs

What if the weather is bad?

UFM courses held at Kansas State University follow university policies. Classes will be held unless all university classes are cancelled. Weather sensitive classes will use the scheduled rain date. If a rain date is not scheduled, the instructor will be responsible for rescheduling. UFM classes held off campus may be canceled based on facility and instructor availability. During major weather events, listen to KMAN radio (AM 1350) for UFM cancellations, or call 539-8763 to see if an announcement has been left on the answering machine.

We will also post weather closings on our Facebook page.

K-State’s website will also carry news of closings at www.k-state.edu. In the event of lightning in the area, all swimmers will be evacuated from the pools until the lightning has passed the area.

Can I get a refund?

When a class is cancelled due to severe weather, or other circumstances when a lesson cannot be provided by UFM, a make-up class will be scheduled OR a refund will be issued in the amount of the missed lesson. When class participants are absent from class, no refund will be issued.

Do I need to preregister?

Yes. All participants must register and pay the registration fees before attending a UFM class. This allows for adequate handouts and materials. A class may be canceled due to insufficient registrations.

Who teaches UFM classes?

UFM is a community learning program that contracts with nonprofessional community instructors. Consequently, we cannot guarantee that the courses are absolutely accurate or complete in content and quality of instruction. We rely on the credentials provided by instructors, class observation and participant feedback as tools for evaluating a class and an instructor’s ability.
UFM classes are not a forum for selling a product or service from which the instructor may benefit. Materials specifically oriented to an instructor’s financial interests may not be distributed in class. Participants who wish to pursue a relationship with an instructor outside class time may do so on their own responsibility. Please share any concerns with UFM by emailing info@tryufm.org or calling 785.539.8763.

Does UFM offer scholarships?

Scholarships are available for UFM and other select community activities.

Download scholarship application and guidelines.

Please visit our Scholarships page for more information.

How do I make a donation?

UFM accepts donations to assist with program needs and for special projects. Send your contribution to UFM Community Learning Center, 1221 Thurston St, Manhattan, KS 66502. Your donation is tax deductible.

For more information about donations, please visit our Donate page.

How do I become a UFM teacher?

Everyone can teach, everyone can learn!

This idea is the central theme at UFM. We are always looking for new class ideas and new instructors. Instructors have ranged in age from 6 to 98 years old. If you think you would like to share something you know with the community, call us at (785) 539-8763, or e-mail info@tryufm.org. You may also submit your class idea from the Teach A Class page. If the class you want to teach is already being offered and/or we have a regular teacher for that topic, our Education Coordinator will speak to you about a way you might be able to modify your idea so you can still teach without duplicating offerings.

I have class ideas, who do I share them with?

Got an idea for a UFM class? UFM is always looking for new class ideas and new projects. Let us hear from you! Call (785) 539.8763 or email info@tryufm.org to share your ideas!

Quick Links

History

UFM Community Learning Center is a non-profit campus and community education program serving Kansas State University, the Manhattan area and communities across Kansas. UFM was started in 1968 by a group of KSU students and faculty as a way to bridge communication between the campus community and the Manhattan community. That year seven classes were offered with 150 people participating. The goal at that time was to provide opportunities for students and faculty to interact more easily with the community and to serve a variety of people in the community.

The original name of the organization was University for Man. In the early 1990’s it was changed to University for Mankind. In 1999, the words were eliminated, but the well-known initials UFM were retained and additional explanatory words, Community Learning Center were added. The official name is now, UFM Community Learning Center.

UFM is best known for its catalog of noncredit and credit classes offered each semester. But, UFM offers much more than that. UFM has been involved in the creation of numerous programs and services in the Manhattan area. UFM collaborates with other groups in the community to address unmet needs in the area. Currently UFM sponsors a teen mentoring program, a community garden, a social justice lecture series, programming for older adults and an enrichment program for special needs adults.

Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development. UFM serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and as a catalyst for new programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all. For more information about UFM, call (785) 539-8763 or e-mail info@tryufm.org.

Board Members

  • Fred Newton, Chair
  • Tony Parker, Vice Chair
  • Bria Taddiken-Williams , Treasurer
  • Debbie Newton, Secretary
  • Carol Barta
  • Terri Blackmon
  • Andrew Deckert
  • Jason Maseberg-Tomlinson
  • Trina McCarty
  • Janet Nichols
  • Craig Olsen
  • Donna Rogers
  • Lucas Shivers
  • S. Lee Taylor