POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam's second Potsdam Academy allows the public a chance to relive the student experience and return to the classroom for a day, with a full day of arts and sciences courses.

Professors will offer a full day of hands-on classes to kick off the college's reunion weekend. The Potsdam Academy will be offered Thursday, July 9. Alumni, friends, staff and community members are welcome to attend.

"We have an incredible variety of topics offered for the second Potsdam Academy. There really is something for everyone," said Kathryn Deuel, associate director for regional alumni relations and engagement.

The registration fee of $30 includes breakfast, a full day of classes, materials and lunch. The Potsdam Academy kicks off Reunion Weekend at the College, but anyone can attend the day of classes.

On July 9, check-in and breakfast will be offered from 8:30 to 9 a.m. at Becky's Place. Registrants can then choose between two classes for each of the four sessions, as follows:

The schedule is as follows:

From 9 to 10:15 a.m. "What is Sustainable Agriculture, Exactly?": Raymond Bowdish, a university instruction specialist in the College's biology department, will discuss sustainability and how you can incorporate sustainable practices in your own life, by starting to grow your own food, from window sills to backyard gardens.

Also "Making Music Mobile: Exploring Apps for Phone and Tablets": Peter McCoy, an associate professor of music education at The Crane School of Music, will introduce fun and useful apps that can turn your mobile device into a music production studio. He will examine a variety of software for music notation, sequencing, sharing and inspiration.

From 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. "Chemistry Hacks, In and Around the Kitchen": John Proetta, an instructional support association in the chemistry department, will teach you how to enrich your life through chemistry. He will give an overview of science in the kitchen and around the household, as well as ways to master some clever daily "life hacks."

Also "Watercolor Painting": SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Joe Hildreth will offer a tutorial to introduce you to the fun of painting. Participants will paint outside (weather permitting) and create watercolor landscapes to take home. All supplies are provided.

From noon to 1 p.m. participants will have lunch on campus which is included with registration.

From 1 to 2:15 p.m. "The Origin of Life": Gordon Plague, an associate professor of biology, will speak about the living organisms that existed on Earth at least 3.5 billion years ago. Explore how life may have arisen on our planet in this fascinating session.

"On Stage: Acting in a Short Play": Kimberley Bouchard, an associate professor of theatre and dance, will introduce basic principles of acting for the stage. Using a simple script, participants will be paired and will create characters and a scene, to be performed at the end of the session. No prior acting experience is necessary.

From 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. "What is the World Really Like?": Heather Beauchamp, an associate professor of psychology, will lead a discussion about sensation and perception. The session will explore the array and overlap of the senses and sensory capabilities. Determine whether you are a supertaster or if your perception of taste is altered, and learn about visual sensory memory, as well as some disorders that allow us to reexamine abilities we may not realize that we possess.

Also "Yoga: It's Not Just About Pretzels!": Donald Borsh, an associate professor of theatre and dance, will speak about the rich and ancient history of yoga, which is rooted in Eastern philosophies. You may be familiar with the physical practice of hatha yoga, but don't know about the philosophical underpinnings of the practice. Learn more and end with guided practice to relax at the end of the day. Yoga mats will be provided.

The Potsdam Academy concludes with a graduation ceremony and happy hour at the Early Bird Gathering, which officially opens Reunion Weekend. The gathering will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., also in Becky's Place, and will include live music, appetizers and a cash bar.

For more information or to register, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 267-2120, or visit www.potsdam.edu/academy.