Special Opportunities

A little something for everyone! From hard skills to entertainment CFU offers a wide menu of possibilities. Special events add variety and certification opportunities enable you to advance in your career.

The goal of Colorado Free University is to offer a variety of learning experiences and to have fresh, new opportunities available all the time. Our featured classes include courses that we offer on an occasional basis, presentations by folks who come to us from other parts of the country, or classes that fill a unique niche. These courses are meant to compliment the terrific offerings that we bring on a regular ongoing basis

While you won’t get a degree at CFU, there are opportunities to delve into areas in more depth. CFU has created programs in digital marketing and nonprofit leadership and administration. You can also get training in medical transcription and mediation or expand your learning with courses offered online by some of our instructors. 

Mediation Training 

In partnership with Phoenix Strategies, Inc. CFU offers a basic training in mediation that begins on March 31st and runs all-day for 5 days. This training is for anyone involved in conflict management on a personal or professional level. The 40-hour basic mediation course is the recommended minimum requirement for, and serves as your foundation to building a career as a mediator in the state of Colorado. 

Since 1997, Phoenix Strategies has been a leader in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services and training in Colorado Springs & Denver. Relationships are the heart of PSI’s conflict management services and training. The Collaborative, Facilitative and Interest-Based Model™ (CFI) is the heart of Phoenix Strategies, Inc.’s services and training. Not only is this model used to manage conflict, but it can be used in our daily, personal and professional activities.
The next 40-hour training will be the week of August 18th, 2025. These online trainings are limited to 12 people and fill quickly.

Find the next training and register here.

Medical Transcription

In partnership with Deborah’s Touch, Inc. CFU offers a home study course in Medical Transcription.  There is a growing need for medical transcriptionists, and well-trained, entrepreneurial types can make great money working either from home with electronic files, or onsite within a medical facility. This hands-on, comprehensive, self-study training program requires no prior medical experience. 

Deborah Burns, President of Deborah’s Touch, Inc., has been a medical transcriptionist for more than 30 years. She operates a national medical transcription service, and teaches business courses for colleges and adult learning programs throughout the U.S. Her staff includes on-site office and clerical, as well as 35 home-based medical transcriptionists. She has helped design books and reference materials used in medical transcription programs, such as Louisiana State University, Edison College (FL), Union College (NJ), and Bucks Community College (PA), has participated in business panels and national forums, and is a consultant for business groups. 

Learn about the Medical Transcription program

CFU is a lifelong learning center offering skill-building and enrichment classes. CFU offers no degrees and is not an accredited school. There are no barriers to participation and classes are open to everyone. You aren’t graded and there aren’t requirements you have to meet to take advantage. Instructors are vetted for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and capacity to convey their material in effective and engaging ways.

Cheryl Barlett, who teaches How to Become a thriving Life Coach also offers a Life Coach certification training. With two decades of experience, Cheryl has trained and certified coaches around the country. Call the CFU office at (303) 399-0093 ext 0 and reference Cheryl and course #2807. We’ll get you in touch with Cheryl for a free consultation to learn about the program options, costs, and how you might start your training.