A guidebook to short residential programs, the book provides an account of the many types of centers, the wide range of subjects, accommodations/facilities, and the procedures for enrollment and obtaining degrees/credits. The book was written in response to a deluge of inquiries to a "Reader's Digest" article on the topic. The first half of the book stimulates the reader with case histories and anecdotes of programs which range from ivied hall and elegant seminar room accommodations to sea-going seminars and other wilderness calls. The author points out that short residential programs are not an innovative educational fad but can be historically traced to various traditional programs of the past century. Diverse personal needs for enrichment serve as the basic incentives for adult learning. Consequently, programs are sponsored by colleges/universities, religious organizations, businesses/professional groups, and government. Most of the part-time students are past the age of 25, with many older than 45. The second half of the book consists of an annotated directory of 320 centers (by State) in the United States offering short residential programs for adults. Compilation of the directory resulted from contacts with more than 4,000 institutions. (EA)