This fall’s version of Adulting 101 can’t be in person because of the pandemic.

So, free food is out — and free online nourishment is in.

The series still will offer a bounty of intellectual servings starting September 16 on Zoom. The popular video and Web conferencing platform is increasingly being used for classes, conferences and business meetings.

Adulting 101 is sponsored by First Bank Richmond.

“It’s life-enriching classes, done virtually,” explains Terry Wiesehan, director of Alumni Relations at Indiana University East.

The four-session series will explore common themes during uncommon times, where staying healthy and staying home have become the new normal.

In fact, Adulting 101 starts with a presentation that is titled Surviving 2020: How to Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy.

“We thought that was very appropriate for now,” Wiesehan says, “I want the audience to gain knowledge that is relevant in their lives … that intersects with their lives during the pandemic.”

Stephanie Andel, an assistant professor of psychology at IUPUI, will be the featured speaker and will take part in a question-and-answer session after the initial program.

The fall series is a collaboration of the IU Alumni Association East Region and the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.

The other monthly presentations will address topics such as spending, networking and balancing work and life.

Each program was selected with the right timing in mind, Wiesehan says. For example, the second one – on October 21 – is geared toward the upcoming holiday spending season: It’s titled Big Spender: Building Credit and Making Big Purchases.

The rest of the schedule is:

• November 18: Networking, Mingling and Small Talk…OH MY!

• December 16: Free Time? What’s That?: Tips and Tricks for Balancing Work and Life.

Each session will be held virtually via Zoom. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email that contains the link to the session. To register, visit Eventbrite.

“We know how crazy this time is,” Wiesehan says, noting that many more alumni, students and their families are doing work from their homes in efforts to stave off COVID-19. “We are learning to work with distractions, multitasking in different ways. Life balance is even more crucial.”

The names of other guest speakers and registration details will be announced soon.

Roxie Deer will help promote the programs and will represent the chamber and its HYPE initiative (Helping Young Professionals Engage). She is director of Programs and Events for the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.

HYPE is aimed at helping those ages 21 to 40 to engage in the community by offering social and professional development opportunities, according to the chamber’s website.

“HYPE does a lot of great work to support our young professionals,” Wiesehan says. “That includes so many of our young alumni and this another way to connect with their alma mater.” However, Wiesehan was quick to mention that the program is open to anyone as a community outreach.

Adulting 101 was first launched in the fall of 2018 by Oi Lin Cheung, associate professor of finance and director of the Center for Business and Economic Research for the School of Business and Economics. Cheung secured a Sustaining Talent-Engaging Partners (STEP) grant through the “Building a Bright Future” project and partnered with the Office of External Affairs to organize monthly events to help young professionals build a bright financial future.