Education Opportunities for Seniors
1. University of Penn –
A. Tuition benefits for faculty taking courses at the University.
Full time faculty, both active and retired get the same benefits.These are considered Tuition Assistance or Scholarships. They are describedin detail under Human Resources, Policy 406, dated 11/2/2005 and 409, dated/26/05. They are available for any school in the university to which the individual has been admitted.They cover essentially all costs for a maximum of 6 course units per academic year for credit for the faculty or emeritus faculty member and one half of the costs for the spouse.
However, the individual is responsible for any tax liability which may be incurred. This benefit is considered taxable income and may be reported by the university to the IRS et al. The guide lines are somewhat vague as to whether tax is applied to the entire benefit (approximately $2,000 or more per credit) or whether this applies only to amounts over $5,250 per calendar year.
This route requires formal application and certification by one's department of his or her status etc. Contact Human Resources for detailed information.
B. College of General Studies –Senior Associates Program
Allows seniors to enroll in undergraduate courses for $500 per semester per course, but these courses are for auditing only, not for credit toward any degree.. Occasionally, special permission can be obtained from a professor to audit a course not on the approved list.
This is open to all seniors, not just those affiliated with Penn, and there is no further discount for faculty.
The website is: www.sas.upenn.edu/CGS/senior/
Courses Open to Senior Associates (From the web site)
“Senior Associates may enroll in hundreds of undergraduate lecture courses (courses numbered below 499). There are some limitations. Senior Associates may not enroll in graduate classes; classes in Wharton, Nursing, Engineering, or any of Penn’s professional schools (e.g., Architecture, Medicine, or Fine Arts); classes designated as “seminars,” “for majors only,” “studios,” “labs,” or “recitations”; or film and languages.”
2. Temple University –Ft Washington, Pa Campus -
From the website: www.ambler.temple.edu/tufu/non-credit/index.htm
“Programs for Adult Learners ages 55 and up!
Temple University provides this membership society for community members who enjoy learning and are able to do so during the day. The Fall 2006 LifeLong Learning Society programs are now available. To view our current course offerings, click here. For more information, or to receive a brochure by mail, call us at 267-468-8500.
The charge is $95 per semester.
Also available are non credit courses such as digital photography and horticulture, for slightly higher fees.”
3. Villanova University
Entry level undergraduate courses may be audited by seniors. There is no charge.
Contact number: 610-519-4300
From the website: http://www.parttime.villanova.edu/programs/personalEnrichment.htm
“Whether it is philosophy, theology, microeconomics or theater, Villanova's classes offer a high quality, enriching experience. Look through the University's course catalog and find something wonderful. We prize our adult learners because you bring your rich experience and thoughtful point of view into the classroom. And you get to share in the vibrancy of young minds exploring new territory with you.”