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Classes for Experienced Learners (Age 60+)

Learning doesn’t have to stop after high school or college. Experienced learners are invited to audit classes at Kent State tuition-free. There are no grades, and no credit is awarded — it’s simply learning for the fun of it! 

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Nourish the Mind

Choose from engaging, high-quality courses in areas ranging from art history to accounting. 
 

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Connect with Community 

Join the KSU intellectual and social community and stay young at heart by learning alongside current college students.     
 

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Pursue New Passions

Use this opportunity to dive into subjects that didn’t align with earlier academic degrees or professional pursuits. 
 

Senior Guest program at Kent State University enables persons 60 years of age or older to audit Kent State courses on a tuition-free, space-available basis, with university approval.

Senior guests are responsible for the purchase of textbooks, transportation, parking and any other fees, as well as the per credit hour distance learning fee assessed for all online classes. Senior guests do not receive grades, and no credit is awarded. Senior Guests may select up to two (2) courses and one (1) alternative during a designated enrollment period.

Senior Guest Information
Registration

Spring 2025 registration to start January 3, 2025 10:00 a.m. to January 7, 2025 5:00 p.m.

Registration link will open January 3.

  • No pre-registration is required.
  • Late registrations cannot be accommodated.
  • Any distance learning and course fees will be billed through the Bursar's Office. Check your kent.edu email and FlashLine for your e-bill.
  • The senior guest administrator will contact faculty/department and notify you if your course request is approved or denied.

Please do not:

  • Attempt to request admission to a course by emailing, calling, visiting, or otherwise contacting a faculty member, school director, department chair, etc. Admission is coordinated through the senior guest administrator only. Attempting to reach out to the academic unit directly will only delay the admissions process.
  • Attend a course if you have not been approved to do so. Admission to the course must be acquired before attending.

In all cases, the faculty member's decision is final.

How to Apply

All applications must be processed via the program website, www.kent.edu/seniorguest. During the set registration period, there will be two links to the application form. Choose the appropriate link based on your current status.

  1. Current Senior Guest — You have an active @kent.edu email address.
    Registration link will be available Jan. 3, at 10 a.m.
  2. New / Non-Current Senior Guest — You do not have an active @kent.edu email address. You will be prompted to create a Dynamic Forms account when completing this form. A @kent.edu email address will be assigned during this process.

Registration link will be available Jan. 3, at 10 a.m.

How to Search Class Schedule
  • View Schedule of Classes
  • Select the Term you wish to attend
  • Click the Detailed Class Search button

You must select these required fields, but can enter other information to narrow your search, such as Course Number, if you know it:

    1. Subject: at least one subject must be selected

    2. Campus: Kent Campus 

    3. Course Level: Undergraduate or Graduate

Click Class Search

Refer to the Schedule of Classes for course information required to complete the online registration.

Before you start the online registration, you will need these required items for the course you wish to attend:

  • Course Title
  • Course Level - Undergraduate/Graduate
  • CRN
  • Course / Section
  • Meeting Dates
  • Days / Time
  • Instructor
Prior to Registration

Please refer to the Schedule of Classes for course information required to complete the online registration.

Required Items:

  • Course Title
  • Course Level - Undergraduate/Graduate
  • CRN 
  • Course / Section 
  • Meeting Dates
  • Days / Time
  • Instructor
Schedule of Classes

Please determine what classes you want to take prior to registration.

See the Schedule of Classes for a list of courses. 

Need help with your online class? View Attending a Real-Time Lecture or Discussion (PDF). 

Distance Learning Fees / Flash Book Charges

Senior Guests are responsible for the payment of all course fees covering materials and supplies, as well as, the $15 per credit hour distance learning fee assessed for all online courses. Senior Guests are also responsible for the purchase of books.

Flash Book Charges
Important: If your course is included in the Flash Book Program you will automatically receive, and be billed for, the digital textbook.

To Opt-Out: To opt-out of Flash Books, login to your course in Canvas, select the Flash Books icon, and select the opt-out link in the top menu. Follow the directions in the opt-out link to complete the opt-out process.  By opting out, you are responsible for obtaining the required course materials outlined by your instructor for your course.

Questions regarding Flash Books email  flashbooks@kent.edu.

Content Type:  eTextbook content is accessed by clicking on the Flash Books icon in your Canvas course. Publisher Courseware is made available by your instructor through a separate link in your Canvas course.

Fees are course fees and distance learning fees ($15.00 per credit hour). 

In order to determine whether your selected course(s) requires a fee, visit the Schedule of Classes. Once you have located your course, click on the dollar sign icon. See the image below for additional guidance. 

Senior Guest Fee Example

If your course does not require a distance learning or course fee, no further action is required. 

Please contact us by email at continuinged@kent.edu with any questions.

Please note: If you are not granted permission to enroll in your selected course, distance learning and course fees will be refunded if using a credit card. 

Program Policies & Guidelines
  • The Senior Guest administrator will contact the faculty member and notify you whether your course request has been approved or denied.
  • Course requests will be submitted as soon as possible. However, we cannot guarantee admission by the start of classes. A variety of unavoidable factors may result in Senior Guests beginning a course as late as a week after the official start date.
  • Remember that courses are first and foremost intended to serve the needs of the students who are enrolled for credit. Therefore, we ask that Senior Guests not engage in behaviors that are troublesome or inappropriate. 
  • Senior Guests may select up to two (2) courses and one (1) alternate.
  • The following programs are NOT included in the Senior Guest program:  Architecture, Fashion, Nursing, Theatre, Kent Blossom Art and independent study.

Please read the full list of program policies and guidelines below before submitting your registration.  

All Senior Guest Program Guidelines (Text) (PDF)

Getting Started in Your Online Course

One of the key factors in being successful in online courses is effectively utilizing resources. This page provides a list of comprehensive support services, including tips and tricks for getting your computer ready, strategies to be a successful online student, policies, and direct links to student academic services.

Interested in learning more about becoming an online student at Kent State? View all Available Online Degrees.

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For additional help, please contact the Online Support Team at onlinelearning@kent.edu.

Get Started or Learn More

Have questions about the program? ​​Contact Lifelong Learning by email at lifelonglearning@kent.edu or call the office at 330-672-3100 for questions and assistance. 

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