Senior Guest Program
The 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 faculty approval.
Senior guests are responsible for the purchase of textbooks, transportation, parking and any other course 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. The following programs are NOT included in the Senior Guest program: Architecture, Fashion, Nursing, Theatre, Kent Blossom Art and independent study.
Senior Guests who do not attend, and do not drop, a course in which they are enrolled will be assessed all related fees. Deadlines are listed in the Schedule of Classes. Senior Guests may drop classes via FlashLine (https://flashline.kent.edu/FlashLine) or by contacting the Senior Guest program at 330-672-3100.
Senior Guests should check their kent.edu email accounts for updates and e-bills.
Parking on Campus
Kent State Golden Buckeye Permits will be needed to exit the Student Center Lot (cash will not be accepted).
Permits are available, free of charge at KSU Parking Services.
Please bring your Driver's License, Golden Buckeye Card & License Plate Number to
800 E Summit Street, Michael Schwartz Center, Room 123
Senior Guest Spring 2025 Registration
Spring 2025 registration starts January 3, 2025 10:00 a.m. - January 7, 2025 5:00 p.m.
A link will be available 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 by email, if your course request is approved or denied.
Please do not:
- Email, call, visit or otherwise contact a faculty member, school director, department chair, etc., to request admission to a course.
- Attend a course if you have not been approved to do so.
- In all cases, the university's decision is final.
Senior Guest Information
- Registration for Kent State campuses, visit the Campus Contact Information page.
- Eligibility: A person who is sixty years of age or older and has resided in the state of Ohio for at least one year.
- Visit the Senior Guest FAQs page for information.
How to search on Schedule of Classes
- 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
See the Schedule of Classes for a list of courses. for 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
Tips for Getting Started
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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.
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.
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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.
For additional help, please contact the Online Support Team at onlinelearning@kent.edu.
Questions?
Contact Lifelong Learning by email at lifelonglearning@kent.edu or call the office at 330-672-3100 for assistance.