Gerontology Program | Lifelong Learning
Lifelong Learning
Emeritus Society
The Emeritus Society seeks to provide stimulating noncredit opportunities for adult learners by providing a learning community that affirms the unique attributes that adult students bring to the classroom—delight in the joy of learning, intellectual savvy, and substantial life experience.
Students are encouraged and supported in pursuing their intellectual interests with like-minded peers. Our college-level courses are designed to satisfy a hunger for intellectual nourishment without the pressure of tests and grades. We invite you to join us!
Please view the Spring 2024 Brochure (PDF) – classes are enrolling now!
View this news clip featuring one of our most popular classes, “The Profs Do the Movies.”
The Emeritus Society offers approximately 25 courses annually. Our courses conform to an arts and sciences curriculum and are planned by the Program Director, Dr. Elise Eifert, on the basis of member requests, the expertise of instructors, variety, and balance.
Topics include:
- Arts, Music & Culture
- History
- Literature
- Religion & Philosophy
- Sciences & Technology
- Current Events
- And more!
Emeritus Society instructors are a mix of professors, current and retired, from UNC Greensboro and nearby universities, graduate students, independent scholars, and community experts. If you have a topic for a class or know of someone who would make a great Emeritus Society instructor, please contact the Program Director at [email protected].
Emeritus Society classes are about the love of learning. There are no tests or grades. Participation is essential, ranging from keeping up with assigned readings, contributing to class discussion, and sharing personal experience. Courses typically meet once per week for 75-90 minutes over a 6-week period; class times vary but typically occur during business hours. Please check the detailed course descriptions for exceptions.
Emeritus Society is a self-supporting arm of UNC Greensboro. Class fees, not tax dollars, are used to meet costs for the program. Each course costs $140 and covers the room rental, instructor salary, event promotion, and special events like “The Profs Do the Movies” are offered at variable costs. All courses are priced individually and are listed in the course descriptions.
Emeritus Society courses are open to people of all ages and educational backgrounds. Enrollment in the Emeritus Society Courses is handled through SERVE, Inc., a non-profit corporation established to support UNC Greensboro. You can register here or contact SERVE, Inc. at 336.740.0211 or [email protected].
You are enrolled only when payment is received. Register early to avoid inconvenience. Late registrants could miss important announcements such as last-minute changes in location. Instructors may not have enough materials for those registering late.
Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. If the class you want is filled, we keep a waiting list. Partial enrollment to attend portions of the classes cannot be accepted. Detailed information on class location and parking will be supplied upon confirmation.
The majority of courses are taught face to face at various locations in Greensboro including:
- Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (607 N Greene St)
- Christ United Methodist Church (410 N Holden Rd)
- UNC Greensboro main campus
Some courses are being taught online via Zoom. Links to classes are provided upon enrollment.
Will courses still meet if there is adverse weather?
When the university closes due to adverse weather (such as ice and/or snow, or other conditions) Emeritus Society classes are cancelled as well. Details can be found on the UNCG homepage or by dialing one of the following numbers:
- Adverse Weather Line 336.334.4400
- Campus Switchboard 336.334.5000
Details are also available on the Triad’s four television stations: WFMY-TV (News 2), WGHP-TV (Fox 8), WXII-TV (News Channel 12) and WXLV (ABC 45). Some area radio stations also have information.
When the university decides to remain open but Emeritus Society classes are cancelled, you will be notified of the cancellation by SERVE, Inc.
How do I add, drop, or get a refund for an Emeritus class?
To receive a refund, a written request must be received prior to the first class meeting. A $5 processing fee will be deducted from the refund. Cancellation requests received after the first class meeting but before the second meeting will receive a full refund minus a $15 cancellation fee.
ALL written requests should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:
Emeritus Society
5900 Summit Avenue, #201
Browns Summit, NC 27214
Senior Citizen Audit Program
Any North Carolina resident, at least age 65, is permitted to audit undergraduate courses at UNC Greensboro without payment of tuition and fees.
According to Section 10.12. (a) Chapter 115B of the North Carolina General Statute authorizes a bill to allow senior citizens to audit UNC and Community College courses. North Carolina General Statute 115B-2.2 is as follows:
“Any person who is at least 65 years old may audit courses offered at the constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina and the community colleges as defined in G.S. 115D-2(2) without payment of any required registration fee or tuition for the audit provided the audit is approved in accordance with policies adopted by the Board of Governors and the State Board of Community Colleges for their respective institutions, and there is no cost to the State. A person shall be allowed to audit a class under this section only on a space available basis. Persons auditing classes under this section shall not be counted in the computation of enrollment for funding purposes. This section does not apply to audits of courses provided on a self-supporting basis by community colleges.”
Auditing a course means you are registered in a course but will not receive earned credit hours, grade point average (GPA) hours, or quality points. Students who audit courses are expected to attend their classes regularly. Participating in class discussions, tests, and/or exams are optional with the instructor.
You can read more about course auditing policies and procedures on Spartan Central.
Those who have attained the age of 65, are a North Carolina resident as defined by the institution, and meet applicable admission standards are eligible to audit courses on a tuition-free basis. In order to prove residency, you must have a Residency Certification Number (RCN). You can obtain your RCN through Residency Determination Service (RDS) at no cost. Complete the Residency Determination process to receive your RCN. The RCN is required on Course Audit Request Form.
- You may audit up to six (6) credit hours per semester.
- Only undergraduate courses are eligible for enrollment.
- You must have the permission of the instructor to enroll.
- Complete and submit the Course Audit Request Form (PDF) including signature of the course instructor to UNCG’s Registrar’s Office:
- Mailing address: PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
- Physical address: 1202 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, NC 27412 (Mossman Building)
- It is recommended that you first identify the course(s) you wish to take, as well as, receive departmental/instructor approval to take the course before completing the form.
Is there someone I can speak to regarding the Senior Citizen Course Audit Program?
Speak with Program Director!
What item(s) will I need to submit when applying to the Senior Citizen Course Audit program?
If this is your first time participating in the audit program, you must provide verification of your age along with a completed Course Audit Request Form (PDF). This is usually completed by scanning a copy of a government issued ID (with your date of birth visible on the ID) and submitting with the Course Audit Request Form.
Please note that you must complete and submit the audit form for each semester you plan to audit a course. Audit forms must be received prior to the end of the last day to add or drop a course with no grade — this date can be found on the Academic Calendar.
Where can I find a list of course offerings?
You can start by looking at UNC Greensboro schedule of classes when it posts each semester. Older adults take a wide range of courses; ranging from various course topics, including foreign language, political science, physical fitness, and many more.
If you have questions about course content or seeking permission to take a course, contact the academic department of that course. Please note that independent studies, laboratory courses, internships, distance education (online), and graduate (500+) courses are not eligible for the Senior Citizen Course Audit program.
When will I be registered for my course(s)?
Older adults will begin to be registered following the last day of the last orientation session. This is to ensure that degree-seeking students are given priority during the registration period. As such, please have alternative course options available in case your preferred option fills up!
If you have not already acquired permission from the department and/or instructor to take your chosen course, we will contact the department on your behalf prior to registration.
Is there a fee associated with this program?
No, older adults taking part in the course audit program have their tuition and fees waived. Please note, fees associated with parking, books, and specific course fees are the responsibility of the student.
How does parking work on campus?
Older adults participating in the course audit program are considered visitors to the university. Visitors are ineligible to purchase parking permits and must park in designated Visitor Parking areas paying the hourly rate. For more information on locations of Visitor Parking, visit UNCG Parking Operations.
