continuing education at the University of Utah
lifelong classes

Frequently Asked Questions About Lifelong Learning

How do Lifelong Learning classes differ from other Continuing Education classes?

Lifelong Learning (LL) classes tend to be shorter in duration than other noncredit continuing education classes, and they meet with adult community members rather than with University students. Some LL classes last one day, others may meet once a week for six weeks or so, as opposed to other noncredit classes that may last the full semester. In addition, some LL classes are nonacademic in nature (e.g., Wine Tasting, Paris for Travelers). New Lifelong Learning classes start weekly throughout the year, and you may register for them at any time during the semester.

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What is the difference between Lifelong Learning and Osher Lifelong Learning?

Although both are noncredit programs open to community members who are not University students, the two programs vary in important ways. Lifelong Learning is open to adults 18 and older, and you may take one or as many classes as you wish. Classes are held weeknights or weekends, and new classes start weekly. Lifelong Learning offers about 150 classes each term.

The Osher program is a membership program just for adults aged 50 and older. Students pay an annual fee of $400 (or $150/term) and may select up to three courses during each of three terms for a minimal materials fee (generally $20 or less). Osher classes are held during the day; a typical term offers about 15 classes to select from. Osher members also get University student privileges, including library, computer, and recreation facilities usage.

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How do I register for Lifelong Learning classes?

You can visit our Lifelong Learning home page, and search for your class either by subject or by using the search box. Once you find the class you want, you can simply add the class to your cart and checkout online on our secure website.

If you are not comfortable with online transactions, feel free to call us at (801) 587-LIFE (5433) and we'll be happy to take your registration by phone.

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Do I need to register by a certain date?

You may register up to the day of the class. However, we encourage early registration for the following reasons:

  • we keep our class sizes small, and many classes fill far in advance
  • you will receive a confirmation email or letter if you register in advance
  • if a class has low enrollment, it may cancel two days before its start date. Your enrollment could be the one that allows the class to run.
  • Instructors ready supplies and handouts based on the number of students enrolled.

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Do I have to be formally admitted to the University to take your classes?

No. Anyone age 18 or older may take a Lifelong Learning class.

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Where are classes held?

Classes are held at the main U campus as well as at U sites in Bountiful, Murray, Sandy, and Park City. Many other class-specific locations are used as well. Please see our Campus Locations page or Community Partners page for maps, hours, and courses offered at each location.

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What room is my Annex class in?

The room number for your class is posted on each Annex entrance - check the sign each week, as classes sometimes move.

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Is parking available for classes held on campus or at U sites?

All U sites have lots of parking, and for classes held on main campus, we select buildings that have plenty of free parking directly adjacent to the building. Many classes are held in the Annex, which is just east of the Huntsman Center. On nights when there is an event at the Huntsman Center (basketball and gymnastics), the Annex lot may be full. Lot attendants will direct you to available parking. Please check the Huntsman Center event dates so you can plan to arrive in time to park in a different lot. Check out the interactive campus map for directions to different campus locations.

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Can I use public transportation to get my class?

If your class is held in the Annex, yes. The Fort Douglas TRAX stop is directly at the north end of the Annex's parking lot.

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Do senior citizens get a discount?

No. Lifelong Learning classes are affordably priced so the whole community can benefit. Osher members are eligible for a 25% discount on Lifelong Learning classes. For more information on the Osher Institute, please call (801) 585-5442 or visit www.continue.utah.edu/osher.

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Does the University of Utah's employee tuition reduction benefit apply to Lifelong Learning classes?

If you are a benefits-eligible University of Utah employee with more than six months of employment, you may use your 50% tuition reduction for Lifelong Learning classes. Contact the Benefits Office at (801) 581-7447 with questions about your eligibility.

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How do I apply to use my U of U employee tuition reduction?

You must complete and return (FAX or mail) the Tuition Reduction Application, which may be found at this page (PDF format.) This form only needs to be completed once per semester.

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Can I use the University's employee tuition reduction to register my spouse in Lifelong Learning classes?

If you are a benefits-eligible employee with more than one year of employment, your spouse may use your tuition reduction benefit for Lifelong Learning classes. A Tuition Reduction Application must be completed and may be found at this page (PDF format.) Contact the Benefits Office at (801) 581-7447 with questions about your eligibility.

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Can my child who is under 18 take a Lifelong Learning class?

Our classes are designed for adult learners. Exceptions are occasionally made based on the class and instructor, so contact us if you're interested in learning more.

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What if I know in advance that I will miss a class?

Because most of our students are busy adults, it is not unusual for students to miss one or two meetings of a course. Notify the instructor if you can, but you do not need to. The instructor will make sure you receive any handouts or pertinent information you may have missed. Your fee will NOT be prorated for missed classes.

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When will my credit card be charged?

Your credit card will be charged when you register for the class.

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Will I receive a refund if I don't attend the course?

Yes, if you call us to drop the course at least three business days before your class begins, you will receive a full refund. You will not receive a refund automatically if you do not attend the course.

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What is your refund policy?

Our refund policy can be viewed here.

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I registered online and did not pay. Am I registered?

No, your online registration does not go through without payment. You will need to reregister, either online, by telephone with a credit card, or in person at the Annex Building, 1901 South Campus Drive, with cash or check.

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May I attend class even though I haven't registered?

You may register for a class the first night of class if it is not full. We discourage students from doing this for several reasons: the class may be full or there may not be enough handouts. If you are not registered, you will not be notified if the class cancels or the start date or location changes.

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I have an idea for a class/I would like to teach a class. How can I let you know?

Great! Feel free to submit your idea using our web form.

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I want to take a language class but I'm not sure which level to enroll in?

Lifelong Learning language classes meet once a week for 1.5 hours. This means that a student could progress to Spanish II, for example, with just 9 hours of Spanish under his or her belt. Therefore, a Lifelong Learning level II class is much simpler than a high school or college level II. Take level I if you are a never-ever and level II if you have had some previous exposure to the language (greetings, counting, time, colors) but still consider yourself a beginner.

Most students take our level II language classes several times before progressing to level III, where the grammatical focus is generally on the past tense and vocabulary moves beyond travel basics. Lifelong Learning's most advanced level is called Intermediate/Advanced; at this level, you should be able to conjugate common verbs in the present, past, and future tenses and have a vocabulary that allows you to converse at a basic level on common topics. Intermediate/Advanced classes are generally taught entirely in the language being studied.

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How can I get a print catalog?

Fill out our web form, or call 801-587-LIFE (5433) and leave your name and address with the registration person or on the machine. A catalog will be mailed to you within 24 hours. Catalogs are also available in the Annex Building, each U site, and at selected locations around town. Finally, you can download a PDF of our most recent catalog here.

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How do I contact a Lifelong Learning instructor?

We do not provide students with our instructors' phones or email addresses. We will, however, take your contact information and relay that to the instructor, who will contact you. Please call (801) 587-LIFE to request to have an instructor call or email you.

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How can I receive information about future classes?

You may be added to Lifelong Learning's email list or regular mailing list. Please call (801) 587-LIFE or email life@aoce.utah.edu to request to be added to either or both lists. If you just want to receive our e-mails, you can sign up online here.

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I still have questions. How can I talk to a human?

Call (801) 587-LIFE or (801) 581-6464. In Park City, call (435) 645-8638. You may also submit your questions by using our web form.

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University of Utah continuing education