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Frequently Asked Questions About the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

About the Courses

What classes are offered?
How do I register for courses?
Once I register for classes can I change my mind?
What if I register for a class and find out I don't like it after the first class?
How long do courses last?
Who teaches the courses?
Where do courses meet?
What about parking?
Can I use public transportation to get my class?
Will I have to do homework?
Will I receive credit for courses I complete?
What happens if a class is full?
Can I sit in on a class for which I am not registered?
The class I am taking is offered at other times. Can I go to a class at a different time than the one for which I am registered?
When I look in on the class it seems there is room but the office told me the class is full. Why can't I go to the class?

What classes are offered?

Classes are offered in three terms per year, fall, winter, and spring. See the class listing for current class offerings, or follow this link to see the most recent catalog.

How do I register for courses?

Register on-line by selecting the classes link at the right. Add desired courses to your cart.

Once I register for classes can I change my mind?

You can drop classes right up until 4 days before the term starts. You can add classes up until the end of the first week of classes. Your fees will be adjusted accordingly. Contact the registration team at 801-581-7155.

What if I register for a class and find out I don't like it after the first class?

Switching classes once the term starts is discouraged. Space in classes is limited and someone who wanted to take the class may not have been able to get in. We do keep a waiting list but the person on the wait list would miss the first class. Also, some students who wanted the class may not have opted to be put on the wait list when they found the class was full. Switching classes also disrupts preparation of class packets and purchasing of textbooks and other materials. It works out best for everyone to do a little homework up front to be sure you will enjoy the classes you select. Feel free to call the office if you have questions about a course you are considering. We can have the instructor call you so you can get the information you need to make your decision before registering. If after proper diligence you still find yourself dissatisfied with a class call the Osher office and ask to speak to the director. We will do our best to resolve the issue.

How long do courses last?

A typical class meets for 1-1/2 hours, once per week for 6 weeks, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Exceptions are classes with field trips and classes where more or less intensive focus is needed.

Who teaches the courses?

Courses are taught by University of Utah faculty, emeriti faculty, and other distinguished professionals.

Where do courses meet?

Courses are held in Salt Lake City and in Bountiful. Most Salt Lake City courses are held at the Commander's House in Fort Douglas on the University of Utah campus, 1965 de Trobriand St., Bldg. 620, on the north side of Stilwell Field and the Parade Grounds. Those with limited mobility can park at the handicap parking stalls available on De Trobriand Street, and enter the building from the south entrance (see Directions & Map page). All others can park in the lot behind the building. Bountiful courses are held at the University of Utah site, 75 East 200 South (see map). Those with limited mobility may choose to use the ramp on the east side of the building.

What about parking?

For classes on the Fort Douglas campus, parking is located on the North side of the Commander's House and west of the Officers Club. Parking in this lot is free for members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute while Osher classes are in session. (See the Directions & Map page for map and parking information) Osher students may park in any stall in this lot. Overflow parking is at the Guest House directly north of the Commander's House. Please inform the Osher representative if you need to park in the overflow lot so the proper authorities can be informed. Parking in handicapped stalls or University vehicle stalls without a permit or parking elsewhere may result in a ticket. Students are responsible for paying all tickets received when parking in non-authorized spots. Those with limited mobility can park at the handicap parking stalls available on De Trobriand Street, and enter the building from the south entrance (see Directions & Map page). For classes in Bountiful, free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building (see map). Those with limited mobility may choose to use the ramp on the east side of the building.

Students may also purchase an unlimited UTA and TRAX pass (at the beginning of each term). Passes are valid for the academic year - September to September - regardless of when they are purchased. Pass fees are not prorated. Call the office for information.

Can I use public transportation to get my class?

Yes. All Osher class locations are accessible by bus, Trax, or campus shuttle. For more information about UTA and Trax including schedules, see this page. UTA/Trax passes are available for purchase at the Osher office. For more information about Campus shuttles including schedules, see this page.

Will I have to do homework?

No. While some instructors will provide suggested reading for a course, there are no homework requirements. Of course some courses will be much more interesting or valuable to you if you do invest some time outside of class. You decide how much effort you want to put into your own learning and enjoyment.

Will I receive credit for courses I complete?

No. All Osher courses are non credit.

What happens if a class is full?

The office maintains a wait list for each full class. If a class you request is full your name will automatically be placed on the wait list. You will be notified at the phone number on file if space becomes available or new course sections are added. A space will be held for you for 24 hours before moving on to the next person on the wait list. Please respect your fellow students and instructors by not attending classes for which you are not registered.

Can I sit in on a class for which I am not registered?

You must be registered for all classes you attend. If you would like to register, please contact the office to register before attending the class. You will be accommodated on a space available basis. Please respect your fellow students and instructors by not attending classes for which you are not registered.

The class I am taking is offered at other times. Can I go to a class at a different time than the one for which I am registered?

You must be registered for all classes you attend. If you would like to register, please contact the office to register before attending the class. You will be accommodated on a space available basis. Please respect your fellow students and instructors by not attending classes for which you are not registered.

When I look in on the class it seems there is room but the office told me the class is full. Why can't I go to the class?

An empty seat does not imply there is room in the class. If the office told you the class is full, please respect your fellow members and do not "sit-in." If there appears to be room in the class it may be because there are extra seats for another class held in the same room that day or because some students are absent or late. Sitting-in on a class disrupts the experience for those students who are legitimately registered for the class. Please respect your fellow students and instructors by not attending classes for which you are not registered. Attending a class for which you are not registered is against Osher policy and could result in revocation of your membership.