Frequently Asked Questions
Lifelong Learning



Frequently asked questions about Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning (LL) classes aren’t like “regular” University of Utah classes. They cover specialized topics, taught by local experts, and are taken by adult community members. Some LL classes last one day, while others meet once a week for up to six weeks. We cover topics across the board, from wine tasting to guitar lessons to helping you become more financially savvy. If you’re interested in something, we have a class for that! New LL classes start weekly throughout the year, and you can register any time during the semester before a class begins.

To register, you can simply add the class to your cart and checkout online on our secure website. If you aren’t comfortable with online transactions, feel free to call us at 801-587-LIFE (5433) and we'll be happy to register you by phone.

1. What is the difference between Lifelong Learning and Osher Lifelong Learning?
Lifelong classes do not require a membership to enroll, whereas Osher classes require an annual membership. A few other key differences are that Lifelong classes are held in the evenings and on weekends, while Osher classes take place during the day. Additionally, Lifelong classes are open to anyone 18 and older, whereas Osher classes are reserved for those 50 and better.

2. Can I get credit for my Lifelong Learning classes?
Lifelong Learning classes are noncredit classes for personal enrichment – come make your life more fulfilling by exploring new hobbies and pursuing existing passions. Some students use our classes to fulfill certain work-related continuing education requirements, check with your employer.

3. What if I know in advance that I will miss a class?
Because most of our students are busy adults, it’s not unusual for students to miss one or two meetings of a course. Notify lifelong@utah.edu if you can, but you don’t need to. Please connect with the instructor during your next class to make sure you receive any handouts or pertinent information you may have missed. Your fee will NOT be prorated for missed classes.

4. Where are classes held?
Our classes are held throughout the community! Some classes are held at our main University of Utah Continuing Education (UUCE) building, at the main U campus, or at the U site in Sandy. Other classes are held in spaces that make sense for them; for example, our welding classes couldn’t take place in a regular classroom! The location is dependent on the class. Please see our Campus Locations page or Community Partners/Locations page for maps, hours, and courses offered at each location.

5. Is parking available for classes held on campus or at U sites?
Free parking is available next to the University of Utah Continuing Education (UUCE) building at 540 Arapeen Drive. No permit is required after 5 pm. See map (PDF) for more details.

1. 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!

2. Can my child who is under 18 take a Lifelong Learning class?
Lifelong Learning classes are designed for adult learners and the minimum age for students is 18. Are you 15+ and really want to take one of our classes with a parent/guardian? Email lifelong@utah.edu for more information on exceptions.

3. Is there a deadline for registering?
You may register up to the night before the class. However, we encourage early registration for the following reasons:

  • We keep our class sizes small, and many classes fill up far in advance.
  • If a class has low enrollment, it may cancel before its start date. Your enrollment could be the one that allows the class to run.
  • Instructors prepare supplies and handouts ahead of time based on the number of students enrolled.
  • Some classes require you to purchase supplies in advance.

4. Can I give a Lifelong Learning class as a gift?
Absolutely! Although we can’t issue gift cards, you can email us at lifelong@utah.edu to discuss alternate methods for gifting a class. Or, if you know what class you want to gift, follow the directions below:

  1. Enroll each person separately: Complete the full checkout process for each recipient individually. This ensures each person has their own enrollment and will have a seat in the class.
  2. Choose an email address for confirmation: If you want to keep it a surprise, enter your email address during enrollment so the confirmation doesn’t go to the recipient. Note: All future University communications will go to this email address. After registering, call us so that we can update the email address to the correct one for that person.

1. What is your refund policy?

  1. Students will receive a full refund if a class is dropped 7 days before the class begins. Students requesting to drop less than 7 days before the class start date, but before 50% of the class is over, will receive a 50% tuition refund, but no special fee refund.
  2. Please note: there are certain classes with exceptions to this policy due to materials purchasing, please review the class note to see if this is the case. If you have further questions, please contact us at 801-587-5433. Visit Lifelong Learning homepage.
  3. Continuing Education is committed to the quality of our classes, services, and instructors. If you are unsatisfied with your experience or unable to attend a course, please contact us online or by phone. Please keep in mind that classroom space, instructor arrangements, and course materials may be scheduled and purchased based on expected class enrollments. If a refund is applicable and you paid through our website, over the phone, or in person using a credit card, it will be issued back to the same card used in the original transaction. Our registration team processes refunds on Fridays. It can take up to 3 business days to appear on card statements.

2. Will I receive a refund if I don't attend the course?
Students will receive a full refund if a class is dropped 7 days before the class begins. Students requesting to drop less than 7 days before the class start date, but before 50% of the class is over, will receive a 50% tuition refund, but no special fee refund. Students who drop after 50% of the class is over will not receive any refund, whether or not they attended the class.

3. Do senior citizens, or veterans get a discount?
Not at this time. We strive to make our classes affordable for everyone; Lifelong Learning is a “breakeven” program and is here to serve the Salt Lake community. Because we try to keep our prices affordable, we can’t offer discounts at this time.

4. 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. You must complete the Tuition Reduction Application form. This form needs to be completed before the class start date, and once each semester. Consider applying for the whole year at once even if you don’t know you will take a class.

5. 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 form must be completed. Contact the Benefits Office at 801-581-7447 with questions about your eligibility.

1. I have an idea for a class/I would like to teach a class. How can I let you know?
Great! We love to work with experts from our community and those with prior teaching experience. Feel free to submit your idea using our online form, and we’ll see if we can add it to our existing curriculum.

2. 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 email lifelong@utah.edu to pass any questions or concerns along to the instructor.

1. How do I request ADA accommodations?
 The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. Reasonable prior notice (3 weeks before first class date) is needed to arrange accommodations. Please call 801-585-1780 to be connected to the Continuing Education unit responsible for your class, or contact the University's Center for Disability Services 801-581-5020.

Still have questions? Call us at 801-587-5433 or email us (preferred) at lifelong@utah.edu.

Who can take these classes?

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