FAQ
Lifelong Learning

Frequently asked questions about Lifelong Learning

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.

Although both are noncredit programs open to community members, the two programs vary in important ways. Lifelong Learning is open to adults 18 and over, and most classes are held weeknights or weekends.

The Osher Institute is a membership program exclusively for adults 50 and over. Students pay a membership fee that entitles them the full array of member benefits, to take courses at the Institute, and to attend special events and other activities for members. Osher classes are held during the day in easily accessible locations with ample parking. Courses are selected by a committee of members and teaching is tailored to meet the needs of the mature learner.

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.

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 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 ready supplies and handouts based on the number of students enrolled.

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

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

The room number for your class is posted on TVs near each entrance to the Continuing Education building at 540 Arapeen Drive. You can also check the Lifelong Learning website the night before your class to confirm the class location.

Free parking is available next to the Continuing Education building at 540 Arapeen Drive. No permit is required after 5 pm. See map for more details.

We encourage you to take public transit to your class. UTA buses 3, 223, 313, 455, and 473 have stops next to the Continuing Education building. You can find detailed information at rideuta.com.

No. Lifelong Learning classes are affordably priced so the whole community can benefit.

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 once per semester.

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. Contact the Benefits Office at 801-581-7447 with questions about your eligibility.

Lifelong Learning classes are designed for adult learners and minimum age for students is 18.

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.

View our refund policy.

View our refund policy.

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

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(5433) to request to have an instructor call or email you.

Call 801-587-LIFE(5433). You may also submit your questions by using our online form.

Unfortunately, no. We are subject to the academic policies of the University of Utah, so it isn't possible to register to register someone other than yourself for a class. Instead, we suggest you have your friend register themselves, or email us at lifelong@utah.edu to discuss possibilities for holding seats for multiple people.

We do not offer gift cards at this time, but you can email us at lifelong@utah.edu to discuss alternate methods for gifting a class to someone.

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 at disability.utah.edu or 801-581-5020.

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