Mark your calendars! 10 new lifelong learning classes for Fall 2024! Registration opens July 8!

4 retired friends sitting outside on a porch smiling at the camera

Learning for a Lifetime at WSU

Lifelong Learning courses cater specifically to individuals aged 60 and above, offering both in-person and online options. The courses, taught by qualified university faculty, consist of four classes held once a week for four weeks, with each class lasting approximately two hours. These courses operate on an audit basis, allowing students to participate without paying tuition fees, and scholarships are available to cover application and course fees for those who enroll before a specified deadline. There are no textbooks to purchase as all required materials are provided by WSU, and there are no tests or grades. The coursework encourages cohort-based learning, offering seniors the opportunity to engage in genuine college-level learning experiences.

 

All course work will be offered in-person and online.

In person classes will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Wichita State University Metropolitan Complex located at 5015 E. 29th St. North. 

Online classes will be available. Students who select this option will receive a link via email each week to view the class on their own device. Students can watch the the recording at their convenience.

The schedule of courses can be found below. Live in-person classes will meet from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Students who enroll in the online option can access the classes online anytime.

Courses

AUGUST CLASSES

The Changing Nature of Warfare I
Cassatt, Eakins, and Homer
Kansas Rocks! The Geology of Kansas
Forgotten Film Genres


SEPTEMBER CLASSES

From Vinyl to Viral: A Musical Time Capsule - Exploring the History of Popular Music in America
Jukebox Musicals: Where did they come from and why are they so popular?
A History of Serial Fiction


OCTOBER CLASSES

Presidential Campaign Communication
Next Year Country: Survival on the Plains of Kansas, 1870-1939
From Aruba to Zimbabwe: The Geology of National Parks of the World

 

Stay tuned for more class details!

 

Back to Top

FAQs

How do I register?

There are four ways to register.

  1. Fill out the form you received with the catalog in the mail and mail the form back to us.
  2. Download and print the PDF form, fill it out, and mail the form to us.
  3. Download the fillable PDF form, fill it out, and email the form to us.
  4. Call 316-978-3264 to register over the phone. 
Where are the classes?

In person classes will be held at the Wichita State University Metropolitan Complex located at 5015 E. 29th St. North, Wichita, KS 67220.

Can I register if I am not over 60?

Students who are younger than 60 years of age can enroll in these courses, but will pay regular tuition and fees. If you're younger than 60 and have NOT previously been admitted to WSU, you can apply here. If you've already been admitted as a student at WSU, you can register for these classes through the myWSU portal. You will need the CRN number for the courses in which you would like to register. The CRN number and additional details for each course can be found in the course brochure. Once you are registered, all you need to do is show up at the first day of class and present a Medicare card or driver's license to validate age. In addition, you will be required to pay all fees (via check or cash only) at your first class (if applicable).

How do the online classes work?

Students who choose the online class will receive a link each week by email. Click the link view the class on your own device at your convenience. You can choose to watch the class at the scheduled live time or you can watch the recording at a later date or time that is more convenient for you. 

Are the same courses offered each semester?

We do not typically repeat classes semester to semester. Each fall and spring brings new options for our learners. Several of our instructors teach classes each semester, so if you like a particular instructor, make sure to check back in because they might be teaching another class the next semester. 

What types of courses are offered?

All Lifelong learning courses are lecture-based. Topics include arts, art history, history, science, literature, political science, philosophy, music and many more! 

1098-T Tax Form

Please be aware that you will be receiving a 1098-T tax form from WSU. Even though you are auditing the classes and some of the fees could be scholarshipped by the University, we are required by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) to provide you with a 1098-T form. For more information regarding the 1098-T, please visit www.wichita.edu/1098t.

Auditing Classes

The information on this page applies only to the courses offered at the designated locations. For information on senior citizen audits of credit courses located on the main campus or satellite locations, please visit their registration page.

Stay Updated

Please enter your contact information below to be added to our Lifelong Learning email list.  We will inform you of new classes as they become available.

 

Contact Us

WSU Lifelong Learning

 

lifelonglearning@wichita.edu | 316-978-3264

1845 Fairmount Street, Box 136, Wichita, KS 67260-0136

Age-Friendly University

Wichita State University is committed to meeting the personal, educational, and career needs of adults of all ages.