Retirees take advantage of auditing college courses

Looking back to my years spent inside the classroom, I am beginning to have textbook withdrawals (however, I don’t miss how much they cost). It has been just over seven months since I was sitting in the traditional classroom, but oh, how I miss the debates, late night cram sessions and wondering how I would apply what I was learning to my everyday life.

The average retiree hasn’t been considered a pupil for many years, however there is a cost-effective solution to the scholars’ rut. The Kansas Board of Regents allows any Kansas resident 60 or older to audit courses at a regents' university for free, provided there is sufficient space in the classroom.

Older students audit college courses for a variety of reasons. Maybe they hope to gain a bit of insight on the newest technologies or learn how to operate a simple word document. Travelers might take an art history class before their tour of Paris. A nutrition class might help a newly-diagnosed diabetic better understand their disease. Whatever their reason may be, one thing is for sure—the interactions between generations will leave a lasting impression.

Now that I have graduated from my coursework, I am in a whole new classroom. In this classroom, I am surrounded by ex-professors, deans and school teachers. I learn everyday from an older generation. Despite the less-traditional way of learning, it is truly the best learning environment I’ve ever been in.

Having diversity in a classroom is essential to excavate new ideas. Take advantage of the opportunity for continued education and help improve current students’ education. More information on auditing courses at K-State is available at courses.k-state.edu/catalog/undergraduate/enrollment or by calling (785) 532-6011.