Providing learning opportunities for people over the age of fifty.

Elon University’s lifelong education program completed its twelfth year in the spring of 2023! It has been an incredible success and it continues to improve each year, thanks to the great work of our dedicated volunteers. The program was designed to offer non-credit learning opportunities to people ages 50 and older. The learning institute, called LIFE@Elon, features weekly presentations, on a variety of different topics, conducted in an engaging format. There are 12 classes offered per semester (fall and spring) which are taught by current and retired Elon faculty and staff members, other area educators, and presenters chosen by our Curriculum Committee volunteers.

We offer five class times so members can choose the time that works best with their schedule when registering. Once selected, that is the one they attend all year. Current members will register before those on the waiting list and get priority when choosing the class they want to attend. The class times are:

  • Tuesday morning class that meets from 10:00-12:00
  • Tuesday afternoon class that meets from 1:30-3:30
  • Wednesday morning class that meets from 10:00-12:00
  • Wednesday afternoon class that meets from 1:30-3:30
  • Thursday morning virtual class that meets on Zoom from 10:00-12:00

Members pay a yearlong membership fee of $160 for the in-person classes (and $150 for the Zoom class), which includes enrollment in all 24 sessions, borrowing privileges at Elon’s Belk Library, free parking at Johnston Hall on class days, free or discounted tickets to some cultural events on campus, special interest groups, Fun Friday events, Zoom training and more!

Examples of sessions examined in previous semesters are:

  • A Short History of Jazz
  • How Media Shapes Politics
  • Music Theatre at Elon
  • Stem Cell Research and the Future of Health Care
  • The Drama of Our Oceans
  • Post-Civil War History
  • Cathedrals of Europe

Read more about the program and membership or view our past schedules.