Florida universities allows old folk like me to audit classes for free. I'm considering a smattering of advanced math, physics, and programming classes, mostly for fun.

I don't need this. I can learn anything I don't know on the internet, and I don't really need to know anything that I don't already know. But I've got the time and I kind of miss sitting in lecture halls. It's been decades for me.

Have any of you older guys here done this? Thoughts? Advice? Should I just stay home?

 

Do it. It'll show you how much your brain has aged, sadly, but is a lot of fun.

 

In Colorado we have a similar program called Listening In. I found out about it when some people wanted to sit in on some classes I was teaching. Here, people that were 60 and over could audit courses for $50 (back then) but veterans could do it for free. It was up to the individual instructor to allow it and also to set the boundaries. Some allowed people to sit in but they couldn't interact in class or submit course work. I was the opposite. I told them that they could participate just like they were any other student, including asking questions, doing homework, and taking exams. I would grade and provide feedback just like I would to any other student, but they were under now obligation to submit anything. It was entirely up to them. I generally found that they were some of my best students (because they were spending their time to learn something they wanted to as opposed to just checking a box). But there was also a high dropout rate (and all the other instructors experienced the same thing). Since there was no obligation and no reward (beyond the enjoyment), it tended to be the first thing that people cut out of their schedule when other things came up. Completely understandable. A few times, those "other things" were health issues for them or a family member, which would be expected to be likely given the age group. Other times someone that was doing great and seemed to be really enjoying it just stopped coming with no explanation, which, again, is understandable since there's no obligations or expectations.

I've thought seriously about participating in the program and may do it in the Spring.

 

If it was my decision, I would jump at the opportunity

 

If it was my decision, I would jump at the opportunity

I have already registered, but I won't know what classes will be offered for audit till mid December.

 

Go, have fun.

 

That was fast. I just got confirmation: I'm officially an FAU Owl.

We're 4-2, 6th place in the AAC, playing Rice this weekend.

Go Owls!

 

Funny: so I'm fully enrolled as a "non-degree" seeking student, and I've already been invited to a homecoming dance tonight.

Good times!

 

We're 4-2, 6th place in the AAC, playing Rice this weekend.

Go Owls!

Interesting fact (that I learned when I was today years old):

Howard Schnellenberger started the football program at my new alma mater, FAU. He is the same coach that raised my old alma mater, the Miami Hurricanes, to national football prominence in the early 80s.