Senior Citizens Can Take Classes Tuition-Free As “Silver Scholars”

Contact: publicrelations@ncwc.edu (252) 985-5141

June 17, 2008

Senior Citizens Can Take Classes Tuition-Free
As “Silver Scholars”

Rocky Mount, N.C. — Senior citizens age 60 and above will be able to take courses at North Carolina Wesleyan College tuition-free when the College begins its new Silver Scholars Program in the fall.

“This exciting new program will allow senior citizens to enroll with audit status on a non-degree, space-available basis in any course that Wesleyan offers,” said Dr. John Thornell, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the College. “The course offerings include not only day classes but also evening classes taught through Wesleyan’s Adult Degree Program in Rocky Mount and in Goldsboro and Morrisville,” Dr. Thornell said.

“Wesleyan is pleased to be able to provide senior citizens in Eastern North Carolina with an opportunity to enjoy taking college courses in subjects that interest them. Lifelong learning is something that Wesleyan wants to promote, and what better way to do this than to make courses easily available to seniors,” he said. “Any senior citizen who is interested in a subject and wants to study more about it is eligible to enroll, no matter the level of their educational background.”

Seniors may enroll for a maximum of six hours per semester, and there is an administrative fee of $25 per course. Silver Scholars are expected to purchase any books or materials required for their courses. Whether they will take tests, do homework, and receive feedback may be arranged with the course instructor. Prerequisites required for some courses may be waived for Silver Scholars.

“The men and women who make up Wesleyan’s faculty are outstanding teachers and scholars,” Dr. Thornell said. “More than 85 percent of our full-time faculty hold the Ph.D. or highest degree in their field. Many have published articles and books in their areas of expertise. They actively take part in and lead professional organizations, and have presented their work at state, national, and even international conferences.

“Wesleyan is proud to be able to share its faculty resources through the Silver Scholars Program,” Dr. Thornell added. “The College hopes that the program will enrich the lives of many area citizens.”

Applicants for courses must complete an enrollment form available from the Rocky Mount Adult Degree Program Office in the Braswell Administration Building, telephone 252-985-5128. Proof of age will be required. The schedule of fall classes is available in the Adult Degree Program Office and also online at www.ncwc.edu, then Academic Programs, then Classes, then Course Schedules. Silver Scholars may enroll in classes following the first class meeting and during the late registration period, which runs through Tuesday, September 2. Classes for regular students will begin the last week of August.