Rocky Mount, N.C.—Senior citizens age 60 and above may take spring semester courses at North Carolina Wesleyan College tuition-free as the college continues its popular Silver Scholars Program, which began last fall.

“This exciting program allows 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 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 for an administrative fee of $25 per course. Silver Scholars are expected to purchase any books or materials required for their courses. Whether they 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 the program will enrich the lives of many area citizens.”

Course and Registration Information

A list of classes for Spring 2009 is posted on Wesleyan’s website. Go to www.ncwc.edu, click on Academic Programs at the top of the screen. Under Classes, click on Course Schedules. Class lists are also available on the Rocky Mount campus and at Wesleyan’s Goldsboro and Morrisville campuses.

Registration forms for the Silver Scholars Program are available at Wesleyan campuses in Rocky Mount, Goldsboro, and Morrisville. Proof of age is required at registration. A $25 registration fee is also required, and Silver Scholars are expected to purchase textbooks and materials that may be needed.

Please note that Silver Scholars can be admitted to classes only if space is available after regular students have registered. The courses do not count as credit toward a degree.

Spring 2009 classes begin the week of January 12.

To Register at the Rocky Mount Campus: Complete an application available in the Rocky Mount Adult Degree Program Office located in the Braswell Administration Building, Room 188. The office is open Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., telephone 252-985-5128. Silver Scholar Registration for Spring Semester will begin Monday, January 12, from 2 – 6 p.m.

To Register at the Goldsboro Campus: Applicants for evening classes through the Adult Degree Program (ADP) may apply at the Goldsboro ADP Office, 139 West Walnut Street, Goldsboro; telephone 919-736-9093. Please refer to the online schedule of classes. Go to www.ncwc.edu, then Academic Programs, then Classes, then Course Schedules.

To Register at the Triangle Campus: Applicants for evening classes through the Adult Degree Program (ADP) may apply at the ADP Office in Morrisville, 2000 Perimeter Park Drive; telephone 919-388-5879. Please refer to the online schedule of classes. Go to www.ncwc.edu, then Academic Programs, then Classes, then Course Schedules.