Experienced Learner 60+ Program (Formerly "Senior Guest")
The Experienced Learner 60+ program (Formerly "Senior Guest") at ֱ State University enables persons 60 years of age or older to audit ֱ State courses on a tuition-free, space-available basis, with university approval.
Experienced learners are responsible for the purchase of textbooks, transportation, parking and any other course fees, as well as the per credit hour distance learning fee assessed for all online classes. Experienced learners do not receive grades, and no credit is awarded. Experienced learners may select up to two (2) courses and one (1) alternative during a designated enrollment period. The following programs are NOT included in the Experienced Learner 60+ program: Aeronautics, Architecture, Fashion, Nursing, Theatre, ֱ Blossom Art and independent study.
Registration Links
The Summer 2025 Application for Experienced Learners Program is now closed.
Late registrations cannot be accommodated.
Fall 2025 Registration
Registration starts Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 10:00 a.m. - Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 5:00 p.m.
Application link will be available Aug. 4. Fall classes begin Aug. 18.
- Experienced Learner 60+ Eligibility: A person who is sixty years of age or older and has resided in the state of Ohio for at least one year.
- Please do not email, call, visit or otherwise contact a faculty member, school director, department chair, etc., to request admission to a course.
- The experienced learner administrator will contact faculty/department and notify you by email, if your course request is approved or denied. All cases, the university's decision is final. Please do not attend a course if you have not been approved to do so.
- Any distance learning and course fees will be billed through the Bursar's Office. Check your kent.edu email and for your e-bill.
If you have any outstanding balance, we will not be able to register you until this is cleared with the Bursar's office. - Experienced learners may drop classes by emailing lifelonglearning@kent.edu or contacting the Experienced Learner 60+ program at 330-672-3100.
- Experienced Learners who do not attend, and do not drop, a course in which they are enrolled will be assessed all related fees. Deadlines are listed in the Schedule of Classes.
- To successfully participate in this program, you must have access to a computer, laptop or tablet. You will need to have internet access, know how to navigate websites, and be able to participate in an online environment to access assignments, messages from the professor, etc.
ֱ Campus Parking:
Experienced learners may park in the ֱ Student Center Visitor’s Lot, for up to two (2) hours, at no charge, with a Golden Buckeye Card and a card issued from Parking Services.
ֱ State Golden Buckeye Permits will be needed to exit the Student Center Lot (cash will not be accepted).
ֱ State Golden Buckeye Permits are available, free of charge at KSU Parking Services.
Please bring your Driver's License, Golden Buckeye Card & License Plate Number to
800 E Summit Street, Michael Schwartz Center, Room 123
For more information on parking options or to purchase a permit for other campus lots: contact Parking Services at: parking@kent.edu or 330-672-4432 or visit www.kent.edu/parking.
Experienced Learner 60+ Information
- Registration for ֱ State campuses, visit the Campus Contact Information page.
- Eligibility: A person who is sixty years of age or older and has resided in the state of Ohio for at least one year.
- Visit the Experienced Learner 60+ FAQs page for additional information or contact 330-672-3100.
How to search on Schedule of Classes
- Select the Term you wish to attend
- Click the Detailed Class Search button
You must select these required fields, but can enter other information to narrow your search, such as Course Number, if you know it:
1. Subject: at least one subject must be selected
2. Campus: ֱ Campus
3. Course Level: Undergraduate or Graduate
Click Class Search
Before you start the online application, you will need these required items for the course you wish to attend:
- Course Title
- Course Level - Undergraduate/Graduate
- CRN
- Course / Section
- Meeting Dates
- Days / Time
- Instructor
Tips for Getting Started
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Distance Learning Fees / Flash Book Charges
Senior Guests are responsible for the payment of all course fees covering materials and supplies, as well as, the $15 per credit hour distance learning fee assessed for all online courses. Senior Guests are also responsible for the purchase of books.
Flash Book Charges
Important: If your course is included in the Flash Book Program you will automatically receive, and be billed for, the digital textbook.To Opt-Out: To opt-out of Flash Books, login to your course in Canvas, select the Flash Books icon, and select the opt-out link in the top menu. Follow the directions in the opt-out link to complete the opt-out process. By opting out, you are responsible for obtaining the required course materials outlined by your instructor for your course.
Questions regarding Flash Books email flashbooks@kent.edu.
Content Type: eTextbook content is accessed by clicking on the Flash Books icon in your Canvas course. Publisher Courseware is made available by your instructor through a separate link in your Canvas course.Fees are course fees and distance learning fees ($15.00 per credit hour).
In order to determine whether your selected course(s) requires a fee, visit the . Once you have located your course, click on the dollar sign icon. See the image below for additional guidance.
If your course does not require a distance learning or course fee, no further action is required.
Please contact us by email at lifelonglearning@kent.edu with any questions.
Please note: If you are not granted permission to enroll in your selected course, distance learning and course fees will be refunded if using a credit card.
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Getting Started in Your Online Course
One of the key factors in being successful in online courses is effectively utilizing resources. This page provides a list of comprehensive support services, including tips and tricks for getting your computer ready, strategies to be a successful online student, policies, and direct links to student academic services.
Interested in learning more about becoming an online student at ֱ State? View all .
For additional help, please contact the Online Support Team at onlinelearning@kent.edu.
Questions?
Contact Lifelong Learning by email lifelonglearning@kent.edu or call 330-672-3100 for assistance.