Senior Guest Program

The Senior Guest Program at 51�� University allows persons 60 years of age or older to audit 51�� courses tuition-free, on a space-available basis and with faculty approval.

Senior guests do not receive grades, and no credit is awarded. Senior guests are invited to enroll in one to two courses per semester during a designated enrollment period.

Senior Guest Application Steps

1. Application Dates

You will be able to register by completing the application during the senior guest registration windows listed below. No pre-registration required.

Senior Guest Fall 2026 Registration

Registration will open Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. through Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at 5 p.m.
The application links will be available on Aug. 17.
Fall term classes begin Aug. 24.
Be sure to select your campus on the application.

3. Schedule of Classes/How to Search for a Class

How to Search for 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: Kent 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

5. Senior Guest Application

Application Availability The application link will only be visible during the registration dates in the registration dates accordion above. To avoid being charged, please apply only through this page during those times.

This application is currently closed.

You will be able to register by completing the application during the senior guest registration windows listed in the registration dates accordion above. No pre-registration required.

Program Essentials and Process Requirements

Eligibility

Senior Guest Eligibility: A person who is 60 years of age or older and has resided in the state of Ohio for at least one year.
For successful participation, you must have access to:
- A computer, laptop or tablet.
- Internet access and the skills to navigate websites.
- The ability to participate in an online environment to access assignments, messages from the professor, etc.
If you have any outstanding balance, we will not be able to register you until this is cleared with the Bursar's office.

Billing Reminders

Senior Guests 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.
- Senior Guests may drop classes by emailing lifelonglearning@kent.edu.
Any distance learning ($15 per credit hour) 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.

Processing Steps

Please do not email, call, visit or otherwise contact a faculty member, school director, department chair, etc., to request admission to a course.
The program 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.
A variety of unavoidable factors may result in Senior Guests beginning a course as late as a week after the official start date.

Campus Contact Information

Find contact information below for Senior Guest information and questions at each 51�� University campus.

Common FAQs

Online Distance Learning Fees

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.

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.

Senior Guest Fee Example

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.

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.

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.

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