Senior Guest Program
The Senior Guest Program at Kent State University allows persons 60 years of age or older to audit Kent State 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 request to enroll in one to two courses per semester, during a designated enrollment period.
Registration Information
- Information on this page is for Senior Guest registration at the Columbiana County campuses only.
- To find registration for all other Kent State campuses, visit the Campus Contact Information page.
- To be eligible, Senior Guests must be 60 years of age or older and have resided in the state of Ohio for at least one year.
- Senior Guest admission into courses is by faculty approval. Shelly Weekley will contact the faculty member and notify you about whether your course request has been approved.
SENIOR GUEST FAQs POLICIES & GUIDELINES
Registration Links
Summer 2025
- This Application for the Senior Guest Program is closed. Late registrations cannot be accommodated.
Fall 2025 Registration: Important Dates
- Registration is open Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. through Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at 5 p.m.
- The application link will be available Aug. 4.
- Fall classes begin Aug. 18.
- Late registrations cannot be accommodated.
Program Details and Process Reminders
- 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.
- Any distance learning and course fees will be billed through the Bursar's Office. Check your kent.edu email and FlashLine 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.
- Senior Guests may drop classes by emailing lifelonglearning@kent.edu or contacting the Senior Guest Program at 330-672-3100.
- 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.
- 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.
How to Search for Classes
- Go to Schedule of Classes
- Select the Term you wish to attend
- 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: East Liverpool Campus or Salem Campus
3. Course Level: Undergraduate - Click Class Search
FLASHcard - Your Kent State ID
Senior Guests are eligible to receive a Kent State University FLASHcard, the preferred method of identification on campus. You can get a FLASHcard in the Office of Student Services. Be sure to bring a photo ID with you.
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Distance Learning and Material Fees
Experienced Learners 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 Books Charge
Important: If your course is included in the Flash Books 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 Blackboard, 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.
Content Type: eTextbook content is accessed by clicking on the Flash Books icon in your Blackboard course. Publisher Courseware is made available by your instructor through a separate link in your Blackboard course.Fees are base fees and distance learning fees ($15.00 per credit hour).
In order to determine whether your selected course(s) requires a fee, visit the Schedule of Classes. 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 materials fee, no further action is required.
Please contact us by email at continuinged@kent.eduwith questions.
Please note: If you are not granted permission to enroll in your selected course, distance learning and material fees will be refunded if using a credit card.