Opportunities for lifelong learners
at UW-Madison

Auditing for Wisconsin Seniors

Wisconsin residents (as defined by state statute) age 60+ can audit lecture courses at UW-Madison for free with the instructor’s approval. Benefits of enrolling include access to campus computing services and the libraries; Recreational Sports access is available for a fee.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (UW-Madison OLLI) is a Madison-area program for lifelong learners 50 and older in Dane and the seven surrounding counties. Annual dues are $30 and include a subscription to the OLLI newsletter, invitations to special educational events and discounts on program fees, including free transportation to some events. UW faculty and staff lecture during OLLI programs. UW OLLI has more than 400 members.

PLATO

PLATO (Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization) is a membership learning organization for retirees sponsored by UW-Madison. Members teach and lead discussions on a variety of topics such as history, literature, jazz and travel. Dues are $50 per year and include unlimited participation in PLATO classes, a subscription to the PLATO newsletter and invitations to the spring luncheon and summer programs. Currently, more than 600 members participate in PLATO.

Wisconsin Alumni Lifelong Learning

Wisconsin Alumni Lifelong Learning, in partnership with the Division of Continuing Studies, offers UW alumni and friends a campus connection through educational programs.

Other classes and programs for senior learners

In addition to these lifelong learning opportunities for older adults, UW-Madison offers noncredit classes, programs and free lectures to all members of the greater-Madison community.

Noncredit Continuing Education catalog

You do not need to enroll at UW-Madison for most of these Madison-area classes; registration and fee information is included with the class descriptions. For a print catalog call 608-8263-6960 or e-mail info@dcs.wisc.edu.

Course auditing

Wisconsin residents of any age may audit courses for a per credit fee. An application and instructor approval are required.  

Grandparents’ University

Any grandparent-grandchild pair may participate in this two-day, on-campus educational program offered jointly by Continuing Studies, the Wisconsin Alumni Association and UW-Extension.

UW Retirement Association

UW Retirement Association is a membership organization for retired faculty and staff.

 

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