Senior citizen and college students studying together

Are you a senior citizen interested in Israel and concerned about antisemitism on college campuses?

You can help!

Elders Can Engage on Campus Through Free Course Auditing

Across the country, many older adults would like to support college students and strengthen the pro-Israel climate on campus. One practical, constructive approach is to audit college courses at public institutions in your state. By being present in classrooms - whether in person or remotely (online) - you can bring life experience, historical perspective, and thoughtful counterpoint to discussions that too often lack balance.

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1

Contact the Registrar's Office of the State College of Your Choice

  • Ask if senior citizens can audit courses at no charge.
  • Find out the procedure for auditing, including whether instructor approval is needed, and deadlines.
  • Ask if any courses are offered remotely (if that is your interest).
  • The college can be far away (within your state) if you plan to take courses remotely.
2

Choose a Course

  • Review the college's online course catalog at the campus you contacted.
  • Check for courses in humanities, social sciences, history, political studies, or contemporary issues.
  • Many colleges offer remote and asynchronous courses, especially in the summer. You can take these from home. (Asynchronous means the lectures are recorded and may be viewed anytime with discussions by text.)
  • Some colleges offer many remote courses, some only a few.
  • Course registration periods often open a couple of months before the semester begins.
3

Complete the Application

  • Submit any required forms or documentation.
  • Register during the enrollment period.
  • Obtain professor consent if required.
4

Participate Thoughtfully

  • Attend classes (in person or online).
  • Read assigned materials.
  • Engage in discussions respectfully and offer perspective based on your experience.
5

Stay Engaged

  • Consider auditing additional courses.
  • Share your experience with peers.
  • Encourage other retirees to participate.

Auditing courses is a simple way to contribute positively on campus, foster dialogue, and provide intergenerational perspective. Contact the registrar's office today and start making a difference.

You might want to look at this page with links and tips before calling. Here are links to some university webpages for senior citizen auditing programs ↗

Get started now to be ready for summer courses.
Some colleges start their first summer session in May.
Plan ahead so you're not scrambling at the last minute.

Here are two WhatsApp groups related to Older Adults Auditing

Join others to talk about experiences auditing courses as an older adult

This group is brand new, so there will be few members and few messages, perhaps none at all.
Posts are not reviewed before posting (because this is not an option supported by WhatsApp).
Inappropriate postings and posters will be removed from the group by the Admin.

Join WhatsApp Group
Receive very infrequent alerts about auditing courses as an older adult

This is an announcement group only. Only an Admin can post, but anyone can reply privately to a post. This group is brand new, so there will be few members. There will be few messages.
For example: Binghamton University has just stopped allowing remote auditing (as of May, 2026). Write emails asking that this action be reversed. Write to: Dr. Anne D'Alleva at president@binghamton.edu

Join WhatsApp Group