July 26, 2017
Community listener’s program available
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- If you’ve ever wanted to enhance your education by taking part in a college class without earning college course credits or grades, you’ll want to take advantage of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Community Listener’s Program.
The program, offered as part of SIU’s commitment to lifelong learning and community service, opens SIU’s classrooms to anyone who is not currently enrolled in a college-level course. It offers the opportunity to enjoy the classroom experience for a charge of $50 per class. While there’s no college credit given or grades received, the program is a great way for prospective students to learn more about an area of study they are considering pursuing or for people to simply explore areas of interest.
The university’s conference and scheduling services office serves as program coordinator. The process of signing up is pretty simple. Visit https://ssb.siu.edu/prod/bwckschd.p_disp_dyn_sched and check out the numerous classes SIU offers. When you find a course that piques your interest, click on the icon by the name of the faculty member who is teaching the class to email and make sure there is still room. SIU students are the top priority so community listeners can participate only in classes that aren’t already full.
Then, complete the community listener registration form, available online at http://conferenceservices.siu.edu/_common/documents/continuing-ed-professional-development/cclp-registration-form.pdf. Submit the form, along with $50 per class fee, in person at the Conference and Scheduling Services office, located on the south end of the second floor of the Student Center. Online and telephone registration are not available.
The program is offered each semester. The Community Listener’s Program for fall 2017 runs from Aug. 14 through Dec. 8, and registration for this semester begins Aug. 7.
There’s an extra benefit for Community Listener Program participants as well. Morris Library and its multitudes of resources are open to the general public for viewing on site. But, anyone not affiliated with SIU who wants to check out materials or use the computers needs to obtain a Morris Library Courtesy Card. The card is always available at the library for $50 for six months or $90 per year, but those who present their blue Community Listener’s Permit Card at Morris Library can purchase the Morris Library Courtesy Card for half price.
To learn more about the Community Listener’s Program, contact the conference and scheduling services office at 618/536-7751.