Older adults learning how to use computers in class

Lifelong Learning for Adults Ages 50+

Lifelong Learning at College of DuPage incorporates the best of what enrichment has to offer at any age. We offer a mix of courses, workshops, seminars and lectures designed especially for adults 50 and older, in a wide variety of topic areas. A reduced senior rate applies for participants 55 and over. Come join us - new courses begin each week.

J. Schreiber History Symposium

Friday, Oct. 3
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Homeland Security Education Center (HEC), Room 1022

Join us for a FREE history event, presented by College of DuPage Continuing Education.

Enjoy a morning with featuring:

  • 10 to 10:50 a.m.; Shakespeare's Theater with Marcus Sanghera
  • 11 to 11:50 a.m.: Shanghai 1920s-30’s: Warlords and Civil War with Dr. Maria Rizema
  • Noon to 12:50 p.m.: The First Impeachment: President Johnson’s Battle Against American Rights with Joyce Haworth

Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP for the J. Schreiber History Symposium

Upcoming Courses

Click each subject below to learn about upcoming courses.

Defining International Events: The Nine Years’ War (1688-97)

The Nine Years’ War, perhaps the first global war, was a European great power conflict from 1688 to 1697 between Louis XIV of France and the Grand Alliance, a European coalition of the Holy Roman Empire (led by Austria), the Dutch Republic, Spain, England and Savoy. Although largely concentrated in Europe, fighting spread to colonial possessions in the Americas, India and West Africa. Related conflicts include the Williamite War in Ireland and King William’s War in North America. Instructor: Marcus Sanghera

Wednesdays, Sept. 3 to Oct. 15
1 to 3 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-063, $179, Lifelong Learner $139
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Renaissance Monarchy: The Reigns of Henry VIII, Francois I and Charles V

What determined the success or failure of a Renaissance king in an era of endless warfare? This class compares three of the most renowned Renaissance rulers: the Holy Roman Empire Charles V, Francois I of France, and Henry VIII of England. We’ll explore how these rival kings related to each other and strengthened their monarchies. We’ll answer questions about their rule, including: What were the contemporary ideals of kingship? How did these rules strive to promote their reputations as great warriors, effective governors and generous patrols? This course examines both the theoretical basis of royal government in the 16th century and its functional practice. This is the first of a two-part course. Instructor: Marcus Sanghera

Fridays, Sept. 12 to Oct. 31
1 to 3 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-068, $189, Lifelong Learner $149
On campus in Glen Ellyn

5,000 Miles Through America’s National Park System

Discover remarkable places within the 430 units of the National Park System, through stories selected from more than 5,000 miles of day hikes. Against the backdrop of striking scenery and rapidly evolving history, consider the value, relevance and challenges of the National Park Service, as well as its challenges. Instructor: David Kroese
Tuesday, Sept. 16
1 to 3 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-017, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
Virtual classroom

Jimmy Carter and our National Park System

No president has had a greater lasting impact on our national parks than Jimmy Carter. The U.S. National Park System doubled in acreage during the Carter administration, the only presidential term to see over fifty new NPS units created spanning a remarkable collection of diverse natural and historical resources. Instructor: David Kroese

Thursday, Sept. 18
1 to 3 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-020, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
Virtual classroom

John and Abigail Adams: A Love Story

Boy meets girl. Boy becomes president. Girl reminds him about the rights of women. The Adamses were at the center of the American experiment for decades, at great cost to their marriage and family. Our discussion is drawn from their hundreds of letters. It tells a very personal story of commitment. Instructor: Joyce Haworth

Tuesday, Sept. 30
10 to 11:30 a.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-012, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
On campus in Glen Ellyn

To help individuals ages 50 and older transition to new career and training opportunities, College of DuPage offers a specialized career-readiness workshop. Under the guidance of an expert career coach, update your resume, practice interviewing and negotiating skills, and develop a professional LinkedIn profile. Learn about the resources available to you at College of DuPage and within the broader community. This class is offered at a minimal charge to students age 50 and older only. Registration is required.
Prepare for your next career step by updating your digital presence on LinkedIn with this condensed workshop. Our career advancement expert helps you create a LinkedIn profile and learn how to leverage it to move ahead.
Brush up on your career search basics in this condensed workshop. Our career advancement expert helps you update your resume, learn key features of today’s job market and get ready to take your next step!
Now that you’ve updated your resume and polished your interview skills, it’s time to ramp up the rest of your job search activities. We’ll explore little-known job search websites and make sure your LinkedIn profile is ready. Receive smart strategies on the who, what, when, where and why of networking and learn about salary and benefits negotiation through fun and informative exercises. Lastly, we’ll discuss the etiquette of online interviews. Every class promises lots of group discussion and interaction, led by a leading career advancement expert.
Evaluate your past accomplishments, current interests, skills and future goals in a friendly and supportive environment. Designed for the adult who is returning to school, entering the workforce, or exploring volunteer opportunities, this course explores some assessment tools, including writing exercises to help you uncover your true interests. Develop an awareness of yourself and your goals for the next step.

Register Today

Sign up easily through Instant Enrollment. Be sure to provide a personal email address when registering and check your spam or junk folders regularly so you don’t miss course updates.
  • To participate in online or hybrid classes, you’ll need access to a computer, tablet (such as an iPad), or similar device with a camera and microphone. Classes are delivered via Zoom and/or the Blackboard learning platform.
  • To ensure a smooth start, registration for online courses may close up to 48 business hours before the course begins.

 

woman on a computer

Attend a Career Advantage Workshop

Career Services offers job fairs and career-related workshops on campus. Most events are free and new offerings are posted every day on the COD calendar.

Complete the Community Education Survey

Not seeing anything that peaks your interest? Participate in a brief community education survey, designed to help us better understand your programming and accessibility interests and needs.

Apply for a Scholarship

Limited scholarship funds are available to assist Lifelong Learners who choose to participate in Continuing Education programs. If you are interested in contributing to this fund, choose "Lifelong Learning Programs" through the College of DuPage Foundation or contact (630) 942-2462. 

Share Your Passion and Experience

College of DuPage Continuing Education is seeking community members who are interested in facilitating Lifelong Learning courses and seminars! Call (630) 942-2208 for assistance with completing a New Course Proposal Form.

Contact Information

Continuing Education
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110
(630) 942-2208
Fax: (630) 942-3785
Email: CE@cod.edu

Front Desk Hours
  • Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Office hours may vary due to holidays and staff coverage.