Auditing Courses in Hampton Roads, Virginia

A Chinese proverb states "learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere." To paraphrase another saying, "you quit learning you die." Education is truly a lifelong process. The Hampton Roads community provides a wealth of options for continuing your education from adult education classes sponsored by city public school systems and parks and recreation to degree and certificate programs offered through local colleges and universities. One great way to continue your education is through auditing a class at one of the colleges or universities located in the Hampton Roads region. Auditing a class allows you to broaden your horizons, try something, or perhaps get your feet wet as you decide it may be time to either pursue or finish a college degree.

Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC); Hampton, VA

Auditing a class at a community college is often a less expensive option than the traditional four year college or university. In order to audit a class at TNCC, an individual is usually admitted as a non-curricular student, meaning the individual does not intend to apply credits toward the completion of a degree, diploma, or certificate. After admission as a student, an individual must obtain permission from the appropriate dean and/or department chair. Remember, you receive no academic credit for auditing a course. When auditing a course, the student is responsible for tuition ($94.50 per credit hour), supplies, and course materials. Keep in mind that students taking a course for credit will receive priority over audit requests.

Lifelong Learning Society, Christopher Newport University (CNU); Newport News, VA

For individuals of retirement age, the Lifelong Learning Society at Christopher Newport University provides an enriching educational experience through a variety of activities (lectures, courses, discussion groups, lunches, dinners, and field trips). No previous educational experience is required, just curiosity. A full annual membership is available for $225. This membership fee includes the Monday afternoon lecture and concert series; fall, summer and spring courses; and the ability to participate in optional activities and field trips. (Participation in the field trips includes an additional fee for each trip). Courses for the fall 2010 session cover a range of topics including literature, computers, art, and history. The LifeLong Learning Society offers a perfect opportunity for retirees to learn, grow, and share.

Newport News Public Schools Adult and Continuing Education; Newport News, VA

The Adult and Continuing Education Program sponsored by the Newport News Public School system offers opportunities for GED preparation, general interest classes, and business and computer classes. The computer classes offer an excellent opportunity for individuals to hone their skills, and the general interest classes range from foreign languages to boating.

Learning is truely a life-long process. These are just a few options to consider when continuing your education.

Sources

Christopher Newport University: Lifelong Learning Society. http://lifelonglearning.cnu.edu/overview.htm

Newport News Public Schools: Adult and Continuing Education Class Offerings. http://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/adult-ed/offerings.html

Thomas Nelson Community College Catalog 2010-2011. http://www.tncc.edu/documents/TNCC%202010%202011%20Catalog.pdf