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.

Senior Expo - Wisdom, Wonder and Wellness

Sunday, April 19

Learn more and register

Upcoming Courses

Click each subject below to learn about upcoming courses.

The Story of Our Solar System

Our Solar System—the Sun, planets, moons and other small bodies—seems so stable and permanent. But has it always been this way? How did our Solar System form? How has it changed over its history, and why? And how have planetary
scientists begun to unravel its mystery? Come investigate these and other questions in this exploration of our planetary system. Presented by Professor Joe DalSanto.

Saturday, Feb. 28
7:30 to 9 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-200, free
Jack H. Turner Conference Center
Student Resource Center (SRC 2000)

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? Compare three of the most renowned Renaissance rulers and explore how these rival kings related to each other and strengthened their monarchies. We’ll discuss the contemporary ideals of kingship and how these kings promoted their reputations as great warriors, effective governors and generous patrols.
Instructor: Marcus Sanghera
This two-part course examines both the theoretical basis of royal government in the 16th century and its functional practice.

  • Part I
    Wednesdays, Feb. 25 to April 1
    1 to 3 p.m.
    CEHUMNT-0001-049, $159, Lifelong Learner $119
    On campus in Glen Ellyn
  • Part II
    Wednesdays, April 15 to May 20
    1 to 3 p.m.
    CEHUMNT-0001-050, $159, Lifelong Learner $119
    On campus in Glen Ellyn

The Sixties: A Decade in Conflict with Ourselves

In the 1960s, the stability of the ’50s was abruptly turned on its head in a decade of assassinations, war and riots, peace marches, the civil rights movement, teach-ins, hippies and a summer of love and violence. As baby boomers neared adulthood, many turned away from their parents’ conformity, respect for authority and material success. Look at the causes and repercussions of the conflicts of the ’60s, many of
which still resonate today. Instructor: Joan Krawitz

Mondays, March 16 to May 4
1 to 3 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-058, $189, Lifelong Learner $149
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Amazing Women: Trailblazers

Throughout history, women had few legal rights and even fewer life choices. Yet, despite overwhelming odds, there have been women who charted their own course to accomplish historic breakthroughs. Meet amazing women like: Hypatia, the famed mathematician and scientist of ancient Alexandria; Sappho, the great poet of archaic Greece; Artemisia Gentileschi, the renowned painter of the Italian Baroque; Joan of Arc and more. Let’s discover how these remarkable women overcame society’s restrictions to achieve their unique goals. Instructor: Joan Krawitz

Thursdays, March 26 to April 30
1 to 3 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-060, $159, Lifelong Learner $119
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Emily and Mary: The Nature of Poetry and the Poetry of Nature

Born a century apart, Emily Dickinson and Mary Oliver share their love of nature in distinct poetic ways. And while Emily died without selling a single poem, Mary was hailed by the New York Times as “far and away, the country’s best-selling poet.” These women prove that nature and poetry should be enthusiastically celebrated. Instructor: Frank Serafino.

Wednesdays, April 1 to 22
10 a.m. to noon
CEHUMNT-0001-056, $119, Lifelong Learner $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn

The Rock ’n’ Roll Music Series: From “Heartbreak Hotel” to “Uptown Girl” 

Instructor Gary Wenstrup shares the history and music of the biggest music acts of the 1960s and 1970s. Each session will be a multimedia exploration of two or more iconic superstars. Choose one session or enjoy the entire series! 

Classes are held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on campus in Glen Ellyn. 

  • Carole King and Rod Stewart
    Wednesday, April 8
    CEHUMNT-0001-075, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
  • James Taylor/Carly Simon and
    The Beatles Sgt. Pepper
    Wednesday, April 15
    CEHUMNT-0001-076, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
  • Bob Marley and Motown Records
    Wednesday, April 22
    CEHUMNT-0001-077, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
  • Chicago and The Beatles “White Album”
    Wednesday, April 29
    CEHUMNT-0001-088, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
  • Fleetwood Mac and Billy Joel
    Wednesday, May 6
    CEHUMNT-0001-089, $29, Lifelong Learner $19

 

The American Revolution in our National Park System

Over forty of our 433 National Park Service sites have a direct connection to the American Revolution. We explore the sites that tell the revolutionary story,
colonial events that preceded it, moments that changed its course and battles that decided the outcome. Instructor: David Kroese

Tuesday, May 5
10 a.m. to noon
CEHUMNT-0001-025, $29, Lifelong Learner $19
Virtual classroom

Specially designed for the plus 50 job seeker, this course will help you update your resume, practice interviewing and develop a plan to take the next step in your career transition. This course will also connect you with training opportunities and
resources available at COD and within the broader community. Every class promises lots of group discussion and interaction, led by a leading career
advancement expert. Instructor: Rob Noonan

Thursdays, Feb. 19 to March 26
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
CEHUMNT-0001-150, $49
On campus in Glen Ellyn

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.

Workshop: LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is more than social media for business; it’s your professional online brand. This workshop will guide you in building a complete, polished profile, teach you how the LinkedIn algorithm works and show you how to leverage the platform to connect with people and opportunities to land your next role. Instructor: Rob Noonan 

Saturday, March 7 
Noon to 3 p.m. 
CEHUMNT-0001-160, $19 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Workshop: Career Search Basics 

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. Instructor: Rob Noonan 

Tuesday, March 3 
9 a.m. to noon 
CEHUMNT-0001-155, $19 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Monday, April 6 
5 to 8 p.m. 
CEHUMNT-0001-156, $19 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Workshop: AI in the Job Search 

Put technology to work for you. You’ve heard the buzz about ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini, and Claude— but have you ever thought of them as your personal job search team? This workshop shows how to use generative AI as a career coach, copy editor, and interview prep partner to open new opportunities. 

Saturday, Feb. 21 
Noon to 3 p.m. 
CEHUMNT-0001-157, $19 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Wednesday, March 11 
9 a.m. to noon 
CEHUMNT-0001-158, $19 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Thursday, April 9 
5 to 8 p.m. 
CEHUMNT-0001-159, $19 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Career Readiness: Beyond the Resume 

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 career advancement expert. Instructor: Rob Noonan 

Wednesdays, April 8 to May 13 
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 
CEHUMNT-0001-151, $49 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Self-Discovery for Plus 50 

Evaluate your past accomplishments, current interests, skills and future goals in a friendly and supportive environment. This course is designed for adults returning to school, entering the workforce, or exploring volunteer opportunities. It utilizes assessment tools, including writing exercises, to help you uncover your true interests. Develop an awareness of yourself and your goals to help you take the next step. Instructor: Rob Noonan 

Check back for Fall 2026 Dates
On campus in Glen Ellyn

How to Be a Nonprofit Board Member 

Every nonprofit organization relies on its board to effectively deliver on its mission and is always searching for enthusiastic board members. Whether you’ve served on a nonprofit board or are considering it, this course teaches you exactly how to be an effective board member. Learn board roles and responsibilities, different forms of support, and best practices. Serving on a nonprofit board is rewarding, and this course shows what’s involved in serving your community through board service. Instructor: Shefali Trivedi 

Friday, Feb. 20 
1 to 3 p.m. 
CEHUMNT-0001-163, free 
Virtual classroom

Thursday, April 9 
6 to 8 p.m. 
CEHUMNT-0001-164, free 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Volunteerism In DuPage County 

Across DuPage County, there are thousands of opportunities to give back to the community by applying your passion, strengths, skills and experience. Learn about local volunteer needs, the benefits of volunteering, and how to find the right match for your time and skills. Get a snapshot of volunteering and discover who needs your help and how you can make a big difference through rewarding volunteer experiences. Instructor: Shefali Trivedi 

Tuesday, April 7 
1 to 3 p.m. 
CEHUMNT-0001-166, free 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Register Online

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 Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Office hours may vary due to holidays and staff coverage.