Media Releases >  Media Releases Archive  > Seniors hit the books at SFU

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Contact:
Alan Aberbach, 604.291.7973, aberbach@sfu.ca
Carol Thorbes, media/pr, 604.291.3035, cthorbes@sfu.ca

Betty Sawyer, a youthful 75 year old, sits in her study surrounded by books. The Simon Fraser University student would make a fitting poster senior for SFU's rapidly expanding seniors program in continuing studies. “I appreciate the discipline of doing research and writing papers,” says Sawyer, who has been taking one credit course per semester for 15 years.

The Vancouver resident is typical of the kind of students attracted to SFU's seniors (55 years and older) program, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this fall. Its annual enrolment for non-credit courses has tripled from 297 four years ago to almost 1,000 today.

A newly created certificate program enables seniors to become SFU alumni after completing eight non-credit courses. Retired SFU historian Alan Aberbach, a seniors program instructor and the program's director, predicts the certificate program will motivate more seniors to go for a full-fledged degree. “It's exciting to see seniors use our collection of non-credit courses as a half-way house that helps them make the transition to life as a full-time university student,” says Aberbach.

About half a dozen seniors currently obtain degrees from SFU annually. Aberbach notes life long learning is a serious venture for students in their later years. “Seniors actually do all the reading!” says Aberbach incredulously. “They are incensed if their course outlines aren't ready when expected. They tend to want to buy their books as soon as they've signed up for courses.” Aberbach's annual surveys of seniors' interests have consistently led him to provide a healthy offering of courses, ranging from world politics to religion.

This year, the seniors program has expanded its offering of non-credit courses from 10 to 13, including courses that compare world religions and politics, and analyse the link between terrorism and fundamentalism. The program will also offer, for the first time, free monthly forums, open to anyone, but catering to seniors' interests.

The first three are: The Clash of Fundamentalism and Prospects for Peace in the Holy War; Understanding the American Presidency; and Unions in Today's World: Relevant or Irrelevant. People who want more information on SFU's seniors program, should attend an open house at Harbour Centre, Friday, September 10, 10:30 am.

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Websites:
Seniors program, www.sfu.ca/cstudies/seniors/index.htm