Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Emeritus Institute and where is it?
Who takes Emeritus classes?
When do classes begin? Where can I get a schedule?
Can I access information about current Emeritus classes over the Internet?
If I enroll in a class, does this make me a college student?
Do I have to take tests and complete homework?
Where should I send a suggestion for a new class?
If individual students don't pay for Emeritus classes, who does?
How can I help ensure the quality of Emeritus classes?

Q. What is the Emeritus Institute, and where is it?
A. The Emeritus Institute has been a vital program of the South Orange County Community College District since its founding. The name Emeritus refers to people "retired with honor." The SOCCCD Board of Trustees under the auspices of the California Community College system approves all Emeritus courses, instructors, staffing, facilities and policies. Funding comes from the State of California through the California State Legislature.

The administrative office of the Irvine Valley College Emeritus Institute is located in Suite A304 of the A300 Building at IVC, 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, California 92618. Classes are held at convenient sites throughout the community. The office may be reached by calling 949/451.5382.

Q. Who takes Emeritus classes?
A. Emeritus classes are designed to meet the educational interests of older adults; however, all students (regardless of age) are welcome to participate provided they meet applicable class prerequisites. Most classes are open to adults without any prior preparation. A few sequential classes (mostly in computers, languages and music) have prerequisites (see the class schedule for details).

Q. When do classes begin? Where can I get a schedule?
A. Classes are offered in three regular terms a year:

Fall (mid-August through December)
Spring (January through May)
Summer (May through mid-August)

Class schedules are available free of charge at local libraries, senior centers and the college. Fall and spring schedules are mailed to households throughout south Orange County (the summer schedule is not mailed). If you do not receive the schedule and would like to be added to the mailing list, please call the Emeritus Institute at (949)451-5382.

Q. Can I access information about current Emeritus classes over the Internet?
A. Yes.

Go to the IVC Class Schedule
Click on the relevant season-fall, spring or summer
Scroll to the bottom of the class index list to Emeritus
Click on Emeritus for the listing of Emeritus classes

Q. Where should I send a suggestion for a new class?
A. Please mail, fax or e-mail your suggestion to the Emeritus Institute:

Mail: 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
Fax: 949/451.5638
E-mail: David Anderson

Q. If I enroll in a class, does this make me a college student?
A. Yes, you are an official college student by enrolling in any Emeritus class.

Q. Do I have to take tests and complete homework?
A. Since none of the Emeritus classes are transferable to another college, none of the classes require homework or testing. Some classes encourage work on your own (e.g., art classes, music classes) at your own discretion.

Q. If individual students don't pay for Emeritus classes, who does?
A. Emeritus classes are partially funded by the state based on the hours of student attendance each year. Supple-mentary private funding is provided through donations to the Emeritus Institute Fund of the Irvine Valley College Foundation and through individual bequests.

Q. How can I help ensure the quality of Emeritus classes?
A. Your tax deductible contributions to the Emeritus Institute Fund, sponsored by the Irvine Valley College Foundation, contribute to the growth and expansion of the Emeritus Institute program. For more information on how to donate funds or goods, please call (949) 451-5226.