What is the Learning in Retirement program?
The Learning in Retirement (LinR) program is a non-credit program for retired individuals and others interested in life-long learning. LinR provides the opportunity to learn for personal satisfaction while participating in a community of life-long learners who enjoy reading, listening to and discussing topics of common interest. There are no prerequisites or exams.
We offer a unique variety of lecture series, writing workshops, and language workshops taught by experts.
Topics offered include art history, music, science, politics, history, religion, social studies, philosophy, memoir writing, language, and more.
One-time single lecture presentations complement our regular sessions.
Do I have to be retired to participate in LinR?
No. Our classes are geared towards a retired audience and are generally offered during the daytime, with the exception of single lecture presentations, but anyone with an interest in life-long learning is welcome to register!
I’m not a Carleton alumnus. Can I still sign up and participate in LinR?
Yes! Our program is open to the general public.
Are there any prerequisites?
No. If the class description appeals to you please don’t hesitate to register!
How long does one lecture series/writing workshop run for?
In most cases, each lecture series and writing workshops meet once a week, for two hours, for six consecutive weeks.
In most cases, language workshops meet twice a week, for 1.5 hours, for six consecutive weeks.
Do you offer LinR classes in the summer months?
Typically, yes! LinR currently holds several sessions per calendar year. Normally they run as follows:
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- Winter: Mid-January to late February
- Early Spring: Late February to early April
- Late Spring: Early April to mid-May
- Summer: Early June to late June
- Fall Session I: Mid-September to late October
- Fall Session II: Early November to mid-December
- Single Lecture Presentations: Single lecture presentations held during the months of May, September, and October.
LinR lecture series/writing workshops typically run for 6 weeks, what can I expect each week?
Most of our lecture series have some lecture-based components, with open discussion and films. Others also have demonstrations, hands-on learning and field trips.
How do I register in a LinR lecture series, writing workshop, or language workshop?
Registration is required for all lecture series and workshops and a variety of registration options are available. Please visit our website at carleton.ca/linr/registration/ for our registration details and dates.
I know LinR classes often fill early. How can I stay informed about when each session’s registration opens?
We announce upcoming session’s registration dates on our website. To have the information sent directly to you, join our email list, which we use to announce the beginning of each registration period, as well as the upcoming lecture titles and links to details. We never share your information with other groups, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
What fees are associated with LinR?
Typically, lecture series cost $140 (HST included), workshop-style lecture series cost $200 (HST included), and most language series workshops cost $250 (HST included). Parking permits are also available for purchase for a nominal fee.
Please note that lecture series, writing and language workshop fees and parking fees are subject to increase from time-to-time.
Generally speaking, Learning in Retirement lecture series, writing and language workshops are not tax deductible.
What if I have to withdraw from a lecture series or workshop?
Withdrawals must be requested by email or telephone before the beginning of the second class. In this instance, a full registration fee credit will be placed on your Learning in Retirement account at Carleton University. If parking was purchased, a parking credit will be placed on your LinR account as well (subject to proration if the first class was attended and a parking permit was used). These credits do not have an expiry date and can be used towards any future Learning in Retirement session. A letter or e-mail confirming the withdrawal and credit on your account will be sent and should be retained for your records. Any requests for withdrawal following two or more classes are not eligible for lecture series or parking fee credit. We are unable to provide credit or refunds for books, coursepacks, and/or supply fees. There are no refunds (consideration may be given in cases of medical emergency or illness, documentation may be requested).
I’d like to transfer from one class to another. Is that possible?
Yes. Should a participant wish to transfer from one lecture series to another (within the same session), an e-mail or telephone call (613-520-3699) to the Learning in Retirement office is required before the beginning of the second class. A letter or e-mail confirming the participant’s transfer to another lecture series will be sent and should be retained for the participant’s records. Lecture series transfers are subject to space availability.
The class I’m looking to register in is already full. Can I be placed on a waiting list?
Yes. If a class is full you have the option of being placed on the lecture series waiting list. All waiting list requests are processed in sequence by the date/time they were received. Learning in Retirement staff monitor waiting lists daily. When a space becomes available the person at the top of the list will be contacted via telephone and given the opportunity to register and pay for the lecture series. If the first person on the list declines the spot, we then move to the next person on the waiting list.
Can I use the library if I’m currently registered in a LinR session?
Absolutely! Your registration within the current Learning in Retirement session will entitle you to temporary borrowing privileges with Carleton’s MacOdrum Library. We will provide details on the first day of class.
I’m registered for a class and a major snowstorm is occurring in the city. Will my class run?
By default, it should be assumed that Learning in Retirement lecture series will always run regardless of weather conditions. In the unlikely event of a class cancellation all participants will be notified via telephone and e-mail. A make-up class will be held (usually during the week following the originally scheduled last class). No partial credits will be offered to those who cannot attend the make-up class.
What are my options for nearby parking?
Participants may purchase parking in a nearby dedicated lot while they attend Learning in Retirement programming. See our parking page for more details about locations and purchasing parking through our new virtual parking permit system.
I don’t require a parking permit but plan on taking public transit to get to Carleton University. Can you provide more information about this?
Ottawa’s light rail system (The O Train) and bus (OC Transpo) both provide service to Carleton University in the way of direct stops on campus. OC Transpo routes #7, #10, #104, and #111 have a stop on Campus Ave. right outside Stormont Dundas House (which is right beside the Leeds House building, where most Learning in Retirement classes are held).
We highly recommend that you consult with OC Transpo’s website at: octranspo1.com/splash and The O Train’s website at: octranspo1.com/routes/o-train/ for up-to-date information about routes and fares.
I’d like to drop-in to a class to try it out. Is this possible?
Yes! For those who wish to drop-in to a class please call 613-520-3699 to make arrangements. Dropping-in is subject to space availability and a $25.00 fee, per person, per class.
What is your privacy policy?
We believe in your right to privacy. Learning in Retirement at Carleton University never releases its mailing list information to third parties in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act (FIPPA). For complete details on Carleton’s privacy policy please click here. In addition, Learning in Retirement never keeps credit card numbers on file. If you no longer wish to receive information from the Learning in Retirement program, please e-mail us or call us at 613-520-3699.