University of Utah Lifelong Learning Programs: Education for All Ages

The University of Utah's Continuing Education program provides diverse learning opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. From programs designed for children to courses tailored for retirees, the university is committed to fostering a lifelong love of learning within the community. Continuing Education offers a wide variety of courses for everyone, from childhood to retirement.

A Spectrum of Learning Opportunities

The university offers a broad spectrum of courses, including credit, noncredit, and professional development options. Topics range from art to recreation, languages to technology, and cooking to fitness, ensuring that there is something for everyone. These courses are designed to develop new skills, deepen knowledge, and help students pursue new opportunities.

Programs for Children and Youth

The University of Utah offers camps for kids, providing engaging and educational experiences during school breaks and summer vacations. Additionally, a learning module provides a variety of information and resources about learning options for young adults. The Utah Parent Center is available to help families navigate these educational journeys.

Adult Education Programs

For adults seeking to expand their knowledge and skills, the University of Utah offers a variety of programs, including adult community education classes. These classes are provided at low cost by many colleges, school districts, libraries, USU Extensions, and other community organizations. Adult education empowers individuals to become self-sufficient, with skills necessary for future employment and personal successes. Classes assist adults with and without disabilities to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency while completing a high school education. Utah Adult Education is a program of instruction below college level for adults.

Evening and Weekend Classes

Designed for working professionals, evening and weekend classes for ages 18+ are taught by local experts, offering flexible options to meet individual goals.

University Credit Courses at Sandy Site

Open to any admitted U student, university credit courses are also available at the Sandy site.

Non-Credit Options

For those seeking an academic experience without the pressure of grades or exams, the University of Utah offers non-credit courses for ages 18+. Most college courses can be taken for no credit which means grades do not count and fees may be reduced. Universities and colleges often refer to this as “auditing” a class.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah caters specifically to individuals aged 50 and better. Started in 2004 with a generous four-year grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah provides opportunities for intellectually stimulating, affordable, non-credit learning and meaningful social engagement to people age 50 and better. The Osher Institute at the U is part of a network of 125 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at colleges and universities across the country. The institute offers intellectually stimulating, affordable, non-credit learning experiences and meaningful social engagement.

Growth and Support

Beginning with less than 50 members, our Osher Institute has grown steadily over the years to over 1500 members, recognized by the Bernard Osher Foundation with endowment gifts in 2008 and 2015. Today the Institute is supported by earnings from the endowments, gifts from members and other donors, Continuing Education at the University of Utah, and member dues and tuition. The Institute is managed by a small staff and supported by numerous member volunteers. Standing volunteer roles include curriculum, lunch and learn, and special events planning, and classroom assistants. The member committees determine the program content based on input from the general membership and with the support of staff.

Instructors

The instructors are distinguished emeritus faculty, scholars, and experts from the community who share a passion for teaching and appreciation for all that mature students bring to the classroom. Thanks to the generosity of The Bernard Osher Foundation and The University of Utah, our Osher Institute is meeting the needs of seasoned adults who want to learn simply for the joy of learning and personal fulfillment.

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Osher Team Members

Jill E. Meyer: Jill first joined the wonderful world of Osher as a newly minted-50-year-old new member in 2016. She relished returning to the classroom, simply for the joy of learning. She became staff in 2017 to help plan our Osher Institute’s 15th-anniversary celebrations in 2018. She then took on coordinating special events. Before Osher, Jill worked at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The IBM Gallery, the Winterthur Museum and Gardens, and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. She also worked in two family businesses, selling ceramic tile in Salt Lake City and owning a restaurant in McCall, Idaho. She holds two degrees in art history, a Master’s from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor’s from the University of Utah. In addition to serving as director, Jill really enjoys teaching art history courses for Osher. In her spare time, she serves as a volunteer docent at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
Anne: Anne joined the Osher team on December 1, 2025. She will be in charge of coordinating curriculum, supporting and recruiting Osher instructors, and working with volunteers serving on the Osher Curriculum Committee. Anne is passionate about supporting her community and was formerly the Director of Education for Tracy Aviary and the Nature Center at Pia Okwai. She also taught several Osher classes at both locations in past years. Anne has a B.S. in Biology with a focus on Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Texas at Austin, where she also completed the UTeach Natural Sciences teacher certification program. She is a lifelong learner and has completed a Free-choice Learning Certification from Oregon State University, a Utah Environmental Educator Certification from Utah State University, and a Change Leader Certification from the Utah Division of Arts and Museums.
Emily Q.: Emily joined the Osher team in March 2020 as an Office Assistant before becoming an Administrative Program Coordinator. She previously worked in an Early Childhood Education Learning Center for several years as a teacher and then as the Administrative Specialist for several years. Emily enjoys reading, drawing, paddle boarding, and spending time with her family.
Sandy: Sandy joined the Osher team in January 2022 as a Program Coordinator, transferring from Continuing Education's Registration and Information department. Her excellent customer service skills and love of the Osher program are assets to our staff. She is the mother of three adult children: all graduates of the University of Utah. Outside the office, Sandy enjoys spending time with her husband while spending time outdoors, traveling, practicing yoga, and reading.
Sheila Timberlake: Sheila has been a valuable part of the University of Utah’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute since December 2019. She has worked in the field of education since 2004 and has loved every minute of it. Sheila has a BS in Psychology and an Applied Positive Psychology Certificate from the University of Utah.
Edee Burton: Edee Burton is a current Master of Social Work student at the University of Utah. She brings a background in international relations and experience working with nonprofits and small businesses as an entrepreneur. Edee is passionate about the connection between mental and physical health and looks forward to supporting Osher members in exploring this topic. She will also help Osher grow our volunteer base, which dwindled during the pandemic, and help revive our Special Events planning committee of volunteers.
Quincy Jackson: Quincy Jackson is a current Master of Social Work student at the University of Utah. She has a background in early childhood education and family programming, and is passionate about bringing the joy of learning and curiosity to all ages. Quincy is eager to work with the volunteer team at Osher and further connection and community building.

Travel Study

The University of Utah also provides opportunities to combine education with travel. U faculty leaders bring destinations to life, offering unique learning experiences in various locations around the world.

English Language Learning

For those seeking to improve their English language skills, the University of Utah offers dedicated programs to help individuals learn English. Learn English at the U!

Resources for Students with Disabilities

The University of Utah is committed to providing accessible learning environments for all students, including those with disabilities.

Disability Services Offices

Every Public University and College, including Applied Technology Colleges, is required to have a disability services office to help students with equal access and to provide accommodations. Some private universities such as BYU and Westminster also have disability services offices. These offices vary in size and how they operate, and they may have different names. These offices or centers provide a variety of individualized accommodations and resources including help with applying for admission, classroom related accommodations, and campus event accommodations.

Inclusive Postsecondary Education

Through inclusive postsecondary education, all students with disabilities can take classes, access recreational and social opportunities and be included in the community college, four year college and university experience. More and more colleges and universities in Utah and across the country are realizing this vision and designing programs that allow individuals with disabilities to participate. Many students with disabilities, like students without disabilities, will be capable of taking classes at a regular college of university. Some students may only need the supports available to all students like the tutoring lab, while other students may need more support.

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Online Learning Options

Students with disabilities or special health care needs may explore the great variety of popular online classes and programs offered by colleges and universities.

Preparing for Education After High School

Parents and youth can take several steps to prepare for education after high school, including searching for inclusive college programs across the country.

Disability Resource Centers

Want to learn more about Disability Resource Centers? Check out this video webinar called “Disability Services in Higher Education”.

ACT and SAT Planning

For youth with a disability planning to take the ACT or SAT that there is a specific process to follow to get accommodations on those tests.

Certificates and Credentials

Certificates are the fastest growing college credential, and can have a big wage payoff. Certificates or proficiency credentials issued now account for 22 % of post-secondary credentials awarded. Certificate programs take less time than a traditional degree and can be obtained typically within months to a year.

Supporting Continuing Education

The University of Utah encourages community members to support Continuing Education and the University Connected Learning and their effort to provide opportunities to everyone within our community by giving to our scholarship program.

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