Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Institute for Continued Learning

 

Almost ALL the answers!  If you have a question that is not answered here, please let us know so we can include the answer for the next person asking that very clever and insightful question!

"Click" on a question below to go directly to the response to that question.  Or, just scroll down the list of 17 "Frequently Asked Questions" and their responses to learn more about the ICL and how we can work together for your benefit.

1. Who is the ICL for?
2. Where and when are study groups held?
3. I go away in the winter; will this interfere with my attending a study group?
4. How long is each study group session?
5. What kinds of study group subjects are offered?
6. Who teaches these study groups?
7. Must I take a turn as coordinator?
8. What is the annual membership fee?
9. What about lunch if I take a morning and afternoon study group?
10. How large are the study groups?
11. What do I get for my money?
12. Can I get my money back if I don't like it?
13. How will I know when these concerts, field trips, etc., will take place?
14. I never went to college; will I find the study groups too difficult?
15. How many study groups may I join?
16. Who runs the ICL?
17. How does the University benefit?

1. Who is the ICL for?  Membership is open to senior citizens who have reached a point in life where they want to pursue their interests in a continuing learning environment with a group of like-minded peers.

2. Where and when are study groups held?  The ICL is a program offered at Roosevelt University’s Albert Robin campus in Schaumburg.  The University provides staff and support services, as well as classroom space for ICL study groups.  Study Groups are offered Monday thru Thursday.  Morning study groups generally run from 9:30 am to 11:30 am and afternoon study groups generally run from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  Occasionally there are offerings at other times.  If you can find Woodfield Mall, the IKEA store, or Costco in Schaumburg, you can find Roosevelt, as it is well situated between the three. There is ample free parking close to the best door to enter, which in our case is Door #3 at the northwest corner of the main building.  A free parking permit, for use when attending study groups or other ICL events, may be obtained anytime.

3. I go away in the winter; will this interfere with my attending a study group?  Not at all.  Study groups are offered in three regular sessions during the year. Fall study groups run for 9 weeks, usually from mid-September to mid-November.  Spring study groups run for 9 weeks, usually from mid-March to mid-May.  Summer study groups run for 5 weeks, usually from mid-July to early August.  Between sessions, special events might include a lecture series, music presentations, and day trips to such places as the Art Institute in Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Gardens, a Shakespeare play, or other area attractions.

4. How long is each study group session?  Study groups meet once a week and generally run two hours, with breaks as needed. There are no exams or tests, and no college credit is earned from these classes.

5. What kinds of study group subjects are offered?  Subject matter varies widely, and there is something of interest to just about everyone.  We have had study groups covering:  Humor, Science, Literature, Genealogy, Family History, Reading Short Stories, Using the Internet, Religions of the World, to name a few.  You can see examples of study groups conducted during the past year by clicking here.

6. Who teaches these study groups?  Generally, fellow members of the ICL volunteer to coordinate study groups.  On occasion, a Roosevelt University faculty member may participate.  Those who lead the study groups in the ICL program are called "coordinators."  They are not paid.  However, coordinators are entitled to a 50% reduction in the annual membership fee at the time of membership renewal.

7. Must I take a turn as coordinator?  No.  Coordinators (and co-coordinators) volunteer for the positions, generally on a subject of particular interest to the coordinator(s).

8. What is the annual membership fee?  The fee is $110 for a full 12 months from the time of joining.  Additional charges may apply to certain study groups.  Also, additional charges may apply for off campus special events that require bus rental, an admission fee, or other expenses specifically related to that event.  Most events on campus are typically free of extra charge.  However, for some on campus special events there may be a charge.  Participation in any special event is always the member's choice.

9. What about lunch if I take a morning and afternoon study group on the same day?  We encourage brown-bag lunches because they provide the opportunity for social interaction, and getting to know your fellow ICLers better. However, as an additional choice, there is a Food Court in the building, along with vending machines.  Also, the Woodfield area offers many "eateries" of various types, many within walking distance, if that is your choice.

10. How large are the study groups?  They vary from about 15 members for smaller study groups, to as many as 65 or more for larger study groups.  Each coordinator establishes a minimum and maximum number for his/her study group.

11. What do I get for my money?  Value beyond your wildest dreams!  First, your choice of study groups offered in the ICL.  Second, with your student I.D., you may be entitled to discounts at places not associated with the University.  Third, you may audit regular Roosevelt University courses at either the Schaumburg or Chicago campuses.  Auditing regular classes is subject to available space and the consent of the person teaching the course.  This alone could save you $1000 a year or more.  Finally, you can participate in other areas of interest such as lectures, field trips, concerts and social activities with like-minded friends. (NOTE:  You do not receive college credit for auditing Roosevelt courses or attending ICL courses.)

12. Can I get my money back if I don't like it?  If you are uncertain, you should try a class before you join.  The membership fees, once paid, are not refundable.  It is difficult to imagine you won’t find something to interest you.  There are so many things to enjoy other than study groups, such as lectures, field trips and concerts, that there is "always" something of interest, in addition to the camaraderie.

13. How will I know when these concerts, field trips, etc., take place?  The primary method of communication is this Web site.  ICL also communicates with you by announcements during study groups, through newsletters, and by flyers during the year.  We also have a bulletin board located inside the entrance at Door #3.

14. I never went to college; will I find the study groups too difficult?  No, not likely, as there is no prerequisite for joining ICL.  Our members come from literally all walks of life and all educational levels.

15. How many study groups may I join each semester?  The usual advice is to start out by trying a maximum of 3.  However, you may sign up for as many as you like.  You are the best judge of how much you can do and how much time you want to devote to study groups.

16. Who runs the ICL?  While a part of Roosevelt University, the ICL is run by its members, through an elected Governing Board and the Chairpersons of its various committees.  All persons on the Governing Board and the committees are volunteers.  All members are encouraged to participate to keep the organization vibrant.

17. How does the University benefit?  Roosevelt University is a responsible member of the community in which we live.  It draws its student body from a very wide area in all directions from its location in Schaumburg.  Providing these facilities and other assistance to the ICL is consistent with the University's program of "giving back to the community.”  Just as individuals do volunteer work as good citizens and human beings, the University itself undertakes initiatives to fulfill its civic responsibilities.

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION THAT IS NOT ANSWERED ABOVE, PLEASE LET US KNOW; we will add it to the list with a response.  Please call 847-619-7288, send an email to ICL@roosevelt.edu, or write to ICL at Room 130, Roosevelt University, 1400 Roosevelt Blvd., Schaumburg IL 60173.

Last updated October 2007.