FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What classroom will my course be held in?
Most classroom locations are listed in the ILR program catalog in the course descriptions. Students will also receive emails with their classroom locations prior to their course starting. If a classroom location changes, students will be notified by email of these changes. Click here for  “List of Classrooms Spring 2024” (updated 2/8/2024).

What is ILR?
The Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) is a program for people, 55 years and older, who want to keep learning about the past and present, about their world, and about themselves and one another. Classes are taught by volunteer instructors who have expertise and experience in the subjects they teach. There is a lot of interaction, but there are no tests, no grades and no credits.

What can I learn?
ILR courses are determined by the interests and expertise of its members. “Peer learning” is the operating concept: members may serve as volunteer instructors as well as students sharing knowledge from their experiences in the workplace, from lifelong pursuit of a hobby or avocation or from the study of a favorite subject. Over 2,000 area residents are part of the ILR Community.

Who can join?
The ILR is for men and women 55 years and older. Courses usually meet one time per week during daytime hours. A course may run anywhere from one to eight weeks depending on the subject, the enthusiasm of the group and the instructor.

Do I have to be retired to apply to ILR?
No, but you must be 55 years or older.

Do I have to have a college degree?
No. Membership is open to people from all backgrounds with a strong interest in continued learning.

Can I get a degree from ILR?
No. ILR courses and workshops are non-credit/non-degree offerings, and part of The College’s Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. Members take courses at ILR for the pure pleasure of learning.
How many courses may I take per semester?
Members select five (5) courses per semester. The membership fee is for the current semester.

Are all ILR courses available online?
ILR offers both in-person, online and hybrid (a combination of online and in-person) classes.

What are the guidelines for registration?
Registration is only available online. At the start of each semester there will be a designated registration begin date. On that date, prospective members complete the registration form, choose their courses and pay the fee. In consideration of others needs and requests, please register ONLY for classes you plan to attend REGULARLY. If you register and realize you will not be attending the course, notify the ILR office as soon as possible so that we may open up the seat to another member. It is not necessary to notify the office if you cannot attend a single class.

Does ILR have a membership fee, if so, how much is it?
In order to take classes, ILR members pay a nominal fee prior to the start of each semester. The fee is subject to change.

Where can I get more information or submit a course proposal for a course that I would like to teach?

For more information, contact:
Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR)
Bergen Community College
Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development
400 Paramus Road, TEC 115
Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone: 201-447-7156
E-Mail: ilr@bergen.edu

Can ILR members use the Fitness Center and Pool?

ILR members can use the Fitness Center/Student Weight Room S-128and Poolduring “Free Hours” for these facilities during the semester in which they are registered with the ILR. Hours vary for each semester and are subject to change without notice. Classes have preference over “Free Hours”. Refer to the bulletin board posted at the entrance of theS-128 (Pitkin) for the current “Free Hours” of operation.

A valid College ID and a medical “M” sticker are required to use either facility. The medical form must be on file with Health Services in HS-100 located at the main campus. For more information contact Health Services at 201-447-9257.

Bergen County residents may use the college track when there are no student activities taking place on it.

Where do I park?

For all classes on the Paramus campus park in the Student Parking Lot B. You do not need a parking pass. The Technology Building is closer to Lot B’s G-9 area. The Pitkin Education Center is closer to Lot B’s G-1 area.

How Do I Find My Classroom?

Download the Paramus campus map here: https://bit.ly/3msnHEY

ILR classes are being held primarily in Tec-201 with some classes held in Tec-203, S-343, A-104 and Gym-B.

A-104is on the first floor near the Student Center area of the Pitkin Education Center.

Gym-B is in the Pitkin Education Center. Enter using the Gym & Pool Entrance on the East side of Pitkin and proceed straight. You will see Gym B on the left hand side pretty shortly after entering the building.

S-343 is in the Pitkin Education Center Science (S) Wing.

• Use the South Entrance to Pitkin which is across from the outdoor courtyard. You will see Public Safety on your right and elevators on your left.

• Take the elevators up to the third floor. Head right past the water fountain and restrooms through a doorway into a long hallway with a brownish orange floor.

• Turn left and walk down this hallway. As you walk down the hall you will notice the doors are painted purple.

• When the doors turn green you have entered the Science Wing. Walk a bit further and take your first right passing a bank of vending machines. S-343 is a few doors down on the left.