Membership in the Lois E. Marshall Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) is open to adults aged fifty-five and older who wish to continue learning in a supportive and intellectually engaging environment. Members come from a wide variety of educational, occupational, and cultural backgrounds. Some are retired, while others continue to work part time or volunteer. All share a common interest in lifelong learning.
There are no academic prerequisites for membership. There are no tests, no grades, and no requirements beyond interest and participation.
What Membership Includes
Purchasing an ILR membership for a given semester includes:
Course Enrollment
- Enrollment in up to four Primary Courses
- Enrollment in up to three Bonus Courses
Access to Campus Facilities
- Borrowing privileges at the Sidney Silverman Library
- Access to the Fitness Center (Room S-128) and the Pool during posted free time hours
- A valid Bergen Community College ID card and medical “M” sticker are required
- The Fitness Center and Pool schedules vary each semester and may change without notice
Educational and Social Opportunities
- Access to ILR lectures, special presentations, and cultural programming
- Invitations to ILR community events
- Opportunities to meet and connect with fellow ILR members
Support and Assistance
- Registration assistance
- Help with classroom locations
- Guidance for online course access
- Connection to instructors and staff as needed
Membership Fee
For the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters, membership is:
$150.00 per semester
Important notes:
- Fees are non-refundable
- Fees are not prorated
- Refunds are not issued for courses that are canceled
- If a course is canceled in its entirety, ILR staff will assist you in selecting a different course if space allows
- If a single class session is canceled, a make-up session will be scheduled when possible
Membership must be purchased before enrolling in any courses.
Eligibility
To become an ILR member, individuals must:
- Be fifty-five years of age or older
- Have an interest in continued learning
- Agree to follow ILR guidelines and Bergen Community College policies
A college degree is not required for participation.
Becoming an ILR Member
You become an ILR member when you register for your courses for the semester. There is no separate form to complete.
During the registration process you will:
- Purchase your ILR membership for the semester
- Select your four Primary Courses
- Select up to three Bonus Courses
- Submit payment by credit card
Once membership is purchased, you are considered an active ILR member for the duration of the semester.
Returning Members
Returning students should use their existing ILR account to register for courses.
Username
Your username is your email address.
Password Reset
If you do not remember your password:
- Click “I forgot sign-in details” on the registration site
- Enter your email address
- Check your inbox for the reset link
- Follow the instructions to create a new password
If you do not receive the reset link, check your spam or junk folder.
If the problem continues, contact the ILR office for assistance.
Membership Benefits Explained in Full Detail
A. Course Access
Members may take four Primary Courses per semester. These are multi-week classes that run anywhere from two to twelve weeks depending on instructor preference and scheduling availability.
Members may also select Bonus Courses. These include:
- Guest lectures
- Special presentations
- One-day workshops
- Short-session classes that run outside the regular schedule
Bonus Courses allow members to explore additional topics without affecting their Primary Course limit.
B. Library Privileges
ILR members have borrowing privileges at the Sidney Silverman Library on the Paramus Campus.
Members may:
- Borrow books and materials
- Use library computers
- Access research databases while on campus
- Use quiet study areas
Members should bring their Bergen Community College ID card when visiting the library.
C. Fitness Center and Pool Access
ILR members may use the Pool and Fitness Center free of charge during posted free time hours.
Important Requirements:
- You must present a valid Bergen Community College ID card
- You must have a medical “M” sticker on your ID card
- You must complete all required forms with the Health Services Office (Room HS-100)
To obtain the medical sticker, contact Health Services at (201) 447-9257.
Schedules for Fitness Center and Pool access vary each semester and may be changed by the College at any time. Classes take precedence over free time.
D. Community and Social Benefits
The ILR is more than a set of classes. It is a community. Members often say that social engagement is one of the greatest benefits of the program.
Members enjoy:
- Engaging discussions with classmates
- Encouraging and friendly instructors
- Social connections during break periods
- Occasional on-campus events
- Opportunities to volunteer or teach
The ILR encourages supportive, welcoming, and respectful interaction among members.
Policies and Expectations
To ensure a positive experience for everyone, members are asked to follow several guidelines:
Attendance
Please register only for courses you plan to attend regularly.
If you know that you will not be able to attend a course after registering, notify the ILR office so the seat may be offered to another member.
Conduct
Members are expected to:
- Treat instructors, staff, and other students respectfully
- Participate actively within their comfort level
- Use campus facilities responsibly
- Follow Bergen Community College policies
Classroom Etiquette
Please arrive on time and stay for the full duration of the class when possible.
Mailing List
To be added to the ILR mailing list for updates, please email: [email protected]
Include your full name and preferred email address.
Contact the ILR
Telephone: (201) 447-7156
Email: [email protected]
Technology Building, TEC-115
Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Road
Paramus, New Jersey 07652
