This content was published: May 21, 2010. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Legislature mandates new option for senior citizens
Photos and story by Dana Haynes
The 2009 Legislature mandated a change in the way older adult Oregon residents can take free or reduced-price college classes.
The change goes into effect this fall at all 17 independent community colleges in Oregon. Summer 2010 is the last opportunity for seniors to take advantage of Portland Community College’s long-standing older adult tuition discount program.
Under the Legislature’s model, people age 65 and older would be able to take a credit class for free. PCC has opted to be more inclusive and is offering the free classes for those age 62 and older, provided:
● They gain permission of the instructor.
● There is room in the class for them and they don’t displace a student paying full tuition.
● They audit the class and will not receive credit or a grade.
Participants will not be able to register in advance. They will need to fill out a separate registration form on the first day of class.
The procedure for taking a non-credit has not changed. People age 62 and older get half-off on the price for those classes.
For details, go online to www.pcc.edu/senioroption
About Dana Haynes
Dana Haynes, joined PCC in 2007 as the manager of the Office of Public Affairs, directing the college's media and government relations. Haynes spent the previous 20 years as a reporter, columnist and editor for Oregon newspapers, including ... more »