South Middlesex Times

On Mondays and Thursdays, retirees David and Virginia “Ginny” Keil frequent Van Dyck Hall at Rutgers University-New Brunswick to attend the course titled "The Arts of Power: Ritual, Myth and Propaganda." This course, lectured by Professor Alastair Bellany from the Department of History at the School of Arts and Sciences, investigates how various artistic works have been used to enhance political authority.

The Keils are participants in the Senior Citizen Audit Program, which allows residents of New Jersey aged 62 and older to audit select undergraduate courses at Rutgers on a noncredit, space-available basis across Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick campuses. Founded as a pilot program by the Rutgers University Board of Governors in 1974, the initiative became permanent due to its popularity.

Participants in the program do not pay tuition fees, although textbooks and other materials are not included, and academic credit is not awarded. Patricia Kastner, associate director of strategic events and programs for Rutgers Communications and Marketing, noted the positive feedback from participants who report that auditing classes offers intellectual stimulation, social engagement, and a sense of fulfillment.

Over the years, the Keils have engaged in various courses, ranging from art and music to political science and history. David Keil, a former research chemist with minimal history education, said the courses have enhanced his understanding of historical influence on current events. He stated, “It invigorates my day when we go to class."

Ginny Keil, a retired clinical social worker, enrolled in the program after hearing about it from a friend. She noted the program has helped fill gaps in her education and expanded her understanding of the world and her interactions with younger students.

The Senior Citizen Audit Program currently enrolls about 1,500 seniors, with roughly 400 auditing each semester. Most take one or two classes per semester, with 240 attending in person. This semester's participants include Shelly Burrell, a former manager and probation officer, who is auditing “Auditioning II.” Burrell expressed appreciation for the instruction by Cameron Knight, an associate professor at the Mason Gross School of the Arts.

Burrell believes in the importance of continuous learning and plans to continue auditing courses, stating, "I’ll probably be taking a class in my 80s, I’m pretty sure."

Timothy Eimer contributed to the article.