Salve Regina's Circle of Scholars is a lifelong learning institute affiliated with the Elderhostel network. The Circle's mission is the fostering of joy and satisfaction in lifelong learning. Founded in 1994, the program offers seminars to members on a wide variety of subjects, including literature, history, science, health, music, art, public affairs, religion, theater and film.
Membership
Anyone 50 years of age and older is eligible to join the Circle of Scholars. There is no residence or formal education requirement, only a strong desire to learn, to explore new fields of knowledge and to meet new people. The membership fee is $40 for an individual or $65 for a couple, per academic year. Only members may register for seminars.
Please note that the Circle of Scholars is not accepting new members at this time. Those interested in joining may leave their name and address to be placed on the waiting list by calling (401) 341-2120 or e-mailing circleofscholars@salve.edu.
Benefits
All members become part of the Salve Regina learning community. They are entitled to use the McKillop Library and the computer labs. Library cards may be issued to members upon request. Members receive a parking pass and are encouraged to attend theater productions, Pell Center lectures and other University events.
The most important benefit to members is eligibility to participate in the numerous seminars offered in the course of the academic year. Members will find not only qualified instructors, but also enthusiastic classmates who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to each seminar. Circle of Scholars members also enjoy two social events during the year: the Christmas reception and the spring luncheon following the annual meeting.
Seminars
Seminars start in late September and early February, and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. While they carry no credit and there are no exams, some instructors may suggest or require a text and possibly ask for outside research.
Seminars meet once a week, Monday through Friday, and run from three to eight weeks. The cost ranges from $15-$40, depending on the length of the seminar. Facilitators include Salve Regina faculty, Circle of Scholars members and nonmembers; all have a passion for their topic and a desire to share their knowledge. Anyone interested in facilitating may contact the Circle of Scholars office for more information and a seminar proposal form.
Fall 2013 Seminars
Fall 2013 registration brochures will be mailed in late August to current members who have returned their membership renewal forms, with payment, by Aug. 10.
Please note that registrations are not accepted by phone or in person; they must be mailed.
Cancellation of classes
Circle of Scholars seminars will be cancelled whenever Salve Regina closes for weather-related or other reasons. In the event of a snowstorm or other severe weather, information on University closings will be available on local media outlets or by calling (401) 847-6650.
If a facilitator chooses to cancel class due to inclement weather (even though the University may remain open) or illness, it is the responsibility of the facilitator to contact seminar participants, either by telephone or e-mail. Please do not call the Circle of Scholars office to determine whether a class will be held. Cancelled classes will be made up at the discretion of the facilitator in consultation with Salve Regina and the chair of the curriculum committee.
Organization
An open and democratically operated institute, the Circle of Scholars has bylaws, officers and committees. Officers are elected for two-year terms at the annual meeting in June. Limiting the time officers serve ensures that new ideas are periodically introduced to the Circle. At the annual meeting, the year's activities are reviewed and an accounting of funds is reported. Members are surveyed yearly for seminar ideas and proposals.
Click here to review the Circle's administrative policies.