EIU School of Extended Learning

Academy of Lifelong Learning

The primary objective of Eastern’s Academy of Lifelong Learning is to provide adults with educational opportunities that connect them to a variety of topics, organizations, and each other.  The Academy promotes self-directed learning which encourages participation in short courses that appeal to individual interests. Members may audit full-semester EIU courses for comprehensive study with the Academy Pass. Our goal is to encourage learning through the growth of accessible, innovative programming. Access our fall Program Guide here: FA21 Program Guide. 

For more information: Academy Membership

Why join the Academy?  

You are supporting free and low-cost learning events for adults in our area.  Benefits include discounted pricing for Doudna Fine Arts Center premier events for members; complimentary parking pass for on-campus Academy events; Academy Pass courses; EIU University Bookstore discount and more. Click here to join now! 

Our new semester of learning started on August 21, 2021

View our Program Guide here: FA21 Program Guide

Click here to join now!

Upcoming Events:

• Friday, Oct. 29: Rolston String Quartet
• Wednesday, Nov. 3: Sarah Lincoln: A Grateful Nation
• Sunday, Nov. 7: Past-Forward Memoir Writers, Book Readings and Author Signing
• Tuesday, Nov. 9: Wind Energy in Coles County
• Wednesday, Nov. 10: DAR: Coles County Patriots
• Sunday, Nov. 14: 2021 Illinois Municipal Treasurers Institute
• Thursday, Nov. 18: Bette Davis Ain't for Sissies

Click here to register for courses online.

Membership and Donations

• Membership and Gift Membership information
• Donate to the EIU Foundation

Event Registration

Click here for online event registration.

For Registration by Mail:

Academy of Lifelong Learning
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920

Would you like to share your expertise with adults who enjoy learning? 

The Academy accepts proposals for workshops and courses from area experts in history, health, fine arts, etc. If you are interested or have questions, please call 217-581-5114 or email academy@eiu.edu.

Meet the Advisory Council (in alphabetical order):

• Bonnie Buckley
• Diana Glosser
• Janet Messenger
• Terry Smith
• Luz Whittenbarger
• Dan Cougill
• Chris Houchens, Chair
• Michael Murphy
• Carolyn Stephens, Past Chair
• Lois Dickenson
• Al Joyner
• Deanna Smith
• Andrew White

Contact the Academy  

Marita Metzke, Director

Phone: 217-581-5114, Fax: 217-581-6697

Office Address:
Academy of Lifelong Learning
School of Extended Learning
1420 Buzzard Building

Email us: academy@eiu.edu