Frequently Asked Questions
Here are almost all the answers to all your questions!
If you have a question not answered here, let us know so we can include the information for the next person.
Just click a question below and the answer will appear underneath. Feel free to explore the full list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers. You’ll learn more about ICL (the Institute for Continued Learning) and how we can work together for your enjoyment and benefit!
- Who is ICL for?
ICL is an organization open to seniors, age 55 and over, who have reached a point in life where they want to pursue their interests in a non-competitive learning environment that provides opportunity for social interaction with like-minded peers.
- Where are classes held?
ICL is a program offered at Roosevelt University’s Albert Robin campus in Schaumburg, IL. The University provides classroom space for ICL. If you need help finding ICL, see a map or get directions here — just enter your current location.
In general, if you can find Woodfield Mall, the IKEA store, or Costco in Schaumburg, you can find Roosevelt University, as it is well-situated between the three. There is ample free parking. Enter using the main entrance, located by the circular driveway in front, on the north side of the building.
- When are classes held?
Classes typically meet once a week, for two hours, with breaks as needed. Morning classes are between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm and afternoon classes are between 1 pm and 3 pm.
- Study Groups are generally offered Tuesday through Thursday. The class description would indicate the number of weeks for each class, with the maximum being either 5 weeks (Winter) or 9 weeks (Spring, Summer, and Fall).
- Study Groups may be offered on campus, via Zoom, or hybrid (simultaneously on-campus and via Zoom).
- I go away in the winter; will this interfere with my attending a class?
No. Study Groups are offered throughout the year.
- What does ICL’s calendar year look like?
- Winter study groups run for 5 weeks via Zoom only from mid-January to mid-February.
- Spring study groups run for 9 weeks, from mid-March to mid-May.
- Summer study groups run for 5 weeks, from mid-June to mid-August.
- Fall study groups run for 9 weeks, from mid-September to mid-November.
Only attend sessions and classes you want.
Between sessions, special events include lecture series, music presentations, one-day seminars, and day trips to places such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden, a Shakespeare play, or other area attractions.
- How long is each class session?
Classes typically meet once a week and generally run two hours, with breaks as needed. There are no exams or tests, and no college credit is earned from these classes.
- Do I need to register for classes? If so, how do I do this?
Yes. You will need to register for Study Groups, except for the Winter Study Groups which are all on Zoom. There are four ways to register:
- Online. Visit our members’ registration portal
- Email. Send an email to officemanager@iclru.org, listing the classes you’d like to attend
- In Person. Visiting ICL (Room 705) during office hours.
- Regular Mail. Send a letter listing the names of classes you want to attend to our address.
- How do I know when and where a class will be meeting?
Prior to the beginning of classes, an eBlast will be sent to all members containing an attachment that lists the days, start times and room numbers for all classes. In addition, that listing will be posted on our website and will be available on our bulletin board outside Room 705.
- What kinds of subjects are offered?
Subject matter varies widely with something of interest for just about everyone!
We have had Study Groups covering topics such as Humor, Science, Literature, Genealogy, Family History, Short Stories, Current Events, Religions of the World, American and World History, Art, and much, much more! Click here for examples of past study groups.
- Who teaches these classes?
Generally, fellow members of ICL volunteer to coordinate classes. On occasion, guest speakers offer classes. Those who lead classes in the ICL program are called study group coordinators. Although coordinators are not paid, they may be entitled to a 50% fee reduction on their next membership renewal.
- Must I take a turn as coordinator?
No. Coordinators volunteer for the positions, generally on a subject of particular interest to them. We do encourage members to try coordinating classes as it enhances their membership experience.
- What is the annual membership fee?
The fee is $175 for a full 12 months (for new members the fee is $150 for the first year of membership). Additional small charges may apply to certain study groups. Also, additional charges may apply for off campus special events that require bus rental, an admission fee, or other expenses specifically related to that event. Most events on campus are typically free of extra charge. However, for some on campus special events there may be a charge. Participation in any special event is always the member’s choice.
- Can I pay the membership fee with a credit card?
Yes, for your convenience, ICL accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.
- What about lunch if I take a morning and afternoon class on the same day?
The Program Development Committee recommends bringing a brown bag lunch to Rm. 506 where you can meet and interact with fellow ICL members. This room has vending machines for snacks and beverages. Cookies are provided. Also, the Woodfield area offers many eateries of various types, some within walking distance, if that is your choice.
- How large are the classes?
They vary from about 10-15 members for smaller classes, to as many as 50 for larger classes. Each coordinator establishes a minimum and maximum number for his/her class.
- What do I get for my money?
Value beyond your wildest dreams! You get your choice of classes offered by ICL. In addition, you can participate in other areas of interest such as lectures, field trips, concerts and social activities with the many like-minded friends you’ll make.
Each year, we have an annual Ice Cream Social combined with a members’ Art Show, and a Holiday Party open to all members. Furthermore, ICL has a very active Travel Club that is constantly planning group trips. Additionally, we have book clubs which cover various themes. The ICL Reads program offers a community read and events related to the book.
- Can I get my money back if I don’t like it?
Refund requests are handled as follows:
- If an individual requests to terminate membership prior to payment being processed by ICL, then ICL will simply not process the payment for that application. The applicant will forfeit no money.
- If an individual requests a refund after a membership application has been processed that person will receive a refund of membership fees minus a $25 processing fee.
- No refunds will be given if a request is made more than 30 days after the membership application has been submitted, or if the individual has attended any ICL activities such as classes, lectures, etc.
- ICL may cancel or reschedule classes and/or events due to the occurrence of any force majeureevent or credible threat thereof. Membership fees and other costs (ID Badge) will not be refunded by ICL if all or any portion of an ICL class or event is canceled or rescheduled.
If you are uncertain about becoming a member, you may be our guest for a day before you join. If you would like to do this, contact the ICL Center at 224-523-6497 or by email at officemanager@iclru.org. You will be given a one-day pass allowing you to attend up to two classes (one in the morning and one in the afternoon).
We’re sure you’ll find something to interest you! We have many activities to enjoy in addition to classes, such as lectures, field trips and concerts. And, you’ll appreciate the camaraderie of our members.
- How will I know when these concerts, field trips, etc., take place?
Our primary method of communication is right here, our website (iclru.org) and by email. Be sure to check the website during the winter to confirm that inclement weather hasn’t caused any classes to be canceled.
ICL also communicates with you by announcements during classes, through eBlasts (emails to all members), and by promotional flyers during the year. We have a bulletin board located right outside the entrance to our office (Room 705), and you can check our online events calendar here.
- I never went to college; will I find the classes too difficult?
No, not likely, as there is no prerequisite for joining ICL. Our members come from literally all walks of life and all educational levels.
- How many classes can I join each session?
You may register for as many as you like. The usual advice is to start out by trying a maximum of three (3) classes. You are the best judge of how much you can do and how much time you want to devote to attending classes.
- Who runs ICL?
ICL is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization. ICL members run the organization through an elected Board and the Chairpersons of its various committees. All persons on the Board and the Committees are volunteers. All ICL members are encouraged to participate to keep the organization diverse and robust.
- How does the University benefit?
Roosevelt University is a responsible member of the community in which we live. It draws its student body from a very wide area in all directions from its location in Schaumburg. Providing these facilities and other assistance to ICL for the past 20+ years is consistent with the University’s program of giving back to the community. Just as individuals volunteer in their communities as good citizens, the University itself undertakes initiatives to fulfill its civic responsibilities.
If you have a question that is not answered above, please let us know. We will add it to the list with a response. Please call 224-523-6497, or send an email to officemanager@iclru.org, or write to ICL at: Institute for Continued Learning at Roosevelt University, 1400 Roosevelt Blvd., Room 705, Schaumburg IL 60173.