Some Iowa State students have the opportunity to take classes without tests, papers, books or educational prerequisites.

The only students who qualify for these classes, however, are those older than 55-years-old.

Since 1993, ISU has been offering classes to retirement-age individuals via the College for Seniors, sponsored by the ISU Retirees Committee.

“This is a hugely successful program,” said Ann Molison, program coordinator for the College for Seniors.

Molison said prospective students do not have to be affiliated with ISU and they don’t have to be officially retired.

“Anyone who can drive or take the bus to Scheman is welcome, and parking is free,” Molison said.

Students come from all over central Iowa to attend the classes, Molison said.

Thus far, 320 students are enrolled in the College for Seniors, and people can continue to enroll until classes begin, Molison said.

A convocation will kick off the fall term on Sept. 14.

This gives the students a chance to preview their classes and add classes if there are openings, Molison said.

This fall, the College for Seniors is offering nine classes that begin on Sept. 28.

“Several [classes] are repeats or continuations of classes we have presented previously; several are entirely new,” said Don Zytowski, chairman of the College for Seniors executive committee.

Nutrition and Your Health, Great Decisions ’98, Impact of the Media and Legal Seminar are four eight-week courses that will be held on Mondays from Sept. 28 through Nov. 16.

Never Too Old for Romance, Classical Music for All Occasions, Developing a Love of Reading and Geriatric Health Issues are the four eight-week courses that will be held on Tuesdays from Sept. 29 through Nov. 17.

Molison urged those interested in the program to register early because Nutrition and Your Health, Great ’98 and Classical Music for all Occasions are already full.

All of these courses will be held in the Continuing Education Center in Scheman Hall at the Iowa State Center and have a limit of 45 participants unless otherwise noted.

The ninth course, Introduction to Bridge, will be held on Wednesdays from Sept. 30 through Nov. 18 at the Octagon Center, 427 Douglas Ave.

Molison said the coordinators of the courses are generally retired and many of them have been members of the ISU faculty.

For more information about the College for Seniors, call 294-4521.