About MCLL
The McGill Community for Lifelong Learning (MCLL) is part of the McGill School of Continuing Studies. Since 1989, MCLL has offered programs for seniors who want to learn, socialize and share ideas within a vibrant community. We offer courses, lectures, workshops, outings and social events providing learning opportunities as well as chances to meet people and explore new interests.
Several features make MCLL programs distinct from typical third-age university courses:
- A focus on peer learning and active participation in a live setting. Class members are welcome to share their knowledge and experiences, which contributes to the interactive nature of our courses named study groups.
- A variety of levels of participation. Some study groups feature a series of lectures by the course author, others involve presentations by participants, while some emphasize group discussions.
- Courses are offered in-person, online and in our engaging hybrid environment.
- There are no grades or exams and no age limits.
- Members are entitled to the same benefits as McGill students, including full access to the McGill libraries.
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MCLL is a non-profit organization run by volunteers and overseen by a council elected by its members.
Becoming a Member of MCLL
Membership benefits apply after purchasing a study group. To do so, new members must first register with the McGill School of Continuing Studies. Follow these steps; no fee is required:
1. Click this link to the Athena login page
2. Under: “I am a new user”, enter your email, click “Create Account” to complete the process
3. Keep your Athena username and password handy when purchasing a study group or lecture
Study Terms
There are four terms to a year:
- The Fall, Winter and Spring terms each consist of 10 weeks and offer a complete program including study groups, lectures, workshops, outings and social activities.
- The Summer term, Wonderful Wednesdays, is a lighter program of lectures, outings, and workshops presented on Wednesdays only.
Study groups and lectures are usually given in English. Some offerings are available in French, or in both official languages.
Study Groups
While most study groups run for 10 weeks, some have a shorter duration, with the minimum duration being 5 weeks. Study groups are offered Monday to Thursday at the following times:
- 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- 12:00-2:00 p.m.
- 2:30-4:30 p.m.
MCLL Lectures
MCLL lectures and single-session workshops are presented on Fridays at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1:00-3:00 p.m. for the fall, winter, and spring terms. In the summer term, they are presented on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Outings
MCLL members occasionally go on outings to various locations in and around the city of Montreal. These outings are held on Fridays or Saturdays in the fall, winter, and spring and on Wednesdays in the summer.
Fees
Study Groups: $125 per term which entitles you to the following:
- Full MCLL membership and all membership benefits for the duration of the 10-week term, including access to McGill libraries, and Office 365 License, and IT assistance.
- Access to 20 weeks of study groups. For example two 10-week, or one 10-week and two 5-week, or four 5-week study groups. Other durations will be noted as counting 10 or 5 weeks.
- Additional study groups with available spaces may open for registration the week before the term starts. These opportunities are communicated by email to members.
Lectures, workshops, and outings: $10 per activity and does not require or include an MCLL membership. These can be taken in addition to study groups or independently.
Facilities
Registration and Payment
All registrations should be done online with payment by credit card online. Volunteers will be available to help those with difficulties registering online during the first week of registration.
A small number of registrations will be accepted in-person with payment by cheque. This is not encouraged, and there is no guarantee as to when these registrations can be processed.
Members' Help Site
Created and managed by MCLL members, this website serves as an additional resource for MCLL participants. You can find printable PDFs with instructions for a variety of tasks as well as links to sites that will enhance your MCLL experience.