General Questions
Who can take Program 60 classes?
Any Ohio resident age 60 or older is eligible to take Program 60 classes at The Ohio State University. Program 60 classes are tuition-free, noncredit, and non-degree and are offered on a space-available basis at the undergraduate or graduate level. In order to participate in Program 60 you must have resided in the State of Ohio for one calendar year and be age 60 or older during the semester or term for which you complete the one-time program registration.
How much does it cost to take Program 60 classes?
Program 60 courses are tuition-free, but you may need to pay for books, supplies or lab fees. There are optional expenses associated with parking and transportation, replacing a lost BuckID or purchasing a membership to the Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC).
Where can I find my Ohio State Username?
Once you are accepted into Program 60, you will receive an email from Ohio State with your Ohio State Username. It is your lastname . (dot) an assigned number, (written like lastname.#). It is also the first part of your Ohio State email address. If you are unsure of your Ohio State Username, please contact Program 60 at program60@osu.edu, and we can help.
Where can I find my Ohio State/Student ID number?
If you get a BuckID, your Ohio State ID number is the 8 or 9 digit number listed on your BuckID. To view your Ohio State ID Number online:
- Go to buckeyelink.osu.edu
- Type into the search bar "Your OSU ID"
- Log in with your Ohio State username (lastname.#) and password
- View your OSU ID
Signing Up
How do I sign up for Program 60?
Complete all the Steps to Participate and you'll be good to go! Program 60 registration (a one-time process) happens three times a year, in December/January, April/May and July/August. If you are already registered, you can request permission to enroll via our online form.
I've completed all the Steps to Participate! Now what?
- Check to make sure you've completed all the items on your To Do list in Buckeye Link, which is on the right side of the page when you log in to sign up for classes. Requirements such as the Financial Responsibility Statement and Sexual Misconduct Training appear here. Failure to complete these requirements can result in a hold being placed on your account and prevent you from enrolling in classes.
- Make sure you've looked through the Participant Resources to learn all about being at Ohio State.
Taking Classes
What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous online courses?
Online courses with listed meeting days and times are synchronous. You are required to "attend" online courses in the software (Zoom, Teams, etc) that your instructor uses.
Online courses that specify TBA for the days and times are asynchronous; meaning the for the duration of the semester, the course will be readily available online, to be accessed at your convenience. This is why the time is listed as TBA; as there is no particular set time for asynchronous courses.
Do I need to buy books for my class(es)?
Books might not be required for every class, but you may have a better experience if you have the materials used for the course. Some instructors may select textbooks after classes are in session.
If you purchase books, review all return policies. Search for required textbooks at Barnes and Noble, The Ohio State University bookstore, or access a customized list within Buckeye Link. To access this list in Buckeye Link, click My Class Schedule, select the term, select Continue, then Buy Books in the upper right-hand corner.
CarmenBooks
Some Ohio State courses are part of CarmenBooks, a program that offers digital copies of selected textbooks for a fraction of the cost of a new, physical copy. If you register for a course using CarmenBooks, you will see this discounted textbook cost reflected as a course fee.
You may choose to opt out of this program. However, if you do so, you will be responsible for obtaining your textbook and other course materials on your own. To opt out, complete the CarmenBooks opt out form before the end of the 100% refund period for your session. After that date, no refunds will be available.
Do any classes have specific policies on enrollment?
Yes. Please read and consider these Department Policies for Program 60 Participants when selecting your courses for the upcoming semester.
Can I enroll in online (distance learning) courses? How do I search for online courses?
Yes! If no prerequisites are required or you have the permission of the instructor, you may take online courses. To search for online courses, you can use the link go.osu.edu/onlinecourses. Make sure Distance Learning is selected under Instruction Mode.
What is Carmen and how do I access course materials?
CarmenCanvas, also known as Carmen, is Ohio State’s online course management system, which your instructors will use to create and share course materials. Please note, this information may not be available until 24 to 48 hours before the semester start date. You log in to Carmen with your Ohio State username (lastname.#) and password and authenticate with BuckeyePass.
If you need help understanding how to use CarmenCanvas, check out the Getting Started with Carmen for Students guide.
How do I drop a class?
Please refer to the Registrar List of Important Dates for course drop deadlines. Typically, drop requests must be processed by the first Friday of the term for a full refund. For additional assistance, contact the Program 60 Coordinator.
What if I have questions that are not answered here?
You can send questions by email to the Program 60 coordinator. We do not accept drop-in appointments, so please do not go to Mount Hall without a previously scheduled appointment. If you need an appointment, you can call the front desk at 614-292-8860. Let them know you are a Program 60 participant. We offer phone and zoom appointments at this time. If you need an in-person appointment, send an email to Program 60 with the request.