Wheaton College Courses Available at Discount to Norton Residents

With a sticker price of $50,000 a year, is one of the most expensive colleges in the U.S. Luckily for Norton residents, they can experience an education for as little at $15 per class.

A program that predates the current registrar, Wheaton College originally started offering classes to Norton residents at a discounted rate as a gesture of appreciation and good will toward the community, according to Pat Santilli, registrar and dean of academic systems at Wheaton.

"I think it is something that builds community through education," said the 60-year-old Dedham resident.

There are eight Norton residents auditing, and none are taking courses for credit this semester. Santilli states usually around eight to 10 residents participate each semester.

Larry Shannon, 79, of Norton says he is drawn to the history and political science courses, but mainly enjoys the interactions with the younger students.

“One of the reasons I take it is to hear what younger people have to say," he said. "One of my history teachers from a few years back once said ‘They may not agree with what you have to say, but they are always interested in what you have to say.’” Shannon has been auditing classes since 2000.

The assistant professor of history at Wheaton College, Dolita Cathcart, 57, of Jamaica Plain, describes several ways in which a Norton resident auditing has allowed her history class to be more interactive for the students.  

“Adding the older perspective, but still coming from a student, it makes the class 3-D, it gives the class depth,” said Cathcart. She has also built close relationships with individuals who have audited her classes, even collaborating on a book about Prince Hall with one.

Norton residents may audit as many courses as they would like, for as long as they would like, for $15 a class. Classes for credit are also offered at the discount rate of $150. Participants who want to take courses for credit may only take one credit a semester for a maximum of four semesters.

Originally from Norton, Susannah Hindersmann, 65, retired, attended classes at Wheaton when she was a student at and again during the 1970s for credit towards an education certificate. Today, Hindersmann is auditing a German course, Reform and Rebellion and art history course, Castles and Cathedrals.

“I find the classes terribly entertaining, especially the art history course. I have been to castles and cathedrals all over Europe and I didn’t know the apse from the knave, and now I will know in an interesting and stimulating way,” said Hindersmann.

Classes in higher demand by full time students, like science, studio art or music classes are discouraged for auditors. The most popular departments are the languages, history and math.

For more information, residents should contact the office of the registrar at 508-286-8247 or visit wheatoncollege.edu/registrar/services/norton-residents.