Shimer College
Application Guide
Occasional and Special Students


Shimer’s goal is to offer our programs to those who enjoy the challenge of the classroom and the beauty of the written word. There are several opportunities for members of the community to take part in the Shimer College program.
  • Special Students are those who are not formally seeking a degree from Shimer College (nonmatriculating) but wish to receive credit for the classes they take. You are limited to 10 credit hours in any one semester and a total of thirty credit hours as a Special Student.
  • Audit: Upon approval of the Dean of the College and the course instructor, any individual may audit a course at Shimer College. Auditors enroll for the purpose of sitting in on a class with no expectation of receiving a grade or credit toward a degree. The regular auditing fee for classes may be reduced for auditors who are able to document financial need.
  • Senior Audit: Members of the community who are over 60 years of age and are able to document financial need may audit classes at a special rate with the approval of the Dean of the College on a space-available basis. Senior Auditors enroll for the purpose of sitting in on a class without receiving a grade or credit toward a degree.

    To begin the enrollment process, please complete the Application for Occasional Status and return it with a $25.00 application fee to:
    Shimer College
    Office of Admission
    3424 South State Street
    Chicago, IL 60616

    If at any time you have a question that isn’t answered here, please feel free to send us an email at admission@shimer.edu or call us at 800-215-7173. Registration for all Occasional Students will occur two days before classes begin in each term.

    As the Great Books College of Chicago, we at Shimer look forward to having you join us as we continue our mission of preparing citizens of the world.


    • Application for Occasional Status as a .

    Name and Address Information

    LastFirstMiddle or MaidenGender
    NicknameEmail
    Permanent AddressMailing Address If different from Permanent
    Address
    Line 2
    CityStateZIP or Postal Code
    --
    CountryTelephone
    Use this address until (Date)
    Address
    Line 2
    CityStateZIP or Postal Code
    --
    CountryTelephone
    Date of birth (mm/dd/year)Place of birth
    Are you a U.S. citizen? If not, are you a permanent resident? If not, what is your citizenship?
    How did you hear about Shimer?

    Schooling Information

    High School NameAddressCityStateZIP or Postal CodeCountry
    High School Graduation Date
    Please list all schools attended since high schoolYears Attended

    Academic Interests

    List the academic areas in which you have the greatest interest (e.g., Literature, Mathematics, Philosophy)
    The information supplied by me on this application is true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge.
    Applicant's Signature
    Your typed signature will be accepted and is legally binding.    		Date