WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Area residents age 62 and over who would like to take a class at Missouri State University-West Plains this spring under the Senior Citizen Fee Waiver Program can register beginning Friday, Dec. 19.

Those wishing to attend classes can register in person beginning at 8 a.m. Friday in the registration and records office in Cass Hall, 515 Cass Ave. (the former social security office), or they may go online to register beginning at 8 a.m.

To web register, visit the Missouri State-West Plains website at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu and click on the “My Grizzly Den” link on the left side of the page.  Students who do not have an account need to click on the “Get an Account” below the “Log In” section of the “My Grizzly Den” page for step-by-step instructions.  They also may call the Missouri State-West Plains information technology help desk at 417-255-7995 for more information concerning web registration.

The Senior Citizen Fee Waiver Program allows Missouri residents age 62 and above to take tuition-free academic courses being offered by the university during the spring semester on an audit, non-credit, “seats availabe” basis, provided they have met all prerequisites, officials said.

Online courses, jail officer and law enforcement academy classes, or any course offered in conjunction with the South Central Career Center in West Plains are not included in the fee waiver program; however, a recent policy change makes intersession classes eligible.  Seniors must pay special course fees and the costs of required textbooks and supplies, if applicable.  They also should note that classes with less than 10 students registered may be cancelled.  Registration for intersession and full semester classes is held the Friday before the first session of classes for the term begins.

To register for classes, senior citizens should be fully admitted to the university as non-degree seeking students and follow the regulations outlined for non-degree seeking students. Participants should declare their intent to enroll in the program at the point of admission in order to have all eligible student fees waived, officials said.

For more information, contact the Missouri State-West Plains admissions office at 417-255-7955 or toll free at 1-888-466-7897.