Original Query from Ruthie Carlson, CALL, Community Academy for Lifelong Learning, State College, PA
We are in the process of revising our refund policy. If you have a policy, please send it through the Forum. Thank you.

From Sara Craven, Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement, Duke University, NC
Our refund policy is this: "Yes." We give full refunds when requested. We figure it makes friends for us and encourages people to return.

From Roxanne M. Knott-Kuczborski, Lifelong Learning Institute, Caldwell College, NJ
No refunds after the first meeting is in writing, but of course changes/adjustments may be made if the need arises-i.e. illness, etc..

From Tricia Inlow, NC State's Encore Center for Lifelong Enrichment
Our refund policy -- Members need to contact us two weeks before the course or event starts, and we charge a $10 processing fee. This is generally our policy, although we make exceptions given individual circumstances (serious illness or other unforeseen circumstances). Basically, we are trying to encourage members to take their registration seriously (this has a lot to do with the complicated receiving and refunding policies of a large public university). When someone asks for a refund, we'll offer them the choice of switching to a different class on a different date or time, since frequently it will simply be a case of a scheduling conflict. We also let them switch classes if they attend a class and it turns out not to be their cup of tea.

From Sarah Fletcher, Furman University Learning in Retirement, SC
Our refund policy is similar to that at Duke University. We refund the total fees for all those who drop out or cancel their registration. We bend over backwards to make sure that our members feel they have been treated more than fairly. It pays off by having very satisfied customers who will return when they can and who will speak highly of our program to their friends. I often ask them, "What would you like in the way of a refund? or "What would seem fair to you?

From Mary Quinn Burkhart, Auburn Academy for Lifelong Learning, Auburn University, AL
AUALL has a refund policy similar to Duke's: those who ask for refunds are given them. We seldom are asked, but figure it is a good policy to be flexible.

From Sara J. Skaggs, Center for Learning in Retirement, Rock Valley College, IL
We do not ask questions about refunds for classes- - although requests for refunds are generally prefaced by a reason. It's proven to be good PR for this group that we are, like Duke, flexible when refunds are requested. We have many trips - at least 12 a year, with many entry fees, bus costs, restaurants, hotels, etc. Flexibility applies up to a point when refunds are requested, as some of the costs for these events must be covered to make the trip cost effective and to cover all bases. Partial refunds are often given here, depending if there's a wait list to fill their spot. Hope this helps.

From A. Ann Tai, Learning in Retirement, Ann Arbor
We are very flexible about refunds. Most people donate the amount (from $5 to $30 toward the scholarship fund) or bank it with us for credit to the next semester's class.