Source
r/UBC•
Arkaria

Graduating soon, do not want to leave UBC. May I sit in some low level classes even as a non-student?

Hello,

Although I am graduating soon, the whole experience of being in lectures and having an audio explanation is incredibly enjoyable for me. Among my time spent at work, the gym and with family, and studying, I could find potential (spare) time after graduation to still show up for low level classes (just for the pure fun of it, as I do enjoy the lecturing in general); particularly evening classes.

I am wondering, is this something non-UBC students can do. I would not expect grading or having access to any Blackboard. Rather just sitting in an empty chair (providing there is one). Or are most professors against former students coming in for recreational lectures (in the same way one might listen to podcasts). It's just an enjoyable environment and I really would not like to leave it behind.

In large classes, I am sure no one will notice, but in classes 30 - 50 people: how could I go on about this?

What would most professors do/say?

Posted Nov 8, 2017, 6:11 AM UTC · edited

429
Engineer05Engineering•

Pretty sure in large lectures nobody will notice.

18
2006s2000•

If you don't want to leave just do 4 more years

11
rockachetEngineering Physics•

best advice.. holy shit if you're not ready to move on to the real world.

2
jmiteGraduate Studies in Computer Science•

Graaaaaduate Stuuuuuudies...

Particularly a course based program, if you're looking for lectures.

You might also enjoy MOOCs

9
ArkariaOP•

1.) Costs money

2.) A lot of stress and deadlines

Why is it that the concept is lost on Reddit? I am not looking to have a time pressed, money eating program to continue in my life. I simply want to continue hearing low level (100-300) courses freely, for the sake of learning for fun, without any commitments as I am not having a career in academia, as I have building a career elsewhere, but I very much enjoy it nonetheless.

-8
BurryBurrScience•

You’d have to ask the prof. Technically you shouldn’t because you aren’t paying, but “should” and “should not” aren’t exactly the tightest chains so ask and see if you find someone who doesn’t mind.

4
ProfSnowden•

For any class- big or small - you should ask the prof if they are open to this and if they have seats in the class for you to attend the occasional lecture. I always say yes if I have space and if I'm asked first. I don't appreciate students just suddenly appearing in my classes.

6
ArkariaOP•

I definitely do ask as I have no desire to disrespect the professors, and this is good advice, thank you. However, currently, when I request to sit in, I am able to explain I have a two hour break and would be interested in listening to their lecture, so they are very friendly and welcoming as I am a student.

I just worry this friendliness won't be as welcoming once I am not a student enrolled at UBC.

1
momofunky•

If cost is not an issue - and you do not wish to immediately go for another degree - you could try for a certificate type program.

But as an earlier poster mentioned- of class is large, no one would know - but of course as a courtesy only if not limited seating.

5
ArkariaOP•

I certainly do not want to throw away more money as I am not an heiress. It would be a stress - free experience (no grading, handing assignments in, etc). I certainly do not want to repeat the stress of exams, assignments, use money for another degree (rather than climbing up if I am going to spend money on academia). I certainly am not looking to engage in another time-restrained, due-date riddled, money pressing program.

It would just be a non-beneficial purpose to just sit in and listen, take notes for one's own pleasure in education (relating nothing to the field one works in).

-3†
momofunky•

You could try taking courses for audit. I’m not sure of the policies per say - but you can contact ES. Back when I did my undergrad, there was a very pleasant elderly person in my class as an audit student (she helped me with my assignments - she was an accountant prior to retiring and had great Math aptitude).

6
ArkariaOP•

Courses for audit cost money.

This is simply for pleasure. Not to give them more money.

-4
lastlivezzScience•

You can try to,and will probably successfully, attend lower level courses, but I imagine upper level courses will be more difficult. Of course, there are also ethical reasons why you wouldn’t want to attend a paid course for free, but that’s up to you.

6
dfdfdsfdsfe•

just don't come if the classroom is full

3
ArkariaOP•

I would never come if the classes are full. Absolutely. The students who are paying have priority and deserve the respect of being able to sit where they would like.

1
wolfsbanelight33Computer Science•

I think Professors will look at you quizzically, maybe ask why, and still look at you strangely when you are giving them your answer, but I doubt anyone will prevent you from coming in. As long as you aren't a disturbance (which I am sure you wouldn't be).

2
ArkariaOP•

But why is this concept so strange? I thought many students would love to attend seminars/lectures?

My silly brain certainly didn't think it would be strange! =)

-1
itisme-123•

It's not that the concept is strange, it's just that everyone else is paying for a service which you'll be receiving for free. If everyone was as entitled as you, the lecture would be full of people thinking it was okay to sit in, "because they're only one person, and lectures are fun to listen to".

2
ArkariaOP•

That's what the inquiry on Reddit is for! =)

To figure out if I may do so. Thank you for your input.

1
TheHandofDoge•

Throughout ubc everyday there are dozens of seminars being presented in various departments. Every semester departments invite academics from other institutions to talk about their research. Here’s an example of the economics seminars being held this semester: https://economics.ubc.ca/news-events/seminars/

Here are the seminars this semester for microbiology and immunology: https://www.microbiology.ubc.ca/news-events/seminars

Go to any department’s web page and you will most likely find their seminars. Seminars are usually open to anyone interested in the topic and you don’t have to pay to attend them. This might be a good solution for you.

1
ArkariaOP•

I have those in mind as well, thank you for the links; I had been looking within the humanities field, but the sciences would be fantastic as well. I have found the scheduling (they tend to be in the morning, when I work) to be troublesome, but I am sure that I can figure something out (with these seminars).

They tend to just be a one time thing, and I was hoping for some consistency, but it definitely is an option, thank you.

1
TheHandofDoge•

Green College (located behind the ANSO building) also has interesting lectures that are usually in the early evening.

https://www.greencollege.ubc.ca/events

1
ArkariaOP•

Awesome, thank you! =)

Edit**:I just looked at their oncoming events, this is really just up my ally, thank you.

1