About Yale Alumni College

Steered by a volunteer board of alumni and operated by Yale Lifelong Learning and Travel, YACOL offers intensive seminars and outings that provide both intellectual enrichment and social engagement. Classes are offered both online and in person across the country. 

Bringing a diversity of life experience to a wide range of topics, our alumni teachers share a passion for learning. YACOL classes provide opportunities to forge social connections and build a vibrant intellectual community. Classes are also enhanced by outings led by Yale-affiliated faculty to significant cultural attractions. 

“The program is an excellent way of engaging Yalies in selected locations with some of the best professors in the world. They are the world experts in their fields. It is a great way for Yale to reach out to its alums with something very special.” - John Wellemeyer ’59 (Fall 2018, Princeton)

“In many ways, Yale Alumni College is the most ideal form of learning: The professors are brilliant and passionate about their subjects, discussions are informed by classmates’ life experience and mature reflections, and the atmosphere is pleasant and stress-free. Always a source of great joy, Yale Alumni College has been especially uplifting in 2020.” - Laurie Treuhaft (Fall 2020, Online)

“The short story course I took as part of the Yale Alumni College Program was in my opinion the ideal alumni activity: I learned a great deal, met alums I didn't already know, engaged in meaningful conversation and left each evening very proud of being a Yalie. I cannot wait to take another class.” - Julia Levy ’81 (Spring 2017, Atlanta)

“The course exceeded my expectations. The professor was excellent – she not only was a deep subject matter expert on the topic, she also did a great job facilitating the discussion. I appreciate the opportunity to have this caliber of learning and intellectual discussion with other alumni.” - Ann Manikas ’93 (Fall 2018, Chicago)

“I highly recommend the class. The amount reading for each class was reasonable, the professor was really engaging, [and] the discussions were extremely interesting both from a strategic thinking and historical standpoint. I would sign up again without hesitation.” - Anthony Allard ’07 (Fall 2018, Washington D.C.)

“These relatively short, insightful courses are deeply enriching, even – or especially – without exams or grades! Learning for learning’s sake is a pure joy.” - Vincent Kerr (Fall 2020, Online)

Yale Alumni College courses have been taught by a growing roster of exceptional faculty that includes both Yale professors and Yale alumni. Browse our faculty directory to learn more about the professors we have partnered with.

Looking for a sampling of past Yale Alumni College courses? We have them here for you, broken down by subject area and with notes about location and professors.

There are many opportunities to get involved with YACOL. As a scholar: You can start taking courses with us or join us on an outing in your area by registering during the registration period. As a volunteer: Any Yale alum who is interested in cultivating new programming for YACOL may submit an email with their interest to join the board, you can also be a local ambassador (champion) for the program. Champions assist with developing in-person courses and events around their local area. As an educator: Qualified alumni educators are welcome to submit a proposal of a course or presentation to the board for review. 

Please see our FAQ page to help answer any questions you may have.