UWinnipeg’s unique 55 Plus Program is for people who are 55, plus everyone else who is interested in taking engaging classes for the love of learning without the exams!
This 30-year program offers a wide range of classes in the sciences and the humanities, with no tests, or assignments, just the pure joy of learning. These intellectually stimulating classes also offer an opportunity to connect with others who have similar interests.
Sandy HayGlass is a 55 Plus student. Prior to retirement, a small ad in the Winnipeg Free Press caught her attention and fueled her curiosity which initially brought her to campus. She averages about five courses per year, keeping her on campus for 10 years and counting.
“I love learning,” shared HayGlass. “Courses are offered in everything from Western, Asian, and ancient history to science, astronomy, literature and law. There are always interesting things to learn and excellent professors to learn from.”
HayGlass noted the weekly classes are only two hours long, for six weeks. She enjoys diving into engaging topics.
“I really like the fact that the professors bring a lot of new and interesting material for mature adults,” said HayGlass. “No homework or assignments so you just relax and take it all in.”
UWinnipeg’s Dr. Andrew McGillivray, Associate Professor in the Department of Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications, has been teaching in the program since 2019.
Dr. McGillivray enjoys the 55 Plus format and delivers course content that is directly related to his passion and research on Icelandic literature and culture. He notes class participants are motivated and ask insightful, often difficult, questions that also spark his own curiosity in his field of study.
“Ultimately, the reason I continue to teach in the program is because of the enthusiasm of the course participants for the material we explore together,” said Dr. McGillivray. “It always feels as if it is a mutually beneficial experience.
UWinnipeg Professor Emeritus Dr. Neil Besner first taught in this program in the mid-1990s. Upon retiring in 2017, Dr. Besner jumped at the chance to return to a 55 Plus classroom this year.
“I taught a three-week course on Mavis Gallant’s stories,” said Dr. Besner. “There were 15 people in the course. They all wanted to talk. They all had something to say.”
Like Dr. Besner and Dr. McGillivray, HayGlass finds her colleagues love learning and enjoys the intellectual engagement offered by the 55 Plus program.
“You meet a lot of interesting people,” she said. “Every year I look forward to seeing what will be offered and what I will take. Personally, I highly recommend taking a course.”
If you are interested in taking a course, check out the Winter 2026 schedule and sign up.
