The mission of the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute is to promote lifelong learning by providing academically rigorous, mentally stimulating, socially engaging, and health-improving courses for older adults throughout South Orange County. 

Welcome to the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute 

Discover a world of lifelong learning at the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute. Established in 1976, our program offers a diverse range of high-quality, tuition-free classes offered throughout South Orange County and online. Explore your academic and personal interests in over 30 disciplines designed for adult lifelong learners. Be part of the vibrant community at the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute — where learning never stops!

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Emeritus Institute Faculty

At the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute, we are proud to be home to an exceptional team of faculty who are both highly educated in their fields and deeply committed to the mission of lifelong learning for older adults. Faculty combine their academic achievements with real-world experience, ensuring that every class offers both depth and relevance. Beyond their qualifications, our faculty members are passionate about fostering a learning environment that values inclusivity, curiosity, and personal growth.

Here in the Emeritus Institute, our faculty work to ensure that every student feels welcomed, supported, and inspired. Whether exploring the arts, sciences, history, health, or technology, our instructors guide students in their pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery. 

Classes

Online Schedules

Click below to view the Extended Learning Division (Emeritus) schedules online.

View the LIVE Fall 2026 Class Schedule
View the LIVE Spring 2027 Class Schedule

Printed Schedules

Click below to view/print the paper Extended Learning Division schedules. The printed Spring 2027 will be coming soon!

NOTE: Printed copies are available on the Saddleback College campus and at our facility partner sites.

NEW! The FALL and SPRING Extended Learning Division catalogs now feature both departments, the Emeritus Institute and the Adult Education classes!

Fall 2026 Extended Learning Catalog
Spring 2027 Extended Learning Catalog

Spring Registration 

Spring 2027 Time Tickets/Registration Appointments for Current students begin: November 17 and 18.

On-Campus Registration Assistance Events

  • Thursday, November 19, 2026 and Thursday, December 10, 2026
     8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    Saddleback College Admissions & Records Office 
    28000 Marguerite Parkway
    Mission Viejo, CA  92692
    Gateway Building, 1st Floor, Rooms 104 & 105

Off-Campus Registration Assistance Events

  • Monday, November 23, 2026
    9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Palmia Community (PALMIA)
    21455 Monterey
    Mission Viejo, CA  92692
     
  • Monday, November 30, 2026 
    9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    Florence Sylvester Senior Center (FSSENCTR) 
    23721 Moulton Parkway
    Laguna Hills, CA  92653
     
  • Friday, December 4, 2026 
    9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    Dana Point Community Center (CITY DP) 
    34052 Del Obispo
    Dana Point, CA  92629

Ongoing Registration Assistance available too!

Come by anytime to the Saddleback College Gateway Building or call (949) 582-4555 x 0 for hands-on assistance throughout the enrollment process!  We want to help ensure that our students have the resources and support they need to enroll in Emeritus Institute classes! 

Location: Saddleback College in the Gateway Building, room 158.

Hours of Operation

  • Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays:  9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Fridays: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Finding Your Way

  • The Gateway Building is closest to the college entrance at Medical Center Drive and Marguerite Parkway cross streets. Once you enter the campus, take your first right, then an immediate left into a large parking lot in front of the Gateway Building. Park in the first row (Guest Parking). Make note of your parking spot and proceed to the Parking Kiosk (to pay a small parking fee). Enter through the glass double doors. Walk straight ahead to the A&R Check-In Desk (follow the bank of computers in the center of the hallway). The A&R Check-In Desk is on the right, just before the stairs. 

Additional tools for Help with Registration 

Our Commitment to You

At the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute, our faculty and staff are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and respectful community where every student feels appreciated and supported.

Through attentive service and compassionate instruction, we strive to create a space where everyone belongs and can thrive. Our focus is on providing the guidance, resources, and encouragement you need to pursue your goals and enrich your life.

Your growth is our mission, and we are here to support you at every step of your educational journey.

More About the Emeritus Institute

Contact the Emeritus Institute