All your frequently asked questions answered, including the basics such as how to contact the Second Half, financial information, and the registration process for Study Groups.
The Basics | Financial Information | Study Groups & Registration
The Basics
Q: How can I contact the Second Half Lifelong Learning Institute?
A: Email office@secondhalflli.org or call 508-677-4694. Click on Contact if you would like to be added to our mailing list and receive information about the next semester’s classes.
Mailing Address
The Second Half: Lifelong Learning Institute
P.O. Box 9333
Fall River, MA 02720
Q: Who joins The Second Half?
A: Active, intellectually curious adults with flexible hours. Study groups are designed for people who seek academic challenges, networking opportunities, and social events. You must be a member to sign up for a study group.
Q: When do study groups meet?
A: The Second Half has two terms beginning mid-September and mid-February. The mostly two-hour daytime groups meet once a week and typically run for three to ten weeks, depending on the group. They meet on Weekdays. Summer events are held on a periodic basis.
Q: Where do groups meet?
A: Study groups meet at various locations in the Fall River to New Bedford area, or take place on Zoom.
Financial Information
Q: What is the membership fee? And tuition?
A: The annual membership fee for the two-term academic year is $50.00. Tuition fees for each semester are $150 for two study groups. There is a $30 fee for each additional study group. Membership is required to enroll in a study group. All memberships expire on August 31st.
Q: Is there a discount if my spouse and I both register?
A: We treat every member as an individual, which means no discounts.
Q: Where do I park at the various locations?
A: Most sites have parking available.
Q: What are my payment options?
A: Payment with a check or credit card is accepted. Your check is your receipt of payment.
Please Note: there is a $6.00 processing fee for credit card payments to cover our costs.
Q: May I pay later?
A: You may, but we will register you later. Your place in the study group will not be held until your money is received.
Q: Can I get a refund? What if I get sick and cannot continue in my study group?
A: In some cases, we can send refunds, however, there will be a $15 processing fee for withdrawing completely within a week after your first study group in that semester. Please leave a message at 508-677-4694.
Note: Membership fees are not refundable.
Study Groups & Registration Process
Q: What happens if the study group I want is closed?
A: If the study group you want is closed, you will receive a phone call in order to discuss your options; being put on a waiting list, enrolling in a different study group, ripping up your check, or sending a refund.
Q: There are study groups I’d like to join but they’re not being offered. What can I do about this?
A: The current Curriculum Chairperson is always looking for tips on new study groups and assistance in offering them. Please send an email that will be forwarded to the Chairperson.
Q: I signed up for a study group and haven’t heard if I got in, does that mean I’m in the study group?
A: Confirmation letters will be sent.
Q: How can I learn about current activities?
A: An Open House is held at the beginning of each term to announce study group offerings, for easy registration, and to provide an opportunity to meet the leaders for each study group. Also, catalogs are mailed to members as well as being available through this website. Other activities are advertised via the Second Half Facebook page and through emails sent to members. The Second Half Journal (TSH) posts current events and the news.
Q: Study Groups are filled on a first come / first served basis. What is your selection process for filling these?
A: The selection process is described in more detail on the Membership/Registration webpage. The Registration and Membership Form from the catalog (a downloadable PDF) has detailed information about the registration process.
Q: I signed up for a study group last semester but did not get in. If the same study group is offered again, do I have priority?
A: Yes you do. There is a place on the Registration Form to request priority for that study group. The registration process is described in more detail on the Registration and Membership Form, a downloadable PDF available on the website Membership/Registration webpage. The HAND-e-BOOK link (a downloadable PDF) also has detailed information about the registration process.
Each semester, a New Members reception is held to welcome our new members and answer their specific needs.
Members are kept posted on time-sensitive issues by email, this website, and our Facebook Page. A periodic print newsletter spotlights events, personalities, and news. Our website is updated regularly and members are encouraged to participate in discussions on a wide range of topics in the Second Half Cafe, a Facebook group.