Institute Class

[HoosierGuy]

I've been in the church for about a year and half now. I'm never been to an institute class and never invited. I was ok with that until I found out that my friend in another state, who is in her 40's, goes to an institute class. The signs I see hanging up at church say it's for collage students, young singles, and young married couples. I'm single and in my 30's for what it’s worth. If I was invited I think I would try to go. It would give me something fun and informative to do on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings.

So what are the rules on Institute on who can and can't go?

[BenRaines]

No rules. Institute is open to everyone. I know many adults, married and single, in college and not that attend Institute.

Enjoy. A great way to learn more about LDS church and beliefs.

Ben Raines

[pam]

That's interesting because I tried to sign up for an institute class and they said they are limited to age 30. They gave me a website to search for other religious classes for those that are above that age.

Even the Church's website say ages 18-30 for institute classes.

[BenRaines]

We used to attend them all the time in Las Vegas. When I was Branch President and under the Mission President's direction we held them and all members were invited to attend.

Must be that other LDS church.

Ben Raines

[HoosierGuy]

The signs I saw hanging up, if I recall correct - collage students, young adults, young married couples.

I don't think it's fair that some wards let 30+ in and others don’t.

Hmm, I'm going to email the second counselor. I think he holds the lessons in his house.

[tubaloth]

Usually from what I have seen some stakes and wards have there own. These are usually open to anybody, no matter the age and are usally at night. Others are part of some University, they have both day and evening classes. You maybe could attend evening, but you probably would feel out of place (unless you look younger then 30). These are the only ones I could see put a age limit on some of the classes.

I would go! Its more then something to do, its to learn about the gospel on a different level.

[pam]

That's what they do in our area I have discovered. There are numerous stakes that hold classes in the evenings for the adults over 30.

[Wingnut]

Technically, Institute is for 18-30, married or unmarried. Some teachers/Institute directors/ stake presidencies are absolutely fastidious about abiding by this, but others are not.

[jiminycricket]

If my understanding is correct, Institute classes used to be for ages 18-30 only (officially), but the Church recently opened it up to everyone. I'm not 100% certain of that, but I know someone who would be! I'll contact my local CES Director and let you know what he says :)

Jiminy

[BenRaines]

We used to have bulletins posting in our ward building in Las Vegas and all were invited. Classes were at the Institute building next to community college. Evening classes all were invited. Great classes and all welcome.

Ben Raines

[beefche]

According to the Church website:

Institutes of religion provide weekday religious instruction for single and married postsecondary students. Young single adults of the appropriate age (generally 18-30) are also welcome to attend.

[pam]

If my understanding is correct, Institute classes used to be for ages 18-30 only (officially), but the Church recently opened it up to everyone. I'm not 100% certain of that, but I know someone who would be! I'll contact my local CES Director and let you know what he says :)

Jiminy

I know in my area they won't allow anyone older to attend. I've tried and even recently.

[allredcon]

Here's the secret. Don't sign up, just go haha

[pam]

Nahhh I'm a rule follower when it comes to things like that.

[HoosierGuy]

I emailed the Second Councilor in the ward. He looked it up in the handbook and said:

"... the Institute class is for current college students (married or single) and non-student, YSA age (18-30) individuals. That is the Church wide policy, not just the Ward policy."

He said it's a common misconception who can attend Institute and it leads to confusion and feelings of unfairness when the program is run as instructed.

Yes, I'm confused. How can some people over 30 attend and others can not?

[pam]

I guess it just depends on the area and whether they follow the guidelines strictly. Perhaps because there is such a huge LDS population where I live they have to follow it.

[RachelleDrew]

What is it exactly? I would be interested in going if they have it here.....Is it a daily thing like seminary? Or more once a week?

[pam]

Institutes of Religion

[SMG]

In my ward, if you're over 30, you just need the instructor's permission. Then again, we're on the smallish side of things, and the teacher generally welcomes an extra few faces. :)

[RachelleDrew]

So it mentioned something about credit hours when I tried to register in class. So is in reference to college credits? How much money does this cost? It doesn't say anything on the website about prices.

[pam]

Actually I think it's credit hours to get a certificate of institute completion. Kind of like graduating from seminary.

[HoosierGuy]

Hmm, so if go back to college and take a class that would make me a college student again. Would that then make me eligible for Institute?

After going back last year and finishing my degree I have little desire to go back to college. Maybe I could take a cheap online course, maybe at Dust Bowl Arizona Univserity Online.

[LolaBella]

Hoosier I think it depends where you live. I used to think institute was for YSA up to 30. Howeve, there are several over 30s who go where I live, and I occasionally go and Im married (Im the only married that goes as far as I know).

I dont see anyone in the church having a problem with people wanting to attend a scripture class

[HoosierGuy]

It's no problem. I just thought it would be nice to attend on the Tuesdays or Wednesday's I'm not working. Give me something productive and safe to do.

Edited November 29, 2009 by HoosierGuy
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