Q: What are the special advantages of QUEST?
A: In most other educational programs, members are limited to a few classes. At QUEST you can take as many as you wish from our offering of about 40 courses. There is always time for discussion and participation by attendees.
Q: Can I switch classes during a semester?
A: Of course. Registration is not required for any class.
Q: Are there any other benefits I should know about?
A: Yes. When you become a member of Quest, you will receive a CCNY/CWE/QUEST PHOTO ID card, which will entitle you to FREE admission to the Whitney Museum of Modern American Art.
Q: What is peer-learning?
A: Peer learning means that classes convene in seminar-style discussion groups led by a member-lecturer, a format that allows you to learn with and from each other. Subjects for study are conceived of by members who are called coordinators.
Q: Who develops new courses?
A: A coordinator usually proposes a course to the Curriculum Committee and, if approved, he or she works with at least one other coordinator in managing that course. Coordinators create a syllabus and select the text for the study group. Semesters usually have seven sessions so that coordinators can contact other members to determine if they are interested in presenting one (or more) of the topics in the seven-week period. Members may approach coordinators with a request to present during that semester.
Q: What background do coordinators or presenters need to have?
A: Coordinators and presenters are not required to have expertise in the subjects they suggest. Anyone with a passion for a subject can become a great coordinator. Over the last few years, one member has led discussions on topics as varied as "The Way the Brain Works", "John Adams and his Family", "History of Christianity", and "Photography as an Art".
Q: What topics are offered?
A: Each semester, QUEST offers about 40 diverse study groups in a variety of disciplines including: literature; creative arts with classes in poetry, creative writing, acting; history and government, science and tech, and contemporary/sociological Issues.
Q: You refer to 40 courses. Are they held once a week?
A: No. We break it down to two blocks of courses; approximately 20 courses are held during the "A" week and 20 completely different courses are scheduled for our "B" week so that each course is held every other week.
Q: Do you have prerequisites or exams?
A: No, there are no prerequisites (including age restrictions), no exams, and no grades. There is no degree granted, just the joy of learning for pure pleasure — and the spirit of friendship and shared learning.
Q: How many members does QUEST have, and what is their average age?
A: We have nearly 200 members from the New York Metro area. Our members range in age from their early 60s to 90+ years old. The average member is in his/her 70s.
Q: I still work part-time. Would this program be right for me?
A: QUEST has many people who work part-time and attend classes as it suits their schedule.
Q: I travel in the winter. Is there a reduced rate?
A: In our 15+ years, we have raised tuition once to the current $500. We feel that is a reasonable price and allows members the opportunity to attend classes before and/or after your travels begin.
Q. What if I just want to try QUEST out?
A: We invite you to spend a full day with us. However due to building security issues, you must call or email for a reservation. You will sit in on an orientation, meet our members and from 10:30 to 12 noon, sit in on a class in the morning, then join us for lunch in our lunchroom and finish the day with a choice of one of two afternoon classes finishing at 2:30 pm. Click here for more information.
Q: When does QUEST break for intersession?
A: Our fall semester begins in early September and ends in mid-December. There are no classes during our intersession in January. Our spring semester begins during the first week in February and ends in late May. There is a one week spring intercession that coincides with Easter and Passover. Our summer program schedules one class on Tuesday and one class on Thursday morning beginning in early June and ending eight weeks later. There are no classes in August.
Q: Do I have to join at the beginning of the semester?
A: You may join at any time during the semester. Fees are pro-rated.
Q: How much is membership and what does it include?
A: Membership for the year is $500 and includes participation in three semesters: fall from September-December; spring from February-May; and summer: June-July. Tuition is $500 in September; $400 in October; $350 in November; $300 in February; $250 in March; $200 in April; $150 in May and $100 for an eight-week summer session.
Q: Can I join for just the summer or the winter?
A: You can enroll in our eight week summer session and the cost is $100.
Q: How can I get a catalog that further describes the different courses along with starting and ending times?
A: Just click here.
Q: How do I register?
A: Registration is easy. Call us for an appointment and join us for the day. A member of the Membership Committee will escort you around for that day. If you decide you would like to enroll we can usually complete all paperwork at that time. However if all membership slots are filled, you will be placed on our waiting list .Click here for more information.
Q: What about a Gift Membership? (Great for Father's or Mother's Day!)
A: Of course! Call our office at 212-925-6625 extension 229and a member of our Membership Committee will give you all the details.
Q: What if I cannot attend one or more sessions? Does that alter my ability to register?
A: Most members of QUEST have reasons that come up during the year for having to miss various sessions. Doctors' appointments seem to be the most common reason. We ask you to come to class whenever you see a course that interests you.
Q: What about transportation to QUEST?
A: Located in the Lower Broadway-Wall Street area most buses, trains and ferries stop within a few blocks of our campus. Click here for more information.
Q: And if I drive?
A: Considering the traffic in that area we suggest you don't drive. But if you must there are public parking lots within a block or two of 25 Broadway. Warning: they are expensive!
Q: Whom do I contact if I have other questions?
A: Call our office at 212-925-6625 extension 229 and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you or if you reach voicemail, your call will be returned within 72 hours.
