The University of Iowa began offering Saturday morning classes on campus for non-matriculated students in the 1930s. As demand to make the University's resources more accessible grew, the Saturday classes were supplemented by evening courses and workshops. In recent years, the Center for Credit Programs has recorded more than 9,000 enrollments annually in on-campus courses and workshops from several colleges and many academic departments. While most participants are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, all CCP offerings are open to those taking courses for professional or personal reasons as well.
Most classes meet once or twice a week.
Those who are not admitted to The University of Iowa may enroll as undergraduate or graduate extension students. Part-time students receive priority for registration, which may be done by telephone, in person, or by computer. Many summer workshops offer teachers and other professionals an opportunity to update their knowledge or meet relicensure or salary barrier credit requirements. Workshops in selected academic areas are frequently available at other times of the year as well. The flexibility of GCS appeals to adult, part-time students whose job or family responsibilities may preclude attending class on campus as well as to traditional residential students who may wish to accelerate their schedules.