Golden ID Benefits Program
The extends special privileges to senior citizens, including tuition waivers, use of the library and recreational facilities, and discounts on parking permits.
Members of the Golden ID program enjoy substantially discounted parking on campus, free admission to campus athletic events, discounts to on-campus events that charge admission and free use of the university’s Cook Library.
To be accepted into the Golden I.D. Program at TU, an applicant must be:
- at least 60 years of age
- a legal resident of the state of Maryland (one-year minimum residency required)
- not engaged in gainful employment for more than 20 hours a week and whose chief income is derived from retirement benefits
- admitted and matriculated into a graduate or undergraduate degree or non-degree seeking program
Tuition and Fees
- $75 flat fee per term (fall, spring, summer)
- the discount does not apply to winter minimester
- $9 per unit hour technology fee (includes audited units)
- most courses are 3-4 units
- all special fees, where applicable (labs, special writing courses, etc.) will be assessed beyond the flat fee rate
- any courses/units taken above the maximum limit (11 units in fall/spring or 7 units in summer) will be billed the regular tuition and full-time rates
Exclusions
The following will be billed at published rates:
- any course in winter minimester
- special format courses (those directly dependent upon student tuition for faculty salary)
- all courses and programs offered through Business and Public Engagement
- all courses and programs offered through the Applied Information Technology (AIT) masters or Information Technology doctoral programs
- all courses offered via the Towson Learning Network (TLN)
Cook Library borrowing privileges and free access to campus events and recreational facilities are only available to Golden ID students who are enrolled for one or more courses in the current term.
Become a Golden ID Member
1
Apply to Become a TU Student
Before applying to the Golden ID Benefits program, an application must be submitted through the appropriate admission office to become a TU student. Students who are not admissible to TU cannot take part in the Golden ID Benefits program.
Students have the option to apply as a degree or non-degree seeking student:
- degree seeking — applicants who wish to earn a degree from TU (bachelor’s, master’s, or certificate)
- non-degree seeking — applicants who wish to attend TU and are not interested in earning a degree
Undergraduate Programs
If you are interested in a degree seeking or non-degree seeking undergraduate program, you must apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Visit their website or contact them for more information about the application process:
Phone: 410-704-2113
Email: admissions AT_TOWSON
Graduate Programs
If you are interested in a degree seeking or non-degree seeking graduate program, you must apply through the Office of Graduate Studies. Visit their website or contact them for more information about the application process:
Phone: 410-704-2501
Email: grad AT_TOWSON
2
Submit a Golden ID Benefits Program Form
Once you have been admitted and matriculated to TU, you are ready to submit your Golden ID Benefits form. Students must have their TU ID number to complete this form which will be supplied upon matriculation.
3
Enroll in Courses
Golden ID students can register via their on a space available basis (registration assistance can be found via Records and Registration).
Registration for degree seeking students for fall / spring semesters is set via an enrollment appointment that can be found in the Student Dashboard. Summer registration begins in mid-March (see the Academic Calendar for specific dates).
Registration for new non-degree students begins:
- August 1 – fall semester
- January 1 – spring semester
- Mid-March – summer term
Registration for returning non-degree students (must have continuous enrollment to qualify) begins:
- May 1 – fall semester
- December 1 - spring semester
- Mid-March – summer term
Students must meet all course prerequisite and co-requisite requirements. Students who believe they have satisfied these requirements at a previous institution will need to contact the academic department directly to request permission to enroll in the course. Please see the listing of Academic Departments for contact information.
Non-degree students who have taken a fall or spring semester off, will need to complete a new non-degree application via the Office of Admissions to be reactivated for registration.
For additional information or if you have questions, please email goldenid AT_TOWSON. Please be sure to include your TU ID number.
4
Get your TU OneCard
A TU OneCard is Towson University’s Student ID card. It also allows access to campus facilities and events. OneCards are issued at Auxiliary Services, West Village Commons Room 309.
5
Purchase a Parking Permit
If you need to park on the TU campus, you must purchase a parking permit via Parking and Transportation Services. The Golden ID discount only applies to a discounted overflow parking permit.*
*Overflow parking is only available at Stadium lots. Overflow parking enforcement hours are Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Overflow parking is no longer available in West Village Garage.
Other Topics
Do I have to apply to the Golden ID Benefits program every semester?
No, once you have been added to the Golden ID Benefits program, it is separate from your enrollment to the university. Once you enroll, the tuition benefit will be applied to your coursework. If, after being added to the Golden ID Benefits program, you do not see the tuition benefit reflected on your bill, please contact Student and University Billing at billing AT_TOWSON or 410-704-2100.
What happens with my transfer work?
If you are a degree seeking student, Transfer Admissions will apply any transfer work to your TU record.
If you are a non-degree student, your transfer work cannot be posted to your record; however, you can utilize any previous work to work with academic departments to demonstrate that you have met the prerequisites for a specific course.
What do I do if I take a semester off and want to enroll again?
- If you are a degree seeking student, please complete a reenrollment form with the Reenrollment office.
- If you are a non-degree student, you will need to complete a new non-degree form via University Admissions. (See Step 1 above.)
- You will not need to reapply for Golden ID Benefits, but if you would like to confirm your continued status in the program, please contact goldenid AT_TOWSON.