Plato Study Discussion Groups
Engage in Meaningful Dialogue with Lifelong Learners
The PLATO Society of Los Angeles is a community of retired and semi-retired professionals dedicated to lifelong learning. Members meet weekly to explore topics in philosophy, literature, science, politics, and more, with each discussion led by a PLATO member.
Since 1986, the PLATO Society has invited one UCLA College Honors student per group to participate, offering a unique chance to engage in deep discussions with experienced professionals. While PLATO credit does not appear on transcripts or count toward degree requirements, it will fulfill a College Honors/Scholars Experiential Engagement or may be considered towards honors elective coursework.
How to Enroll
Enrollment for Fall has closed. Please check back in early November for winter enrollment.
Enrollment for a PLATO Study Discussion Group is on a first-come, first-served, rolling basis and may fill before the posted deadline. If you’d like to receive information about enrolling for the next available term, please submit the Plato Interest Form. Below is an overview of the enrollment process throughout the year.
Enrollment Process:
- Review the Plato Study Group schedule for the upcoming session.
- Schedule an appointment with Honors Counselor Lorena Rivera.
- After meeting with Lorena, you will receive the registration form.
- Submit your materials to Lorena by the related deadline.
How to Receive Honors Credit
Students may earn up to 4 units of honors credit for PLATO SDGs. However, PLATO courses do NOT apply toward your UCLA degree.
| Discussion Length | Units Earned |
| 12 – 14 weeks | 4 units |
| 9-11 weeks | 3 units |
| 7-8 weeks | 2 units |
Note: The PLATO term does not align with UCLA’s academic calendar. Please take this into account, especially with regards to Spring/Summer breaks.
Receiving Credit
To receive honors coursework credit and 1 Experiential Engagement:
- You must complete the PLATO Study Discussion Group: Evaluation Form about your SDG Coordinator.
- Your SDG Coordinator will submit an Honors Student Evaluation Form. To receive Honors credit, you must earn at least a ‘Satisfactory’ rating in overall attendance, weekly discussion participation, preparation of your discussion guide, and leadership of your assigned discussion.
-
- Credit is awarded only after verification–no petition is necessary.
Attendance & Participation
- Attendance is mandatory
- A PLATO Study Discussion Group pre-meeting is highly recommended.
- You will also be asked to do a presentation and facilitate the discussion in at least one of the sessions.
- In-person PLATO Study Discussion Groups are located at 1083 Gayley Avenue, 2nd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90024-1333.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PLATO (Partners in Learning Actively Teaching Ourselves) ?
The PLATO Society of Los Angeles is a lifelong learning community for adults who are intellectually curious and enjoy engaging in peer-led discussions.
What are Plato Study Discussion Groups (SDGs)?
Small, peer-led groups where members collaboratively explore various topics, including history, literature, science, politics, and the arts.
What is unique about PLATO?
There are no instructors. Members take turns researching and leading discussions, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning experience. PLATO offers a stimulating intellectual community for individuals who appreciate critical thinking, civil discourse, and lifelong learning.
Who can participate in PLATO?
- Students in the College Scholars Program and College Honors Program who have sophomore standing or higher are eligible to participate in PLATO. Please note that first-year students are not eligible, even if they have accumulated enough units to be classified as sophomores or above.
- PLATO is ideal for students who are interested in a collaborative learning environment without the pressure of grades or exams.
How do I attend a Plato Study Discussion Group?
PLATO Study Discussion Groups are offered in person at Westwood Village, on zoom, or hybrid (hybrid gives you the option to select your preference for in person or remote, however, the ultimate decision will be up to the SDG Coordinator).
-
- In-person location: Westwood Village Address, 1083 Gayley Avenue, 2nd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1333
- NOTE: Enter the building from the back (Weyburn Terrace side).
- In-person location: Westwood Village Address, 1083 Gayley Avenue, 2nd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1333
How do I decide which Plato Study Discussion Group to enroll in?
Before enrolling, the PLATO Society typically hosts a 2-Minute Pitch session where Study Discussion Group (SDG) Coordinators briefly introduce their groups. These sessions are a great way to learn about the available topics and help narrow down your top 3 choices. Please visit the How to Enroll tab for information about upcoming 2-Minute Pitch sessions.
How many honors credit units will I receive?
- 4 units for 12-14 week groups
- 3 units for 9-11 week groups
- 2 units for 7-8 week groups
- (Note: A maximum of 4 unit-equivalents of PLATO Society may be applied toward College Scholars Program or College Honors Program requirements.)
What type of honors credit will I receive?
Upper Division honors coursework credit
How can I receive Experiential Engagement credit?
Once you complete your PLATO Study Discussion Group is completed:
- You will submit the PLATO Study Discussion Group: Evaluation Form about your SDG Coordinator. Counselor Lorena will send it to you after finishing up your term.
- Your SDG Coordinator will submit the Honors Student Evaluation Form.
- Once both forms are completed and if your participation is confirmed, you will receive honors coursework and experiential engagement credit which will be reflected on your Honors Progress Card–no petition submission is required.
- You will only receive one experiential engagement credit.
-
-
How can I apply?
Enrollment occurs during the Fall, Winter, and a combined Spring/Summer term.
Please check the How to Enroll tab for the most up-to-date details.
When is the deadline?
Application deadlines vary by term.
Please refer to the How to Enroll tab for the current enrollment timeline and application deadline.
Enrollment is processed on a first-come, first-served, rolling basis–students are registered as soon as their materials are submitted and verified. Since space is limited, some Study Discussion Groups may fill before the published deadline.
When will I hear back regarding my application?
Applicants are typically notified after their registration materials have been reviewed and processed.
Please refer to the How to Enroll tab for the current term’s decision timeline.
What is a pre-meeting?
After you are enrolled in a Study Discussion Group (SDG), the SDG Coordinator and Co-Coordinator host a pre-meeting before the discussion series begins.
The pre-meeting provides an opportunity to meet the group, review expectations, and receive important information to help prepare for the upcoming discussion series.
Pre-meeting dates for each term are listed in the current PLATO Study Discussion Group Schedule, available in the How to Enroll tab.
When do PLATO Study Discussion Groups take place?
PLATO Study Discussion Groups are offered during the Fall, Winter, and a combined Spring/Summer term. Meeting schedules vary by group and term.
The current term schedule, including important dates, is published in the PLATO Study Discussion Group Schedule, available in the How to Enroll tab.
Contact Information
Meet the Plato Society Coordinator
Honors Counselor Lorena Rivera coordinates the PLATO Study Discussion Group enrollment. Schedule an appointment to learn more about this opportunity or submit a request through the Message Center.