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 2026 is now open! Please review the steps below:
Enrollment Process:
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- Review Frequently Asked Questions
- Review PLATO Study Discussion Group Schedule
- Join a 2-Minute Pitch Zoom Meeting to learn about the available SDGs to help solidify your top 3 choices.
- Wednesday, July 15 at 1:30 PM on ZOOM
- Schedule an Appointment with Honors Academic Counselor, Lorena Rivera
- After meeting with Lorena Rivera, you will then receive the registration form to sign up.
- Submit PLATO Study Discussion Group Registration Form
- Due: Wednesday, July 29 at 4PM
- Enrollment is first-come, first-served, and registration is processed on a rolling basis, meaning students are registered as soon as their materials are submitted and verified. Please note that spaces may fill before the deadline.
- Due: Wednesday, July 29 at 4PM
- Receive Application Decision
- by: Monday, August 3
- Join Pre-Meeting with your designated PLATO SDG between
- Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14
- Your SDG Coordinator will contact you with the date/time
- Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14
- Enjoy your PLATO Study Discussion Group
- Fall Term begins on Monday, August 31, 2026
- Contact your SDG Coordinator for the official start date/time
- Fall Term begins on Monday, August 31, 2026
- Once your SDG is completed by Friday, December 4, 2026
- You will submit the PLATO Study Discussion Group Evaluation Form.
- 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.
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.
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- 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).
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- 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?
Prior to enrollment, the Plato Society typically hosts a 2-Minute Pitch Zoom meeting to introduce available SDGs and help students refine their top three choices.
Join a 2-Minute Pitch Zoom meeting to learn about the available SDGS to help refine your top three choices.
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- Wed, July 15 at 1:30 PM on ZOOM
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.
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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?
For the Fall 2026 term, the deadline is Wednesday, July 29 at 4PM.
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- Enrollment is first-come, first-served, and registration is processed on a rolling basis, meaning students are registered as soon as their materials are submitted and verified. Please note that spaces may fill before the deadline.
When will I hear back regarding my application?
For the Fall 2026 term, you will receive a decision by Monday, August 3.
What is a pre-meeting?
Once you have been enrolled in a group, a dedicated group coordinator from Plato will lead the group. The SDG group coordinator and co-coordinator host a ‘pre-meeting’ with the group to determine which group members will lead the discussion during each session of the SDG. Attending ensures that you have an opportunity to meet the group, and most importantly, schedule your presentation slot for the term.
For the Fall 2026 term, the pre-meetings will be held between Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14.
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- Your SDG Coordinator will confirm the exact date and time.
When does the Fall 2026 term start and end?
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- The term begins on Monday, August 31, 2026.
- The 2nd 7-Weeks of classes begins on Monday, October 19, 2026.
- The term ends on Friday, December 4, 2026.
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.