Rivier Institute for Senior Education (RISE)

The Rivier Institute for Senior Education (RISE) offers a vibrant and collaborative learning environment for adults 55 years of age and older who share a belief that curiosity never retires.

Join our community of learners

RISE incorporates active participation and fellowship for older adults both online and in-person at Rivier University and other locations in Nashua. An affiliate of the Road Scholar Institute Network, RISE offers a diverse curriculum with courses in history, literature, writing, music, religion, current events, art history, technology, physical fitness, and much more. There are no grades, no tests, and no credit. Our members thrive in an environment with no pressure and lots of encouragement, social interaction, and engagement.

Free RISE Winter Showcase on Zoom

Wednesdays, January 14, 21, and 28 at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

RISE Notes, the biweekly newsletter, will contain details about the Winter Showcase and the Zoom link. You can sign up to receive RISE Notes here.

Spring 2026 Semester

Courses are offered online via Zoom, on campus, and at offsite locations in five-week and 10-week terms. Classes meet on Monday holidays.

TERM 1: February 9 – March 13
TERM 2: March 16 – April 24

Information Session

The Spring 2026 Drop In Information Session will take place on Friday, January 9 from 1-3 p.m. in the Dion Center Reception Room (16 Clement Street, Nashua). Snow date for the Information Session is Friday, January 16 from 1-3 p.m.

Course Registration

Registration for the Spring 2026 semester opens on Monday, January 12 at 10 a.m. and closes on Friday, January 23 at 5 p.m.

The Semester Membership Fee is $115 for an unlimited number of courses.
You do not need to pay your membership fee until after you register for classes.
The Fall 2025 course schedule, course descriptions, and facilitator biographies are now available.

RISE Membership Portal

The RISE Membership Portal allows you to create your RISE account and register for courses. The portal contains the course schedule, course descriptions, and facilitator biographies. You can register to become a RISE member, renew your membership, and register for courses through this portal. Learn more about RISE Membership.

Here are step-by-step instructions for becoming a RISE member, logging in to your Membership Portal Account, and registering for RISE classes.

RISE Spring 2026 Calendar

View the RISE Spring 2026 Calendar.

Become a RISE Member

Courses are offered in fall and spring semesters. Access the RISE Membership Portal to create your RISE account and register for courses.

Meet Our Facilitators / Become a Facilitator

Our courses are led by experts and enthusiasts. RISE relies on volunteers to serve on committees and perform other tasks.

RISE Events

RISE hosts special events for both members and volunteers.

RISE Leadership

Learn more about RISE's founder, Rose H. Arthur, Th.D., and meet the current Executive Committee and Council.

Make a Difference

Support Rivier students with a gift to the RISE Memorial Scholarship or the Rose Arthur Scholarship.

RISE is aptly named. It gets me up in the morning to savor the day.

Sue McLaughlin RISE Member

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