In 1974 the Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill allowing citizens at least 60 years old to audit or “sit in on” classes at state colleges and universities without payment of tuition charges, maintenance fees, student activity fees, or registration fees. Persons seeking admission to classes were to be admitted on a “space available” basis; legal verification of age was required; and payments for specific services would be charged. In 1976 the legislature added totally disabled Tennessee residents to the provision, including both credit and noncredit programs. Medical verification of the total disability was required. While no fees were charged for auditing, fees for specific services were charged.
In 1977 the legislature passed additional legislation allowing older Tennessee residents and disabled residents to take courses for credit (other than correspondence courses) at state colleges and universities (including UT) without paying regular fees. The only charge was set as an application fee of $10 and a registration fee of $5 per credit hour, up to a maximum of $50 to help defray the costs of keeping student records. Persons taking credit courses under this provision were also allowed to pay the student services and activities fee, and the parking fee, if they desired those services.