San Diego Free University – Fall 2026 Class 3 Application

This is an application for the Fall 2026 class of the Free University of San Diego. We are aiming to create a participatory, non-traditional learning space grounded in community and accessibility. If you’d like to learn more about the history of the free university model, you can read About The Idea of a 'Free University'. If selected, you'll join a small, discussion-based group for eight weeks of radical education and mutual exploration. Class size is limited to 35 participants, so we may not be able to accommodate everyone. If not selected, you may choose to join a waitlist.

You can view the initial class outline here.

The purpose of this class is to create a shared space where San Diegans can work to collectively understand the precarious present moment while practicing forms of learning and interaction that move from individualism toward collaboration, participation, and responsibility to another and to the larger community we live in and share together. Throughout this course, we will examine together the state’s past through the perspectives of those often excluded from official narratives, exploring how power, inequality, environmental change, and struggles for justice have defined California as we know it today—and how understanding that history can help us engage more thoughtfully in shaping California's future.

Classes will meet once a week in person for 2 hours, and participants will have one reading per week. Readings will be provided free of charge to all selected participants and free parking will be available.

We encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and identities.

If you have any questions about the class or the application process, please email sandiegofreeuniversity@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help.

This form takes about 7–10 minutes to complete.