Current Member FAQs
What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oregon?
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oregon (OLLI-UO) is part of a national network of over 120 programs designed to engage adults 50 and above in the continued pursuit of knowledge. OLLI-UO is an educational and social community for mature adults who enjoy diverse and stimulating learning opportunities led by current and retired faculty, professionals in the community, and current OLLI members. OLLI-UO is comprised of three geographic locations: Central Oregon, Eugene/Springfield, and Northwest Oregon.
OLLI-UO is a non-credit program of UO Continuing and Professional Education. When you join OLLI-UO, you are enrolling as a non-credit student at the University of Oregon, but you become a member of the OLLI-UO learning community. We refer to OLLI-UO participants as "members" for this reason.
What does the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute mean? Who is Osher?
Bernard Osher is a philanthropist whose foundation made funds available to universities to start–or to sustain existing– lifelong learning programs. There are over 120 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes in the United States. The programming and organizational structure of the institutes is locally determined.
Who 'runs' OLLI-UO?
The program committees, along with OLLI-UO staff, approve and schedule classes over the course of the entire year. Any OLLI-UO member can submit a proposal for consideration.
Who decides what classes are offered?
The Program Committee, along with OLLI-UO staff, approves and schedules classes over the course of the entire year. Any OLLI-UO member can propose a program to the Program Committee for its consideration.
What do I do if I'd like to propose a class to be offered?
Use the Course Proposal Form to propose programming you would like to teach or see offered at OLLI-UO. Once the form is received, it gets submitted to program committees to review. The program committees discuss the proposal and contact the presenter to determine if/when it can fit into the program calendar.
Who facilitates / teaches classes?
Sessions may be facilitated/taught by OLLI-UO members, experts from the community, current or retired university faculty members, etc. Class length, content, and format vary. Some programs have multiple facilitators; there may be a different facilitator for each session.
Where do I find a list of classes?
Offerings are listed in the Program Catalog, with the delivery modality (physical location and/or Zoom) noted in the description. When there is an in-person component, the location will be listed.
There is also a calendar format that shows what is available.
What if I want to take a class, but I can’t make one or two of the class sessions?
In most cases, no problem! Just attend the class sessions as you are able. Some classes and events may require registration.
Why do some classes have registration and others do not?
Most OLLI-UO courses don’t require you to register ahead of time. Only courses that limit the number of participants require registration. Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do I know if a class requires registration or spots are available?
You can find registration information in the program catalog. If registration is required, the course listing will either contain a link to register or a note about the status of registration (open, closed, wait list, etc.).
If a class does not have registration information listed, then it does not require registration ahead of time.
I registered for something and now can’t attend. How do I remove my registration?
Registrations can only be dropped by contacting the OLLI-UO office, by email or phone.
What if a class has already started, can I join in the middle?
Yes, that is typically not a problem. The only exception would be classes or excursions where attendee space is limited and registration is required. Call or email the OLLI-UO office to register and find out if seats are open, or if you have to be put on the waiting list.
Can guests attend?
Guests are welcome to attend a single session of most classes (including virtual sessions). The only exception is a highly-attended course with registration that is at capacity. Guests should email OLLI-UO staff at info@uoregon.College before attending in-person or virtual classes/discussion groups to see if there is space.
Special events like open houses are held throughout the year to provide members of the community with an introduction to the OLLI-UO program.
Who do I call if I have a question?
The Continuing and Professional Education office (under which OLLI-UO is housed) has staff available to answer your questions. Give us a call at 541-346-0697 or 800-824-2714. If you cannot reach us during business hours, please email us at info@uoregon.College or leave a message and we will return your call or email within 1-2 business days. The contact page on the OLLI-UO website contains current business hours. You may also contact program staff and member-leaders with each program site.
What is the OLLI-UO Member Portal? How do I contact other members?
The OLLI-UO member portal offers resources specific to members, including:
- Membership information, including an individual’s membership dates and communication preferences
- Current and past registrations
- Member directories, with contact info of fellow members who have opted to share their information
- Instructor handouts available for download
Members may log in to their OLLI-UO Member Portal by choosing the “Sign In” button on the OLLI-UO webpage.
When is my membership renewal due?
Membership fees are due annually (for year-long members), or every six or three months (for other members) on the first day of the month that you joined OLLI-UO. We send renewal notices a month before the membership lapses to help you stay active. However, memberships do not automatically renew. Membership dates are displayed in the OLLI-UO Member Portal.
What do our membership fees go toward?
Membership fees go toward paying for program costs such as facilities and infrastructure, administrative support, technical and broadcast equipment, website and database operation and maintenance, marketing efforts, and membership events.
Do my fees allow me to participate in other OLLIs?
Although OLLI is a national network of sibling programs, fees paid at one OLLI organization are not transferable to other OLLIs. The fees for OLLI-UO provide access to programming at all of our OLLI at the University of Oregon locations. Other OLLIs may choose to "honor" the membership on an individual basis, but that is not standard practice within the network.
Where do I find the Zoom link for a class or group?
When an OLLI-UO class or group has a Zoom option, the link will be shared in the Weekly Reminder email. This email is sent on Fridays the week before a class session. If registration is required, the link will be emailed directly to the registrants ahead of the first session.
If you haven’t received the Weekly Reminder email, first check your spam or junk folder. If you still can’t find it, or to request help with Zoom, please contact the OLLI-UO office.