Prospective Member Frequently Asked Questions
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 noncredit program of UO Continuing and Professional Education. When you join OLLI-UO, you are enrolling as a noncredit 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.
Are there any requirements to become a member?
Program engagement is designed for mature adults (age 50+) who have an interest in the pursuit of lifelong knowledge. There are no requirements that involve prior college experience or previous affiliation with the University of Oregon.
What do I get to participate in as a “member”
OLLI-UO members have access to all of our program offerings via a selection of delivery formats (Zoom, in-person, and/or hybrid (Zoom and person)) for a single three-month, six-month, or annual fee.
I don’t live in Eugene or near the University of Oregon. Can I still become a member?
Yes, absolutely! We have established location-based sites in Central Oregon (Bend) and Eugene/Springfield and a virtual site for Northwest Oregon. That said, anyone with an affinity to or interest in our program and/or the University of Oregon may join any site and participate via Zoom. We count members from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine!
When can I join as a member?
OLLI-UO accepts rolling membership—join at any point during the year! Overall trends show that many people join in January or August/September before the “start” of the academic year (in September).
How do I become a member?
Membership is easy! Just follow the two steps on our Join OLLI page or call the OLLI-UO office at 800-824-2714!
What are the participation options?
OLLI-UO offers participation for a single annual, six-month, or three-month rate. For more information, view our Join OLLI-UO page.
Where do I find a program catalog?
Program offerings are listed on the Program Catalog page. We also recommend viewing our offerings in a calendar format.
Why do some classes have registration and others do not?
Classes may be limited in size based on the instructor’s preference and/or physical classroom capacity. Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can guests attend?
Guests of members are welcome to attend a single session of most classes. Exceptions may include heavily-attended classes with registration caps. Guests should email OLLI-UO staff at osher@uoregon.edu before attending in-person or virtual classes/discussion groups to see if there is space available.
Special events like open houses are held throughout the year at program sites to provide members of the community with an introduction to the OLLI-UO program.
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.
What do membership fees go toward?
Membership fees go toward paying for facilities and infrastructure, administrative support, technical and broadcast equipment, website and database operation and maintenance, marketing efforts, and membership events.
How do I get onto Zoom?
We're glad you asked! We have specific Zoom help pages with instructions and resources. Contact the OLLI-UO office for additional resources, or to request one-on-one help.
Who do I call if I have a question?
The OLLI-UO Office is typically staffed Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Please email us at osher@uoregon.edu or call 800-824-2714, and we will return your call or email within 1–2 business days. Also, the Contact page on the OLLI-UO website lists both staff contacts and member-leaders.
