About Shared Interest Groups
Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) are a great way for OLLI-UO members to continue lifelong learning beyond the classroom! These groups provide new opportunities to form friendships with other members around shared interests. They are independent and self-directed, with members deciding where and when to meet and how the group will function.
Have an idea for a SIG? Review SIG guidelines and complete a Proposal Form online or pick up a paper form from a program manager.
Examples of SIGs include:
- Digital Photo Editing using Photoshop Elements
- Exploring the Art, Culture, and History around Deschutes County
- Great Decisions Foreign Policy Study/Social Group
Other SIG examples: astronomy is fun, day hiking, drawing for beginners, knitting, science fiction, photography, culinary adventures, genealogy, pickleball, heavy metal fans, etc.
View the list of current SIGs. Feel free to contact a facilitator to join in or for more information. Member contact information can be found in your member directory or by requesting it by phone at 800-824-2714 or by email at osher@uoregon.edu.
SIGs are open to current OLLI-UO members only, i.e. those who hold a membership for the current year.
Shared Interest Groups Guidelines
As an OLLI member, you may be interested in forming a SIG that meets for a weekly lunch, plays pickleball, shares gardening tips, enjoys nature walks or foreign movies.
Opportunities are endless, but keep these guidelines in mind:
- SIGs are open to all current OLLI-UO members, with a minimum of four participants required to establish a SIG.
- All SIGs are held off-site. Options include members' homes or venues related to the SIG's activity (movie theaters, restaurants, libraries, recreational facilities, etc).
- SIGs do not take the place of OLLI courses. They complement and enhance classes and other programs offered by OLLI-UO.
- All OLLI-UO members, including SIG participants, are considered noncredit students of the University of Oregon and are subject to the Student Conduct Code, including proscriptions against disruptive behavior, personal harassment, and sexual misconduct.
Shared Interest Groups Facilitator Responsibilities
- Promote SIG participation among the membership.
- Alert the program committee chair and OLLI-UO staff when a SIG concern arises.
- Provide timely publication about SIG activities for the OLLI-UO website.
- Maintain registration/email list of participants and serve as the main point of communication.
