General Information

What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn)?

OLLI is a membership program for learning in retirement. Founded in the Spring of 1990 as AUall, it has grown to over 400 members. It is composed of people who participate in active study groups and other learning opportunities on an organized basis. Members plan the topics to be studied through a Curriculum Committee. Peer leadership is the key to its fun and success. Members make all decisions relating to the curriculum and the operation of the organization. All activities are designed, coordinated and evaluated by members. OLLI is administered through the Auburn University Outreach Program Office.

Peer Leadership

Active and involved members make an effective organization. Members elect a Board of Directors to conduct the affairs of OLLI. The Board's work is supplemented by committees: Curriculum (plus subcommittees on study trips and luncheon lectures), Administration and Finance, Membership and Promotion, Social, Review and Planning. Ad hoc committees are appointed as needed.

Membership

There are no formal requirements for membership other than an interest in continued learning. One need not be fully retired, nor are there academic or experience requirements.

Each member shares in the continued development of OLLI. Activities are designed to promote the participation and involvement of members to an extent compatible with their desires. These include:

Stimulating study activities (see most recent course listing)

Auburn University privileges (for more information click here)

Library

Course audit

Extracurricular activities

Short-term study options

Educational study trips

Newsletter

Membership fees are paid on an annual basis (with prorated fees for those joining later in the year.) There is an option to become an Introductory Member and receive the newsletter and monthly calendar and information on all social and study travel activities. Introductory members may convert to regular membership at any time. There are scholarships available.

Study Opportunities

Study groups and classes are organized by the members. A typical group meets for one and one-half hours one day per week for seven to eight weeks. Each has a coordinator who is a member of OLLI. Experts may be invited to speak to a group. Most classes are member-led seminars; others are the more traditional lectures, taught by experienced professionals (often OLLI members themselves.) Topics cover a broad range, with the emphasis on "mind-stretching" --- learning more about unexplored areas, studying more familiar topics from different perspectives, and interacting with peers.

Videos

Several videos are available here. Some are of speakers at our general meetings, some are from actual classes, and a short (10 minute) OLLI promotional video summarizes what OLLI at Auburn is all about. It's easy to view the videos if you have a high speed internet connection and a recent computer. (If you have trouble viewing you may need to get a free Flash Viewer from Adobe.)

If you would like to show the promotional video to your organization contact Linda Shook (see below) to get the DVD version of the video.

Contact

For more information about OLLI contact:

Linda Shook

OLLI at Auburn Coordinator
Office of Professional & Continuing Education
301 O.D. Smith Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849-5609

phone: (334) 844-3105
fax: (334) 844-3101
e-mail: linda.shook@auburn.edu