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.
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.
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:
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.
A short (10 minute) OLLI promotional video is available. If you have a high speed internet connection and a recent computer you may view the video here. (If you have trouble viewing you may need to get a free Flash Viewer from Adobe.)
If you would like to show this video to your organization contact Mary Burkhart (see below) to get the DVD version of the video.
For more information about OLLI contact:
Dr. Mary Q. Burkhart
Outreach
Program Office
301 O.D. Smith Hall
Auburn University, AL
36849-5609
phone: (334) 844-3102
fax:
(334) 844-3101
e-mail: burkhmq@auburn.edu