FAQs
- What does “OLLI” stand for? OLLI (rhymes with jolly) is the acronym for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Granite State College (part of the University System of New Hampshire).
- Who/What is OLLI? California businessman Bernard Osher created the Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco in 1977, focusing on education and health care. The foundation collaborates with college and university programs nationwide to offer intellectually stimulating, affordable, non-credit learning opportunities for seasoned adults. There are over 100 OLLI programs in the country. OLLI at Granite State College provides a unique program of specially designed short courses with no exams or grades, and a focus on learners who are 50 or over.
- What does OLLI at GSC “do”? OLLI members design and lead activities and classes (held primarily in Granite State College facilities) that offer residents 50 and older an array of opportunities to add to a lifetime of learning, in a college setting but without prerequisites or grades. It’s “Learning for the Fun of It!” OLLI is a member-based organization that is designed to mature into a primarily member-run organization. Members volunteer their time and energy to the planning and execution of the OLLI programs.
- What is OLLI at GSC’s mission? To build a vibrant and sustainable member-driven organization that creates and provides intellectually stimulating lifelong learning opportunities for NH residents 50 and above.
- How did OLLI at GSC get started? OLLI at GSC began with a grant (to Granite State College) from the Bernard Osher Foundation in 2004. The first program/membership sites were in Manchester and Concord; in 2006, OLLI expanded to the Seacoast; and in 2008 to Conway. OLLI has 750+ active members (as of March 2010).
- How does OLLI at GSC support itself? Originally we received grant money from the Bernard Osher Foundation. Today we are supported by membership dues and class fees, annual interest income from an Osher Foundation endowment, advertising, in-kind contributions from Granite State College (including class and office space, administrative, financial, marketing and accounting assistance), and direct donations from individual members. OLLI at GSC has also received several grants from NH foundations to support specific projects.
- What is the structure of the OLLI at Granite State College organization? There are three part-time paid staff members in the GSC center in Concord who work closely with GSC staff and OLLI member committees to administer the details of this complex and vitally important program.
- Are there other OLLI’s in New Hampshire? OLLI at Granite State College is the only OLLI in NH – with four locations (Manchester, Concord, Seacoast, Conway). There are, however, six other lifelong learning institutes (LLIs) elsewhere in the state.
- What kinds of classes are offered? Spring 2010 offers OLLI members 98 classes, ranging from The Odyssey to Peshawar, from NH Geology to Exploring Art, from The Bible to Writing Your Story, from Digital Scrapbooking to Cross-Country Skiing. There are visits to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, to Appledore, to Amoskeag Fishways, and more. The curriculum is designed and executed by members at each OLLI location. Members pick the topics and engage the presenters – all are volunteers.
- Do I have to be a member to take OLLI classes? Yes. (If you have a friend who’s an OLLI member, he or she can bring you as a guest to selected classes.)
- How do I become a member? It’s easy! Just fill out the registration form in the catalog and send it in with your check. Or, call the office (603-513-1377) and sign up using your credit card. Annual membership is $40 (as of spring 2010).
- Are there prerequisites? There are no prerequisites – except for your interest in joining your peers for a fun learning experience. There are no exams or grades.
- How much do classes cost? Classes carry affordable fees, from “free” to $80 for an 8-week digital scrapbooking class. Generally, single classes are $5; 8-week classes cost $40.
- How can I get a course catalog? Our current catalog is available on line. Please click on the “Classes and Events” link above. You may also call 603-513-1377 if you would like to have a copy mailed to you.
- What if I can’t afford the classes? Thanks to generous donations from members, OLLI has a limited tuition assistance fund that is available to enable participation for all who wish to join in the classes and activities. It’s easy – and confidential. Just call the office (603-513-1377) for more information.
- Can members take classes in all locations? Membership is valid at all sites. Multi-site registrations are encouraged!
- When are classes offered? Most classes are held during the day on weekdays. There are two regular 8-week sessions (fall/spring). Additional classes/events are offered throughout the year.
- Are there classes outside of the two regular sessions? Yes, if the members want extra classes and/or events, they can (and do) plan and execute a number of “extras” during the year.
- Are there social events in addition to the classes? Yes, each location offers a variety of social events. As a member you will be notified of special programs and upcoming events. Past events include brainstorming lunches, new member orientation receptions and term kick off parties.
- What if I want to volunteer? There are a variety of opportunities to contribute to the success of OLLI and its programs. To learn more, please click on “Volunteer” above.
- Who teaches for OLLI? Retired teachers and physicists, historians, civic leaders, music lovers, teachers of writing, Sherlock Holmes fanatics, travelers, needlepoint and computer experts… Many presenters are teaching their passion. Maybe you?
- What if I want to teach a class? We are always looking for volunteers to teach our classes. Please fill out a class proposal form and submit it to our office.
- What is the focus of OLLI? The focus of OLLI is on the joy of learning, with programs rich in content, shared interests and life experiences. OLLI members choose the topics they wish to explore – so the curriculum is diverse. Popular topics include current events, the arts, world cultures and religions, film, politics, history, literature, social sciences, technology and the environment. (A few practical courses round out the mix each session.) OLLI classes are led by enthusiastic members, retired educators and experts from the community – all volunteers with much to share.
- What is the structure of the OLLI organization? GSC? Three part-time paid staff members in the GSC center in Concord work closely with GSC staff and OLLI-member committees to administer the multitudinous details of this complex and vitally important program.
- Granite State College contributes in-kind “goods and services” to OLLI estimated at $75,000 annually (e.g., office and classroom space, registration and marketing services, technical and administrative support, member parking).
- The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher. The Foundation has given grant/endowment funds to a still-growing national lifelong learning network of 120 OLLI’s established in institutions of higher education from Maine to Hawaii. See www.osherfoundation.org for further information.
