The Ask OLLI blog is a resource for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute administrators to facilitate discussion on a variety of topics related to the creation and management of OLLI institutes nationwide.
Entries to the blog are called "posts" and can only be submitted by blog editors. Please contact Anne Cardale at the OLLI National Resource Center if you have an article suggestion for the AskOLLI editors.
Each post has a "comment" section where blog subscribers can submit their own remarks and responses to the post. A subscriber must be logged in to comment on a post. A login link is available at the bottom of the right-hand column, as well as at the end of each posting page.
Although the Ask OLLI blog is publicly viewable, commenting is closed to non-subscribers. For more information on Ask OLLI, or if you wish to create a subscriber account please contact Anne Cardale.
Sharon Sokoloff, OLLI at Brandeis University Asks OLLI:
If your OLLI has classes and/or otherwise meets in more than one space/place/building - what are the types of spaces you use in your community, e.g., churches, temples, senior centers, other? Please share all the venues you use, if there is a cost, and how it has worked for you program. Thanks.
Lori Bonderson, OLLI at the University of South Dakota Asks OLLI:
At the national conference I heard several OLLI reps say they do film series. Our OLLI Curriculum Committee has considered it but is wary of running afoul of the copyright/permission laws. For those that are showing films in a class or group setting, are there steps you take to meet the requirements of copyright/permission laws?
Patricia Berlowe, OLLI at Yavapai College Asks OLLI:
Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus OLLI is looking into the possibility of setting up a ride-sharing program to assist non-mobile OLLI members to attend classes. Please let us know if you have set up such a system, are considering one, have tried one and closed it down, and if you would be willing to share your learnings. Also, please advise if you have identified any software that could support a matching process.
Michael Bujnowski, OLLI at Concord New Hampshire Asks OLLI:
Has anyone created an infrastructure that makes use of technology when working and training volunteers?
Volunteers are an important part of OLLI. Their contributions directly impact the success of the organization. I believe we can dramatically improve the efficiency and effectiveness of volunteers, as well as attract and keep them involved by giving them access to information that directly relates to improving the quality of their programs. Technology can work for many of our volunteers and we can offer education, training and support to effectively use the technology.
Please share the ways your OLLI employs technology when working with volunteers.
Jacqueline Gratz, OLLI at Towson University Asks OLLI:
Do your OLLI students receive official student ID cards from your university that can be used for reduced entrance fees at various events, both within and outside the university. If so, what is the procedure whereby they procure the cards?
Do you offer evening courses? If so, how many, which evenings, and what time? Are they well attended? Have they been as successful as your daytime courses?
Pat Zimmerman, OLLI at the University of Nevada, Reno Asks OLLI:
We are interested in producing an annual report and want to know if other OLLI’s have an annual report? If you have annual reports would you be be willing to share them with us either on line or through snail mail?
Anne Wallace, OLLI at American University, asks OLLI:
1. What kind of evaluation or feedback does your OLLI ask for after a class is finished? Do you use a form?
2. How does your OLLI inform a study group leader they are done teaching? Do you offer up free classes/”gold watch?”
You may respond directly to Anne Wallace @awallace@american.edu.
Sarah Benton, OLLI at Penn State, asks OLLI:
Does your OLLI follow a formula for how many new courses versus repeats you offer per term? Also, does anyone have a documented curriculum planning process that you would share with me?
Kathy Sangster, OLLI at University of Texas Austin, asks OLLI:
We are interested in Olli programs experience with developing community engagement/service opportunities for members.
Fred Bassett, OLLI at University of Cincinnati, asks OLLI:
Because many of our moderators have similar preferences regarding when and where they teach, on certain days and times, the University of Cincinnati’s OLLI program has more courses and moderators wanting to teach them than time slots available. Have you ever had this problem, and if so, how do you address it? What criteria do you use to assign course time slots?