Ask OLLI

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?

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?

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?

Terry Aaronson, OLLI at Florida State University, asks OLLI:

For OLLI’s offering classes at  retirement communities whose participants only takes classes and
do not take part in any other activities, how do you set membership fees?

Dee Aguilar,OLLI at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, asks OLLI:

Is anyone currently incorporating on-line resources like TED, MIT World, or MIT Open CourseWare for discussion groups, seminars, courses?

Thom Clement, OLLI at George Mason University, asks OLLI

How do other OLLIs gain and/or provide access to online lectures for members?  Are there good web sites with links to lectures on a wide variety of topics?  What costs are associated? Are any OLLI’s using these as a basis for classroom presentations, or are they made available for individual use?

Allyson Roberts, OLLI at Widener University, asks OLLI:

Our OLLI in Exton, PA, has seen course content take a more serious focus, especially this semester.  Courses are focusing on current events such as Obama’s administration and the financial crisis. Registration for these classes is overwhelming, where traditionally some of the “more fun” classes were the “most popular.”
Is anyone else noticing this movement at their OLLI? Does anyone have a popular course topic focused on a current event to share?

Cathy House, OLLI at The University of Utah, asks OLLI:

I am interested in developing a course, a series or courses, or a series of seminars on “the brain.”   I would appreciate if those who covered these topics would send the titles, descriptions, and formats.  It would also be helpful to know where you found the instructors and what their background and affiliation are.

Jean Sheridan, OLLI at University of Southern Maine, asks OLLI:

Have other OLLIs put together handbooks for new faculty?  Designed to help in the following ways:

1. How to maneuver through adminsitrative protocols. 2. Raise awarness of differences between prior professional experience and teaching in lifelong learning setting. 3. Offer suggestions for classroom mangement.

Please share your information/attachments by sending them via email to  jsheridan@maine.rr.com.