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.

Structuring a Computer Lab

Posted on April 27th, 2007 by Julia Ridge, OLLI National Resource Center

Denney Morton, from OLLI at the University of Southern Maine, asks:

The OLLI at the University of Southern Maine will open a new facility in a new building in September, 2008. As part of this exciting event we are designing a small computer lab to serve our membership, now 1000 and growing. The lab will be part of our suite of offices and classrooms, and will be staffed.There will be 3
to five computers for the membership to access, to learn computer skills and to use while at OLLI.  How do we structure this facility so it is the most useful and safe?  Other recommendations?

Posted in Management | 2 Comments »

Registration and Class Management Software

Posted on April 19th, 2007 by Julia Ridge, OLLI National Resource Center

 Joan Pettigrew, from OLLI at Clemson University, asks: 

1.  Approximately how many members does your Osher Lifelong Learning Institute serve?

2.  Do you use your host institution’s student systems or your own registration software to process member registration and class enrollment?

3.  Can more than one staff member enter data into your system at the same time?

4.  Can the public complete and submit membership forms online?

5.  Can members complete and submit registration forms online?

6.  If a form is completed online:
     * Is it automatically “imported” into the database system?
     * Are automated responses generated?

7.  Can members make online credit card payments?
     * If so, do you contract with an outside processor?  Who?
     * If no: how do you process them.

8.  Do you use your system for tracking membership/registration payments and refunds?

9.  Do you issue photo IDs to members?  Do you reissue them with annual membership payments?  Do you store the photos in your information system?

10. Is your system a commercial software package?  If yes:
     * Please identify the package and a website link.
     * How easy is it for your staff to modify the package to meet your needs?

11. If you do not have a commercial system, but have developed your own:
     * What database software do you use?
     * What other developer tools do you use?(software programs that help generate a web page without having to know the computer language) 

12. Do you have an information technology person on staff?

13. Do you receive information technology support from your host institution?

14. Do you have an outside contract for support of your system?

15. Is there a person we might contact for additional information?

Posted in Management | 3 Comments »

Service Component of Programs

Posted on April 2nd, 2007 by Julia Ridge, OLLI National Resource Center

Lena Frumin, from OLLI at American University, asks:

Do you have a service component to your program or curriculum? For example, volunteering in the community or crafting a position paper on an important issue.

Posted in Management | No Comments »