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.
Billie Lombardo, OLLI at University of North Florida, asks OLLI:
Do other OLLS use Student Manager (aceware) software database for member
information? Please share tips and tricks.
Billie Lombardo, OLLI at University of North Florida, asks OLLI:
Do any OLLIs use distance learning equipment to transmit courses.
How is it working?
Patricia Berlowe, OLLI at Yavapai College, asks OLLI:
For OLLIs who are beyond 800 members (we have 1,000, but at 3 sites).
Does the increase in membership change the dynamics around socialization
and identifying leadership among the membership?
Diane Gruber, OLLI at Arizona State University, asks OLLI:
Remote access to subscribed library databases (LexusNexus, Naxos, etc) is one of our OLLI member benefits. It is possible that vendor site license agreements do not cover non-credit students like ours. Any OLLIs that have dealt with the issue, either concerning vendor site licenses or the university’s legal definition of what counts as a “student?”
Cathy House, OLLI at The University of Utah, asks OLLI:
Are there OLLIs who can share their guidelines for starting member led study groups?
Please provide key factors for success and tips for the group leader.
Sharon Sokoloff, OLLI at Brandeis University, asks OLLI:
Do any OLLIs have a formal committee or other mechanism to reach out to
community members who have health problems or other life issues that prevent
them form attending the program, e.g. a “caring committee” or something like that?
If so, what is its name, description and how does it function?
Cathie Sanders, OLLI at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, asks:
Do any OLLIs have a method or process which has proved effective in getting members comfortable in volunteering for leadership positions?
Lucy S. Woodhouse, OLLI at Furman University, has 4 questions for AskOLLI:
1.Do other OLLIs register members on first come first served basis or lottery? 2.Is there a priority for new members, board/committee members? 3. Do you charge a membership fee per class or flat fee which includes a number of classes per term/year? 4. What money supplements registration and class fees?