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You Are OLLI!

Thank you for volunteering to teach at OLLI. Explore the information below to make your class a great success!

Be sure to join us at these important events:

  • Teachers’ Forum – Let’s Talk Teaching! Saturday, March 28, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    • More than 130 volunteers create and deliver classes and workshops for OLLI members! Come talk about it. For experienced teachers, returning enthusiasts, and anyone thinking about becoming an instructor. Coffee and pastries will be served. Please register by emailing olliatusm@maine.edu.
  • Faculty Orientations are scheduled prior to the state of each semester. Check back for summer orientation dates!

Teaching comes with some perks! You will receive:

  • A free annual membership to OLLI for the academic year in which you teach.
  • OLLI course certificates. The certificate will be mailed to you after completing the course/workshop. To use your free course, email the OLLI office prior to the opening of session registration.
    • If you teach a 6- or 8-week course, you will earn 2 free class credits.
    • If you co-teach a 6- or 8-week course, you will earn 1 free class credit.
    • If you teach a 6-hour workshop, you will earn 2 free class credits.
    • If you teach a 2- or 3-hour workshop, you will earn 1 free class credit.
  • Early course registration.
  • A voucher to a local bookstore.
  • Free parking until June 30. You will need to register with ParkEngage. See the OLLI Office for instructions.
  • A USM ID allowing access to the university library and computer lab.
  • Free UMaine email and Zoom account. Email Rob Hyssong (robert.hyssong@maine.edu) for details.

UMaine passwords must be changed every 180 days. Use these instructions to update your account.

Instructors will have access to their course roster so you can download or print. You will receive an email with a personalized link to your class list. We recommend checking the roster prior to the first two classes so you have all add/drop changes. Use these instructions to download your course roster.

Should your course reach maximum participants, OLLI staff will manage your wait list and will reach out if needed.

Be sure to send a welcome message to your class before it begins. We have message templates available. Download the template for in person or online classes.

Students order their books directly from usm.ecampus.com. Select OLLI as the term. If you would like assistance selecting books talk to the OLLI office team, email olliatusm@maine.edu.

If you have handouts for your class, please consider emailing PDFs and web links to students so we can be green. If you need materials photocopied, complete the Photocopy Request Form available in the OLLI office and OLLI can make copies for you. Please submit your request at least one week in advance. Limit copies to 50 per student.

Each instructor will be assigned a mailbox in the OLLI office, room 210.

Classes are not held on official USM holidays.

Weather closures are posted on the USM website, or you may call (207) 780-4800. If USM is closed, OLLI is closed. If there is a delayed opening, all classes starting earlier than the opening are canceled. If there is an early closure, all events beginning after the closure time are canceled. Canceled classes are made up the week after classes end. The instructor determines if an online class will be held.

We recommend you gather feedback on how the course is going for your students so that you can make any desired adjustments before the class is complete. Around the third class, you may wish to ask: what is working well, what could be working better, and if they have any specific suggestions.

There is a feedback form available in the OLLI office if you wish to use it.

Classrooms are located in the Wishcamper Center on the first and second floors. The OLLI Office is located in room 210. Faculty mailboxes and photocopying are in the OLLI office.

All classrooms are media-equipped. If you intend to use any of the equipment, please let the OLLI staff know one week in advance so that we can have IT set-up support. Classrooms are equipped with: projectors, speakers, DVD/Blu-ray player, Windows-based computer, a document camera, HDMI inputs, and a whiteboard with dry erase markers.

Diagrams of the standard classroom setup are posted at the front of each classroom. You may rearrange the rooms as desired, but please return it to standard arrangement when class is complete. Table wheels have locks; be sure to lock the tables once they are in place.

Access your Zoom account here: https://maine.zoom.us

A Zoom Instructors Guide is available to walk you through all the Zoom options.

Before class

  • Be sure to check your Zoom account to confirm it is working and does not need a password update.
  • You will create your own Zoom meeting.
    • Make Rob Hyssong an alternative host.
    • If your class has mutliple sessions, use the recurring meeting option.
  • When you send your welcome message to your students, include the Zoom link. We encourage you to use the Welcome Message Template. (In person template) (Online template)
    • We recommend sending the link 3-5 days before class, and again the morning of class.
    • Please copy (cc) Rob (robert.hyssong@maine.edu) so the OLLI office has your link.
  • If you would like a Zoom refresher, please contact the OLLI office.
    • You can request a Zoom support person to be present during your class to assist with some Zoom functionality. Please contact the OLLI office.

During class

  • Open your class link 15 minutes early.
  • Enable closed captioning.
  • Plan a 10-15 minute break halfway through.
  • Remind students to rename themselves and to mute themselves unless speaking.
  • Let your class know if you’re going to record.
  • Technical difficulties?
    • If you are having trouble during class, you may need to contact the USM Help Desk: 1-800-696-HELP (4357).

After class

In the case of an emergency, contact USM Police and Safety by dialing 911 from a campus phone or (207) 780-5211 from a cell phone.

If a smoke/fire alarm sounds, proceed to the nearest exit. Leave the building immediately. Do not use elevators.

Zoom Tech Support

Are you interested in providing Zoom support to an instructor? Zoom tech support volunteers can attend the Zoom class for free! If you would like to volunteer, please contact the OLLI office at olliatusm@maine.edu.

Volunteers will need to take a one-hour Zoom brush-up training. Our Zoom Support Guide provides step-by-step instructions.

Illustration by Deep on Unsplash