OLLI at USM started out in 1997 as a Senior College dedicated to providing learning experiences for people over 50. In 2000, the Bernard Osher Foundation provided a generous endowment, making us the first Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in a network that now encompasses 122 OLLIs nationwide.

We offer a wide range of courses in a variety of formats including lectures, discussions, films, and hands-on experiences. Topics include history, current events, philosophy, psychology, the sciences, literature, art, music appreciation, creative writing, acting, and more. 

OLLI also offers SAGE, an eight-week lecture series featuring distinguished speakers sharing their expertise in history, culture, the arts, geography, anthropology, politics, science, and more.

OLLI’s philosophy is “teach your passion.” Instructors are fellow OLLI members looking to share their knowledge with you. All OLLI instructors are volunteers. 

Yes!  OLLI provides assistive-learning devices upon request.  If you have specific needs, please contact the OLLI office to discuss options.

Other than being over 50, there are no requirements. Homework is your choice. Some courses involve reading, writing, or honing new skills at home. 

We have an eight-week term in the spring and fall, and a six-week term in the summer and winter. Classes meet once a week either morning or afternoon, and Friday and Saturday workshops are also offered. 

OLLI at USM boasts over 1,600 members, ranging in age from 50 to over 100! They reflect varied backgrounds and come from the greater Portland area and beyond.

OLLI is the founding member of the Maine Senior College Network. MSCN is a consortium of sixteen active senior colleges in Maine. The network offers reciprocal membership, so as a member of a senior college you can take classes at another college without having to pay membership fees. All senior colleges offer classes to their own members first and then open registration to members of the sister senior colleges. When you sign up for a class or lecture with a sister college, please follow the options for MSCN members.

Tipsheets page. We have created easy-to-follow guide sheets to help you to find your way around Zoom. You can also request a small group special training session.

Yes! Our remote classes are open to any member, anywhere.

In-person courses will be canceled in parallel with university campus closures.

Remote courses will be held at the discretion of the faculty.