Information for all OLLI Instructors

OLLI staff will send deadlines for course and workshop proposals via email to all current and prospective OLLI faculty approximately six weeks before each deadline.

Proposals should be submitted generally four months in advance of the term in which you wish to teach (February deadline for summer term, May deadline for fall term, September deadline for winter term, and November deadline for spring term).

Specific dates for upcoming terms are listed below.

Winter 2026 Term

Proposal window is closed.

Jan 13 – Feb 19, Tuesday – Thursday

  • Workshops: Fridays, Jan 23 and 30, Feb 6
  • Make-up: Feb 24 – 26

Spring 2026 Term

Proposal window is closed.

Mar 16 – May 8, Monday – Friday

  • Workshops: Saturdays, Apr 11, 18, and 25
  • Make-up: May 11 -15
  • SAGE: Mar 17 – May 5, Tuesdays

Summer 2026 Term

Proposals due Feb 19

Jun 29 – Aug 6, Monday – Thursday

  • Workshops: Fridays, Jul 10, 17, and 24
  • Make-up: Aug 10 – 13

Courses can be taught in-person on the USM Portland campus Wishcamper center, online via Zoom, or as a hybrid both in-person and online.

Select the appropriate form for your teaching preference: in-person or remotely via Zoom. For hybrid classes, please use the in-person form.

Course Proposal: IN-PERSON Classes/Workshops

Course Proposal: REMOTE Classes/Workshops

Guide for potential OLLI instructors.

Message to Potential Faculty Members from the OLLI Teaching & Learning Committee:

Thank you for your interest in teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). OLLI’s mission is to provide an intellectually stimulating and varied curriculum and special activities for persons 50 years of age or older.

Our Guide for Potential OLLI Instructors is designed to provide helpful suggestions while also informing you on what to expect when you teach at OLLI.

If you have any questions, please contact the OLLI office by phone at 780-4406, or by e-mail at olliatusm@maine.edu.

  • You could start by chatting with an instructor you know.
  • Talk to Donna Anderson, OLLI Director, or Rob Hyssong, OLLI Program Coordinator.
  • Contact the OLLI office by phone at 780-4406, or by e-mail at olliatusm@maine.edu.
  • OLLI offers eight-week terms in the fall and spring and six-week terms in the winter and summer.
  • Classes are two hours long and are held once a week – Monday through Friday in fall and spring, and Tuesday through Thursday in winter and summer.
  • Workshops are also offered on Saturdays in the fall and spring, and on Fridays in the winter and summer.
  • Workshops can be two-hour sessions, all-day sessions, or a three-session, two-hour mini course.

OLLI Classes can be taught:

  • In-person on the USM Portland, usually in Wishcamper center.
    USM supports OLLI by providing classroom space, audio/visual equipment, and technology support.
  • Remotely, using Zoom.
    OLLI offers Zoom training for OLLI faculty as well as Zoom refresher sessions to blow away the Zoom cobwebs!
  • We are also offer hybrid classes that allow online participants to join an in-person class.
    OLLI has access to well equipped Zoom classrooms as well as Meeting Owl Pro-enabled spaces for more intimate groups.

Course Proposal: IN-PERSON Classes/Workshops

Course Proposal: REMOTE Classes/Workshops

Once Your Class is Approved

In-Person Class Instructors:

  • Instructor access to class rosters
  • Understanding when to use a media request form
  • OLLI’s use of listening technology for classroom spaces
  • Photocopying requests

Remote Class Instructors

  • Instructor access to class rosters
  • Sending out Zoom invitations and links to your class participants
  • Tips for managing your Zoom session
  • Identifying tech support needs
  • Participate in our Teachers Forum – Let’s Talk Teaching
  • Free membership in OLLI for the year
  • Two free classes for each course taught; one free class for each workshop taught
  • Join us for a special, annual luncheon to honor OLLI instructors
  • An appreciation gift