Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute?
What do you mean by membership?
May I sign up for OLLI online?
Can I join if I am “almost” 50?
Can people who aren’t members take the classes?
What kinds of classes will be offered?
I heard there might be scholarships available to members. How can I get one?
How is OLLI different from Elderhostel?
How is OLLI different from the Over 60 program at Humboldt State?
When does OLLI membership start and how much does it cost?
Who are the instructors? How do I become an instructor?
What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute?
California businessman Bernard Osher created the Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco in 1977, focusing on education and health care. The foundation collaborates with university programs nationwide to offer intellectually stimulating, affordable, non-credit learning opportunities in community settings. The Bernard Osher Foundation has similar programs at over 90 universities and colleges.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – OLLI - at Humboldt State University Extended Education, is an innovative program of specially designed short courses with no exams or grades, and a focus on learners who are 50 or over. Membership entitles a person to help choose the topics for classes while also receiving HSU student privileges and benefits.
What do you mean by membership?
OLLI members become part of a learning community where they get to actively choose the types of classes they want, attend special events designed just for them and have the option of proposing to teach a class in which they have special academic or professional expertise.
Membership also entitles a person to HSU student privileges and benefits, including the HSU library and computer labs.
May I sign up for OLLI online?
Yes, you may use the online registration form. You may also download and print out the registration form (PDF), use the registration from the OLLI brochure or HSU Extended Education course bulletin, attach payment and send or fax to us (with credit card information). Call the Office of Extended Education at (707) 826-3731 if you have any problems with your registration.
Can I join if I am “almost” 50?
Our policy is that you must turn 50 within the year you would be taking classes. Or if you are the spouse or partner of someone who is 50, you may join as a couple (supplemental member) with a discounted fee.
Can people who aren’t members take the classes?
Yes, but non-members will pay a course fee that is usually 20% higher than OLLI members’ discounted fee. Also, non-members must wait to register for classes until 2 weeks before the class begins. Sometimes classes fill up before this time.
What kinds of classes are offered?
OLLI classes change each semester, but fall into these categories: arts, humanities and social sciences; science and technology; politics and current affairs; and personal enrichment. See Courses for the latest list.
Most classes are held at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, 921 Waterfront Drive in Eureka. This beautiful building is on the waterfront and has free parking. Some classes are held in other community venues or studios.
I heard there might be scholarships available to members. How can I get one?
Contact the OLLI coordinator for information about scholarships: 826-3743
How is OLLI different from Elderhostel?
OLLI serves the local adult community, with ongoing involvement in the choice of academic offerings. It is geared specifically to the interests of the local members, and focused on learners aged 50 and above.
Elderhostel attracts older adults (aged 55+) from all over the U.S. and beyond, for a one-week residence at a hotel, usually with three mini classes taught by university faculty members or specialists. See the HSU Elderhostel website for more information.
How is OLLI different from the Over 60 Program at Humboldt State?
In the Over 60 Program, participants are over 60 years of age and take regular, semester academic classes at HSU for credit, taught by HSU faculty. See the Over 60 Program website for more information.
In OLLI:
- Members are 50 years or older (their spouses/partners may also join as a supplementary member)
- Members choose classes matching their intellectual interests and life experience
- Classes are taught by current or retired faculty and community members sharing their expertise
- No grades are given
- Classes are approximately 4-8 weeks long
- May be held on campus and in community locations.
- Annual membership has a modest fee and provides the OLLI discount on all individual class fees for the entire year, plus HSU student privileges
If I’m already in the Over 60 program – does that mean I’m automatically in the OLLI program too? Or that I get a discount on OLLI classes?
While anyone may be in both programs at the same time – they are separate and require different registration processes. The funding for them comes from different sources, so no discounts are available.
When does OLLI membership start and how much does it cost?
Membership costs $25 annually per person; $10 supplemental fee for a second person, and $250 for a Lifetime membership.
Membership includes the OLLI discount on all classes offered plus many other benefits.
Membership is open now and runs from August 1 through July 31 of each year.
OLLI classes start just after the HSU semester begins for fall and spring. Keep an eye on this website to see what's happening during the summer. You can also ask to be on the mailing list to get any OLLI announcements.
Who are the instructors? How do I become an instructor?
OLLI instructors are experts from the community and current or retired faculty. If you are interested in becoming an OLLI instructor, contact the HSU OLLI coordinator at (707) 826-3743 or learn more about submitting a proposal.
For other questions not addressed here, call the
Osher Coordinator at (707) 826-3743.
