Frequently Asked Questions

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UConn Waterbury

Need help? Contact the OLLI Office at 475-222-6232 or osher@uconn.edu. We are happy to help with registration, courses, membership questions, and general information. 

What is lifelong learning?

Lifelong learning means continuing to learn, explore new ideas, and stay engaged throughout life. 

People participate for enjoyment, personal growth, intellectual stimulation, social connection, and the satisfaction of learning something new. OLLI helps adults, typically age 50 and older, pursue these goals. 

Why is it important to have a lifelong learning program?

Lifelong learning supports personal growth, social connection, and overall well-being. Staying mentally engaged can also support brain health. 

Programs like OLLI give members opportunities to meet people, share experiences, and take part in community and intergenerational activities. 

How is lifelong learning programming different from senior center programming?

Senior centers often focus on recreational and hands-on activities. OLLI focuses on educational and discussion-based learning. 

Many organizations offer a mix of activities, so programs may vary by location. 

Why is there an annual fee to belong to OLLI and not my local senior center?

Local senior centers are usually supported by city or town funding, similar to public libraries. OLLI is different because it is largely supported through membership fees, course fees, donations, and University support. 

These funds help OLLI remain financially sustainable and maintain its relationship with The Bernard Osher Foundation.

Will OLLI fees increase in the future?

Like many programs, OLLI may need to adjust fees as costs change. Our goal is to keep fees reasonable while continuing to offer high-quality programs. 

OLLI at UConn has historically maintained one of the lower fee structures among OLLI programs in New England. 

Why is the membership cycle for one full year and not a semester?

OLLI membership is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. 

Annual membership helps provide stability and allows us to plan programs throughout the year. Membership includes access to courses and activities throughout the year. 

What is the vision for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Connecticut?

OLLI at UConn is a member-driven learning community that offers non-credit educational programs for older adults. 

Members come together to learn, share experiences, build connections, and enrich their lives through lifelong learning. 

Why is the University of Connecticut involved in this type of programming?

UConn supports programs that promote the health and well-being of Connecticut residents and communities. 

OLLI at UConn is the only Osher Institute in Connecticut and is part of a national network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes. 

What is The Bernard Osher Foundation?

The Bernard Osher Foundation supports lifelong learning, higher education, and community programs across the United States. 

The Osher name honors the foundation that provided major start-up support for this Institute. The Bernard Osher Foundation was created in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a businessman and community leader. 

What is unique about OLLI courses?

OLLI courses are designed for adult learners and are usually offered at a lower cost than traditional university courses. 

Courses are often led by retired or semi-retired educators, professionals, artists, writers, and community members with expertise to share. Many classes use guided discussions, which gives members a chance to actively participate and learn from one another. 

How is participation in an OLLI course different from enrolling in a traditional UConn course with a senior citizen waiver?

OLLI courses are designed specifically for older adult learners. They are non-credit courses, often shorter than traditional college courses, and focus on learning for enjoyment, enrichment, and community connection. 

UConn senior citizen waivers apply to traditional credit courses and are available to eligible adults age 62 and older on a space-available basis. Those courses follow the regular university calendar and are primarily designed for degree-seeking students. 

Where are OLLI courses held?    

Courses and events are primarily held at the UConn Waterbury campus at 99 East Main Street in downtown Waterbury. Some courses may be offered off-site each session. 

In-person courses typically meet on Fridays. Online courses are usually offered Monday through Thursday. 

How do I get involved?

OLLI thrives because of member involvement. Members can volunteer on committees, help with events, share expertise, and support special interest groups. 

Committees may include Curriculum, Marketing and Community Outreach, Tech, Membership, Travel, Editorial, and Special Interest Groups. To get involved, contact the OLLI office. 

The OLLI Leadership Council

The OLLI Leadership Council is a volunteer advisory group that supports the Institute and its members. 

The Council advises the program director, supports curriculum planning, and helps strengthen membership and volunteer engagement. UConn remains responsible for legal, financial, budgetary, and administrative oversight. 

How can I lead an OLLI Course?

OLLI welcomes course leaders from many backgrounds, including educators, professionals, artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and community experts. 

Teaching experience is helpful but not required. Staff can provide guidance for first-time presenters. To propose a course, complete the online course proposal form or contact the OLLI office. 

It’s my first day, where do I go?

On Fridays, stop by the Information Table in the main concourse. Volunteers can help you find your classroom, answer questions, and provide a campus floor plan. 

Monday through Thursday, contact the OLLI office for assistance. Course numbers begin with letters. Classroom numbers begin with 1, 2, or 3. 

Where do I park?

OLLI members may park in the UConn Parking Garage on Fridays, space permitting. Use Levels 2 and 3 only. Please do not park on Level 1, which is reserved for UConn faculty and staff. 

When leaving the garage, the gate arm will rise automatically as you approach. For parking permits and directions, visit the OLLI parking page. 

Where are the restrooms?

First floor: Restrooms are located next to the garage entrance, past the library on the left, and at the end of the corridor across from Room 102. 

Second and third floors: Restrooms are located near the elevators, past the library on the left, and at the end of the corridor across from Rooms 201-203 and 301-303. 

Where do I go for help on campus?

For room assignments and general questions on Fridays, visit the Information Table. Monday through Thursday, contact the OLLI office. 

For problems, concerns, ideas, registration questions, or brochure questions on Fridays, visit the OLLI Office in Room 103. 

For lost and found, check the OLLI Office in Room 103 or the Campus Information Desk in the main lobby. 

What should I do in an emergency?

For emergencies, contact University Police. Code blue phones are located on each level of the building in the stairwells and parking garage. 

Call University Police at 203-236-9950 or their emergency number at 203-236-9978. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 from a cell phone or 8-911 from a campus phone. 

During an evacuation, contact University Police for assistance if elevators cannot be used and someone is unable to exit the building quickly on their own. 

Can I drop a course?

Yes. Please complete an Early Course Feedback form. Please note that course fees are not refunded when a course is dropped. 

What if my course is cancelled?

Fees are non-refundable. In some cases, members may receive a voucher for a course in the next semester. 

Unique situations will be reviewed individually. 

Is it safe to walk outside the UConn campus?

The UConn Waterbury campus is located across from the Palace Theater in a well-lit area.  UConn Police can escort you to your car upon request. 

Can I use the UConn Library?

Yes. OLLI members have library privileges. More information is available on the OLLI library privileges page. 

How will I know if a class gets cancelled?

In most cases, OLLI will notify members by phone or email. If there is not enough time, cancellation information may be posted at the Information Table. 

For weather-related cancellations, OLLI staff will notify members as soon as possible. Please also check local news or radio stations for UConn Waterbury Campus updates. If UConn Waterbury classes are cancelled or delayed, OLLI courses are cancelled for the day. 

I have a concern with one of my courses. What should I do?

Please contact OLLI Administration through the OLLI Office. You may stop by Room 103, call 475-222-6232, or email osher@uconn.edu. 

Is there a wheelchair available?

OLLI currently has one wheelchair available. To reserve it for weekly use, call 475-222-6232. 

Useful Links

 

* Excerpt from the MISSION AND PURPOSES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, adopted by the Board of Trustees on April 11, 2006 and amended on June 20, 2006.