Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)?
• What is the structure?
• How is OLLI different from other classes for seniors?
• How are learning groups presented?
• What topics are covered in the learning groups?
• What is the age limit for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute?
• What is the cost of membership?
• How do I become a member and/or enroll for learning groups?
• Must I be a member in order to participate in the learning groups?
• How do I get to be a facilitator?
• I'm not sure yet if I want to be a member. Can I get on the mailing list?
• Do you offer anything besides learning groups?

What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)?

We are a membership organization within Yavapai College, created to meet the needs and interests of local retirement-age people. We are self-governed and peer-directed, setting our own curriculum.

What is the structure?

We elect our own governing council from among our members, have a curriculum committee, a social committee, various ad hoc groups as needed, and other volunteer positions. We have two paid staff positions, an administrator, Barbara Yarrow, and an assistant, Deni Harris.

How is OLLI different from other classes for seniors?

Our "learning groups" are discussion groups conceived, created and facilitated by our own members, who volunteer their time. There are no tests, grades, or college credits associated with our groups. Our members are excited about learning and sharing knowledge and thoughts. They gain a great deal of satisfaction in the process of stimulating and stretching their mental capacities.

How are learning groups presented?

Our curriculum is determined by a curriculum committee comprised of volunteer members. A typical learning group will meet once a week for two hours for six consecutive weeks. The exact format is determined by the facilitator in accordance with the subject matter.

There are five regular learning group sessions per year, each one with a different curriculum. During each session, between 15 and 30 different learning groups are offered.

The majority of the groups are offered on the Prescott campus. The groups meet from 10 a.m.. to noon, and afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. five to six days a week.

What topics are covered in the learning groups?

The subjects are limited only by our imaginations, which are not at all limited.

Topics have included regional and international history, current social and political issues, the worlds' religions, fairy tales and writing your life story. Want to talk about dreams, or study the opera, movies, art or ballet? This is your chance. If American Indian art and culture interest you, stop by. And don't forget current economic issues, astronomy, our founding fathers, the Middle Ages, and Prescott's beginnings.

Perhaps you'd like pointers on cooking for one, or to delve into the history of Britain, the functioning of the brain, astronomy or history of science.

We often have a book discussion group, hiking groups, a biking group and gentle movement exercises.

If these are not up your alley, don't worry; there's more. And you are most welcome to facilitate a group of your choosing.

What is the age limit for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute?

There is no age limit. We are geared to the interests of retirement-age individuals.

What is the cost of membership?

There are two membership fee options. One is $35 per year. With this option, a person pays $20 for each learning group taken. A second option is $120 per year (or $65 for two consecutive sessions). With this option, there are no learning group fees.

How do I become a member and/or enroll for learning groups?

You may enroll by mail or phone in your membership/enrollment fees to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, 1100 E. Sheldon St. #6912, Prescott AZ 86301, or stop by the office on campus, Building 31. Because demand sometimes exceeds capacity, class enrollment is determined by a random drawing. Enrollments are accepted after that on a space-available basis.

Must I be a member in order to participate in the learning groups?

Yes, only members are allowed to participate in the learning groups; however, a one-time guest pass is available to sit in to see if a group suits your needs.

Occasionally OLLI makes learning groups available to a wider audience.

How may I be a facilitator?

Learning group proposal forms are available by calling or visiting the office. We also provide facilitator's guides that offer valuable assistance; these are available upon request. First-time facilitators are asked to submit their proposal in writing, and then to give a brief verbal overview of their proposed group to the curriculum committee, at which time they can answer any questions committee members may have.

I'm not sure yet if I want to be a member. How do I get on the mailing list?

You may call the office, 717-7634, or stop by at Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon, Building 31, and ask to be put on the mailing list. There is no obligation.

Do you offer anything besides learning groups?

Yes, we have periodic social occasions, as well as educational field trips. These are open to members and non-members with a price differential.

Friday lunch on campus is an important social occasion, allowing us the opportunity to get together as a group in the college cafeteria, which features a nice food court. Some folks prefer to brown-bag it there, and that is okay, too.

In addition to offering our own field trips, we also partner with YC's Elderhostel/Edventures program to offer additional educational journeys of one to seven days.