Frequently Asked Questions

What does “OLLI” stand for?
OLLI is the acronym for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. It doesn’t matter how you pronounce it, OLLI is a great opportunity to learn and have a lot of fun.

Where does the term “Osher ” come from?
“Osher” refers to the Bernard Osher Foundation, which funds, in part, OLLI at UCSB. Mr. Osher is a respected businessperson and community leader in the San Francisco Bay area. In 1977, the Bernard Osher Foundation was established to benefit a wide range of educational and cultural activities, including opportunities for mature learners. To date, the Foundation has started over one hundred Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at colleges and universities throughout the United States.

When did OLLI at UCSB start? The program started in the spring of 2005.

How many courses are offered at a time?
There are 10-15 courses per quarter.

What subjects are offered? OLLI courses cover a broad range of topics from mathematics to metaphysics, communication to cinema, theater to politics, and environment to adult internships.

How do I take a course?
To take a course, enroll as an OLLI member and then register for your courses. There are two levels of
memberships. 

What are the membership levels?
Annual Passport Membership  ($145/year) This level of membership allows you to take as many OLLI courses as you want over the course of an entire year. Sign up now and you will be able to take courses through December 2008. In addition you will have all of the extra benefits
of an Annual Membership: a one-time opportunity to
participate in the UCSB Affiliates and UCSB Music
Affiliates programs, an OLLI Student ID card that gives you discounts, and advance registration for upcoming courses and invitations to OLLI special events.

Quarterly Mini Passport Membership ($50/quarter)
This level is great if you are new to OLLI or visit the area for short periods of time. This level allows you to take two (2) courses during the quarter in which you enroll. You will be able to participate in several of the member activities.

When are the courses taught?
Classes are scheduled in multiple meetings. Most of the classes are conveniently held during the day: 10am-12pm, 1-3pm, or 3:30-5:30pm.  Each quarter, we also offer courses in the early evening from 6:30-8:30pm. Most classes are two-hour sessions and meet over five
consecutive weeks for a total of ten hours.

Where are the courses taught?
Classes are taught in various convenient locations around Santa Barbara and Goleta. The majority of the classes are not held on the UCSB campus. Be sure to check for the location of your course when you enroll.

Who are the instructors?
OLLI course instructors are selected from UCSB faculty and faculty emeriti as well as experts in the various fields being taught.

When does the 2008 winter quarter begin?
Classes will start the week of February 11th.