Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Connecticut (OLLI at UConn) is a member-driven program offering non-credit learning experiences (courses, lectures, and special events) to all adults who are 50 or older and want to engage socially and intellectually with their peers as teachers and learners. OLLI also provides fertile ground for exchanging ideas and diverse opportunities for partnership with other cultural, educational, and arts organizations. OLLI at UConn offers in-person and online courses. At the time of writing, OLLI at UConn has 450 members, most of whom come from within a radius of about 30 miles of Waterbury, some of which are from other parts of the state and the country.
Lifelong learning is an educational philosophy that embraces a comprehensive definition of human inquiry—educational activities can and should be available through all stages of life to achieve various personal goals. For our purposes, lifelong learners choose to engage in life to the fullest and explore learning for enjoyment, fulfillment, intellectual stimulation, peer interaction, mentoring, or other related reasons. OLLI at UConn is one of 125 Osher institutes geared toward helping members achieve these goals.
Once someone becomes an OLLI member, they are entitled to all their learning and social experiences. OLLI courses are specifically designed for and for the OLLI population. Courses and events are primarily held at the UConn campus at 99 East Main Street in downtown Waterbury, with a few off-site course locations each session. Courses are offered during the Fall or Spring semesters (10 weeks) or the Winter session (4 weeks). Courses may be anything from 1 – 10 weeks long. Course instructors may be UConn lecturers, retired experts, or members with expertise and a passion for their subject.