What is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute?  OLLI@SJSU is one of 120 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes made possible by generous grants from the Bernard Osher Foundation.  It is a community of learners age 50 and over.  Instruction is at university level, but no particular educational background is required.  There are no tests, grades, or papers.  The class you select may have some reading or other preparation.  To participate in classes, you must be a member of SJSU's OLLI.

 What is the calendar?  There are three terms per year. 

Spring   Late January to mid-May

Summer   Mid-June to mid-August

Fall   Late September -late November

Classes do not run the entire term; they vary in length.  Most classes are two to six weeks long.  Dates are listed with each course description.  In some instances, there may be special inter-session activities, but these are clearly stated in the course schedule or special announcements.

When do classes start?  When do classes end?  Courses are in a variety of time formats.  Some are multi-week; some are one-day immersion programs.  Six weeks is the longest.  It is important that you look at the beginning and ending date, and the location,  in each course description.   Note the information on your personal calendar. 

Where are classes held?  Classes are held throughout the Silicon Valley.  Check the location of a class in the catalog description. 

How much does membership cost?  To participate in OLLI@SJSU, you must be a member.  Membership is $25 per year per person.   A year is three terms.  (For example, if you start in Spring 2008, you also are a member in Summer and Fall 2008.  You would renew your membership for Spring 2009.)  Membership includes newsletters and “heads-up” notices by email or mail, special events, Brown Bag lecture series, Socrates Cafe (discussion group), access to members’ only programs such as travel-study abroad (with the SJSU Alumni Association), selected discounts, and more.

When and how can I become a member and register?  You may become a member at any time, but most people do so when they register for classes.  You must be a member to take OLLI classes.  Please register for a class at least one week before it starts.   If your spouse is under age 50 and you are a member, the spouse may also become a member and take classes.

Who teaches the classes?  Retired and current faculty members, OLLI and community members with special expertise,  and independent scholars lead the classes.  If you would like to teach, please ask for a Prospective Faculty Member Information Packet or send an email message to info@osher.sjsu.edu.  Please include a phone number and we will call you.

Do I need to have a college or university degree to become a member?  All are welcome.  We do not specify a particular educational level, high school diploma or college/university work or degree.  The key requirement is that you want to learn. 

Is there any homework?  If the instructor suggests reading for preparation, we hope you will do it.  Otherwise, you will not be able to participate fully in discussion.  If you are in a writing class, you may be asked to do some writing for the following class.  In a language class, you may be asked to prepare for the next class.  There are no papers or tests or grades.  As the old saw says:  You get out of it what you put into it.

 What is the price per class?  The fee for each class, activity, or program is included with the course description.  We base fees on what it costs the Institute to run the class and on a minimum enrollment for that particular class.  For most classes, the minimum enrollment is 12.  In some cases, because of instructional style or classroom size, the minimum may be more or less.

What about class materials and textbooks?  If there are handouts, we normally build the cost into the course fee.  Some instructors recommend a book.  We will either have the books available at the class or they are available in public libraries and bookstores and used copies are available on-line at alibris.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and other on-line sources.  We also advise that you enroll with a friend and share the book. 

What do I need to bring with me?  We suggest a notebook and pen or pencil.  You may also wish to bring along a bottle of water or a travel mug with coffee or tea.  If certain supplies or clothing are needed for a course, we note it in the description. 

Do you ever cancel classes?  If we do not have sufficient enrollment to cover class expenses, we have to cancel.  You can help insure a “go” class by recruiting others to join you in the class.  If we cancel a class, you can move to another class or we will credit or reimburse you for the course fee.

What about refunds?  The membership fee is not refundable, nor can it be pro-rated or transferred.  Fees for individual classes will be refunded fully up to one week before the class starts.  Any exceptions to this – because of tickets, transportation, etc. – are clearly stated in the course description. 

Where do I park?  Information on parking is included with your registration confirmation.  When we pick sites for classes, we insure that there is nearby parking and that spaces are available for persons with disabilities.  

 May I give a gift of Osher Institute membership or a class?  We have gift certificates and would be glad to provide you with more information.  The gift of learning is especially meaningful for someone retiring, for Fathers’ or Mothers’ Day, a birthday, or simply to say:  “You’ve taught me a lot through your example.”  Don’t forget to give that same gift to yourself. 

 How can my group get a speaker, someone to staff an information table or brochures on the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute?  Give us a call:  408-924-2734.  We would be glad to send a speaker to your group’s meeting.

How do I get other questions answered?
Email:  info@osher.sjsu.edu  

San José State University, founded in 1857, was the first public institution of higher education on the West Coast.  It began as a school to train teachers and today it offers over 130 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.