Frequently Asked Questions -- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute -- Duke Continuing Studies

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke was founded in 1977 as the Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement (DILR) with 42 members and 11 courses. In 2004, it became a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Network and changed its name in 2006.

OLLI at Duke is an organization of members who share interests in lifelong learning, contributing to the community, and friendship.

Most classes are held at The Bishop’s House on East Campus and the education building at Judea Reform Congregation. We also hold classes in retirement communities, a computer lab and other campus buildings.

In the 2006/07 academic year we had over 1400 members; many took classes in more than one term. Annual membership dues of $30 for the academic year entitle a member to participate in activities and social events even if he or she is not taking a course in a given term. There are additional class fees.

Approximately 44% of our members are Durham residents, 29% live in Chapel Hill, 12% come all the way from Fearrington Village near Pittsboro, and 14% live in other nearby communities.

OLLI courses cover a wide range of subjects including literature, art, music, history, current affairs, health and wellness, creative writing, languages, religion, financial planning, drama, natural science, social science, computers, retirement issues and a lectures series on science and technology.

We offer over 200 courses each year. Courses usually consist of six or eleven 90-minute sessions in the Fall and Winter Terms and a variable number of classes in the short Spring Term in May and June.

Instructors come from the Duke faculty, faculties of other nearby universities, other professionals working or retired in the Durham area and in many cases from our membership.

On the day class assignments are made, we usually have registrations from about 90% of the total. We have waiting lists for some classes, dictated by either the instructor’s request for a seminar-style class or by our relatively small rooms in The Bishop’s House. If you are placed on a waiting list someone from our office will contact you if space becomes available. If you would like a refund for class fees, please contact Mary Edwards at 681-3476 by the third week of class.

Members volunteer for many community activities including assisting teachers at Club Boulevard Elementary and Estes Hills Elementary Schools. In addition, we have more than 20 activities or interest groups, ranging from photography to book groups to the OLLI/New Horizons Band and Chorus. Please see the catalog and bulletin boards at The Bishop’s House and Judea Reform Congregation for more information.

The OLLI staff consists of Catherine Frank, Director, and Mary Edwards, Assistant to the Director. The Director is supported by the elected President, Phil Hopkins, a Board of Advisors, and a number of committees including Activities, Curriculum, Strategic Planning, and by a host of volunteers.