Who We Are
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Michigan (OLLI) was established to encourage adults to continue their learning long after formal schooling is done. The Institute's popular programs help mature adults to rediscover the piquancy of learning — the joy of discovery and feelings of accomplishment that are unencumbered by tests, grades, or drills.
Drawing on the rich resources of the university community, OLLI presents several lecture series, as well as study groups, online meet up Commons Events, OLLI Reads, Special events, and OLLI Out of Town. A broad range of topics includes philosophy, religion, politics, history, literature and the arts, government and world culture. Currently OLLI is offering all events virtually.
OLLI has a membership of more than 1,700, from whom a leadership council is elected. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in committees which handle curriculum, communications, membership issues, diversity, equity and inclusion, policy, and much more. Creative minds and helping hands are always welcome. If you wish to volunteer, please contact OLLI at the Turner Senior Resource Center, (734) 998-9351 or [email protected].
What We Offer
Distinguished Lecture Series
The OLLI Distinguished Lecture Series consists of ten lectures, held once per month on Tuesday mornings from September through June. The speakers are well-informed experts from town and gown, typically U-M faculty, who share their specialized knowledge in an engaging manner. Each lecture is just the beginning; a stimulating question-and-answer period follows each session. Fall 2021 lectures will be virtual and the fee is $55 for the series.
Thursday Morning Lecture Series
OLLI offers a sequence of five lecture series from September through June. Each series consists of six weekly lectures focusing on a single topic. Lectures are presented on Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and include a question and answer period. Fall 2021 lectures will be virtual and the fee is $35 per 6 week lecture series or $140 for all five lecture series. Also available is a combined Distinguished Lecture Series and Thursday Morning Lecture Series package pricing of $180.
Study Groups
From “The Civil Rights Movement in Memory and History” to “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster”, OLLI Study groups offer something for everyone. For a small-group learning experience in which participants can discuss issues, share knowledge, and grow in unexpected ways, OLLI Study Groups can’t be beat! Approximately 65 high-quality courses are offered each term (Fall and Winter/Spring/Summer), and may last anywhere from one to 10 weeks or more. Fees range from $10 to $90 per course.
OLLI Out Of Town with OLLI
The Out of Town with OLLI series will be virtual again this fall. This series allows members to gain insight on a destination outside of Ann Arbor from the comfort of their home. These events are packed with insightful and educational information on the destination. The one-hour program will be followed by a half-hour Q&A. The cost of one event varies between $10 - $15. Package price will vary based on number of programs in the package.
How to Become a Member
(Financial assistance is available for classes, lectures, and membership. All financial assistance requests are confidential. Contact the OLLI office at (734) 998-9351 for more information.)
- Call the OLLI office at (734) 998-9351 Monday through Friday. Staff will add your name to the mailing list and you will receive registration information for upcoming events. The annual membership fee is $25 per person from September through August. Membership is required to register for most events.OR
- Send your contact information (name, address, city/state/zip, telephone, and email address) and send or bring the information with a check for $25 per person payable to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at U-M to: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Road, Suite C, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
Membership and Event Registration forms are also downloadable from the OLLI website: http://www.olli-umich.org/forms_for_downloading.html
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at OLLI links you to people who share your interests, goals, and passions. Try something new and see where it leads you. Hundreds of volunteers work with OLLI’s staff members to keep OLLI robust and up-to-date. Opportunities include participation in committees (such as Social Interaction and Special Projects), teaching, assistance with marketing and publicity, or office support. Contact OLLI at (734) 998-9351 or [email protected] for more information.
Classes for Seniors at TSRC
In addition to the learning opportunities available through OLLI, check out the offerings available at the Geriatrics Center Turner Senior Resource Center. Depending on the day, you will find healthy cooking demonstrations, health lectures, exercise classes, and computers available for learning and practice. For a complete listing of Turner Senior Wellness Program activities, please click here.
