Frequently Asked Questions

I've got an idea for a course/activity/trip I'd like to lead. Can I submit it for review?

Yes! Our curriculum committee will be happy to work with you to get your course into our schedule.

Although a lot of our courses are taught by UGA professors (current and emeritus), many of our most popular courses are led by self-taught "experts" on a hobby or special interest where they have specific expertise. All of us are experts on something, and teaching an OLLI course is a fun way to share that knowledge and make new friends.

Please enter your suggestion on our Contact page with "New course" as the Subject, and be sure to include your name and phone number and/or email address so that we can get in touch with you.

There's a course I'd like to take, but I don't see it listed. Can I suggest you offer it?

Yes! We would love to hear about your suggestion. Our curriculum committee reviews these requests and uses them to plan our future offerings.

Please enter your suggestion on our Contact page with a Subject line of "Suggested course." If you'd like to discuss your suggestion with us, be sure to include your name and phone number and/or email address so that we can contact you.

How long does my membership last?

The $40 membership fee covers one year, from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

Do I have to be a member in order to take an OLLI course?

Yes. You must be an active, paid-up member to participate in all courses and activities.

Are Membership fees refundable?

If you pay before July 1 and request a refund before July 1, you are eligible for a refund. After July 1, membership fees are not refundable.

How much do courses cost?

Courses cost just $5 per session, plus parking. For example, if a course has three sessions of two hours each, your cost for the course is $15. Parking passes are $2 each, so if you needed parking passes for this course, that would be another $6 for a total cost of $21. If books or other supplementary materials are provided, there may be an additional charge.

Our "Lunch and Learn" sessions provide a lecture on a specific topic followed by lunch. They cost $15 each.

Most social events and interest groups are free, although if there are costs involved, it's pay-as-you-go or "Dutch treat."

Trips are priced according to their cost and vary for each event.

Who teaches OLLI at UGA courses?

Our courses are taught by a wide variety of qualified personnel. The majority are current or retired UGA professors, but there are also many who come from other educational institutions, government and business. Our curriculum committee reviews each proposed course and confirms that the instructor's background is appropriate.

We're very proud of the caliber of instructors we attract, so please feel free to browse our Catalog and check out the background of the instructors for the courses you're interested in.

Am I limited as to the number of courses for which I may register?

No. We do not impose any limitations, so please sign up and participate in as many trips, activities, courses and events as you'd like.

How do I add, drop, or get a refund for an OLLI class?

If your class has not yet started, please contact the OLLI office at (706) 542-7715. Refunds are not available after a course has started. Memberships are not refundable. 

If you won't be able to attend a class, we do appreciate your notification since there may be a waiting list for the class.

Where do I park for my OLLI classes?

The River's Crossing building has ample parking, including handicap spaces near the door. After you register, you will receive a confirmation packet with the number of parking passes you ordered. You will need one for each day you're at River's Crossing. Our designated parking area is at the rear of the building.

To use your parking pass, draw an 'X' through the year, month and day on both sides of the pass and hang it from your rear-view mirror.

The class I signed up for is full (or was cancelled). How do I get a refund?

You will automatically receive a refund.

Do you hold class if the weather is bad or there is a community emergency?

In general, we cancel our courses and events if UGA is closed because of weather or other emergencies. Announcements will be carried on local radio stations WUGA (91.7 FM) and WUOG (90.5 FM). If the situation is ambiguous, you can also call our office at (706) 542-7715 for more information.

May I donate to OLLI at UGA, and is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes and yes. Please make your check payable to OLLI at UGA and mailto:

    OLLI at UGA
    River's Crossing
    850 College Station Road
    Athens, GA 30602-4811

Do instructors, leaders and officers get paid or compensated?

We are prohibited from paying our instructors. However, anyone teaching a class will receive a certificate entitling them to attend a Lunch and Learn session or a scheduled class, regardless of length. Trip leaders and interest group coordinators are not compensated, nor are officers or committee chairs.

In 2010 we added a full-time Program Director and an administrative assistant. We are also fortunate to have a part-time paid registrar.

What is the Bernard Osher Foundation?

The Foundation is a private fund that provides grants and endowments to qualified adult continuing education programs in cooperation with universities across the USA. The Foundation is funded by Mr. Bernard Osher and his wife.

Each recipient of such a grant is known as an "Osher Lifelong Learning Institute" (OLLI). There are now 122 such institutes, and OLLI at UGA is the 122nd and last to receive such a grant.

Are OLLI facilities accessible?

The River's Crossing building has very good handicap access, including easy parking and automatic doors. Most classes are on the ground floor of the building. There are elevators for classes on upper or lower floors.

We encourage persons with disabilities to participate in our programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please call our office at (706) 542-7715 in advance of your participation or visit.

Does OLLI at UGA offer scholarships?

Thanks to a grant from the late Carol Fisher, OLLI@UGA can now offer tuition assistance to members. We can provide up to $100 per person per term to pay for courses or Lunch and Learn events. All applications are kept confidential. To apply, please contact our Program Director at kcrapo@uga.edu or 706-542-5011.