About the Program:
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

San Francisco State University is going gray with a new program aimed at aging baby boomers and envisioned as a new brain trust—tapping into the knowledge and experience of the Bay Area's older residents.
—San Francisco Chronicle, 2003

Curriculum

OLLI-SF State strives to have a curriculum that re-inspires our membership to take a fresh look at themselves, the future, their generation, and the world of possibilities. Below, please find the curriculum's subject areas and the courses that are being offered this session.

Spring 2010 Courses

Session I - (January 4-March 12)

The Arts and Creative Expression explores and experiments with the imagination through art, creative writing, all forms of storytelling and, particularly, memoir writing.

• Seeing As An Artist Sees: Developing Visual Literacy with Gene and Bonnie Martz (starts Jan. 6) (new)
• Writers Workshop with Renee Golanty-Koel and Michele Praeger
• Language of the Soul: A Workshop for Poets, Fiction and Memoir Writers with Diane Frank

International Affairs and Current Events analyzes how global and historical events have a local impact; what issues demand our attention and how we can have an impact on them.

• Global Lens: Documenting the World with Michael Fox
• A Historical Look at Conspiracy Theory with Tamim Ansary (new)
• Classical Myth and Mythology with Douglas Kenning (new)

Science and Technology

• Digital Storytelling with Dave Casuto
• Genes, The Genetic Code, DNA & Stem Cells with Gene Falk (new)

Wellness delves into how we can keep ourselves healthy and invigorated while also delving into the tougher issues of aging.

• Exploring Aging Through Film with Ralph Berets
• Body Intelligence with Jamie Lantz (starts Jan. 4). See website for course details.

Session II - (April 5- May 14)

The Arts and Creative Expression

• Choreography Becomes YOU! Harmonizing Movement and Voice with Angelina Llongueras (new)
• Writers Workshop with Renee Golanty-Koel and Michele Praeger
• History of Blues with Josh Hecht (new)

International Affairs and Current Events

• Iran After Presidential Elections: Winners, Losers and Inner Circle Struggle with Ismail Agayev (new)
• The Great Prophets in Islam with Ismail Agayev (new)
• Homer, The Epic Experience with Joan Sutton (new)

Urban Living examines economic, social, cultural and political forces shaping our lives.

• Walking the Neighborhoods: North Mission, Potrero Hill and Lands End with Max Kirkeberg

Wellness

• Spiritual Medicine: Alternative and Complementary Healing Methods with Debra Varner (new)

General Information

Mandatory Social Security Number (for first time enrollees)

Members, when registering for the first time with OLLI and/or SF State, must provide the university with their correct Social Security number. Failure to furnish a correct Social Security number may result in the imposition of a penalty by the IRS.

Enrollment Confirmation

OLLI will NOT send out enrollment confirmation. If you have any questions call 415.817.4243. Leave a message and someone will get back to you within 2 days.

Adding or Dropping Classes

Members who wish to add or drop courses must call 415.405.7700 press 5 to do so. Members are not automatically dropped from courses for non-attendance.

OLLI Refund Policy

In the event of a course cancellation, Annual and Session Members will NOT be issued refunds. However, members affected by a cancellation are strongly encouraged to register for another course in its place.

Refund checks are mailed to Individual Course(s) members approximately six to eight weeks after the date the add/drop form is received by SF State Extended Learning. According to CSU regulations, credit card accounts cannot be credited.

Do not put a stop payment on a check or credit card charge to drop or withdraw from a course. This results in a financial obligation to SF State for the course fee, plus an additional $20 charge.

Homework, Grades, & Credit

OLLI-SF State is designed to be invigorating but not pressuring. Some instructors will give reasonable (and often fun) homework assignments. There will be no grades or credits given.

Class Meetings & Class Size

Courses are held weekdays, lunchtimes, evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of participants who are working or retired. Class size varies from 11-30 people.

Classes that don’t make a minimum enrollment of 11 may not be offered. Some courses will have limited enrollment. REGISTER EARLY.

Volunteer Opportunities at OLLI

We welcome your expertise and assistance in serving as a volunteer at OLLI. Even a few hours each month serves to strengthen community. Join our committed corps of volunteers and be involved in the planning and governance of our organization. Your help is needed on the following committees:

• Classroom Support
• Curriculum
• Events, Hospitality & Community Building Committee
• Fundraising
• Member Communications
• Membership Development & Marketing

If you would like to be an OLLI volunteer call 415.817.4270 and let us know how you would like to assist.

Our Invitation to You:
The OLLI Guest Pass

Prospective members are welcome to visit one of our two-hour classes, Interest Groups or monthly lectures free of charge. Simply cut out the pass from the OLLI section of the catalog and present it to the instructor or facilitator at the activity of your choice. If you are a continuing OLLI member, please give the OLLI Guest Pass to a friend.

Faculty

Classes are taught by senior and emeritus faculty from San Francisco State University and other universities, as well as expert professionals, artists, and writers from the Bay Area.

Ongoing Interest Groups

As an OLLI member you can join an interest group. Learn more about interest groups here.