Welcome to the OLLI at UK!
“The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UK offers educational and enrichment courses, forums, shared interest groups, trips, events and more for adults 50 years and older. More than 1,300 adult learners participate annually. The University of Kentucky has been at the forefront nationally in lifelong learning since 1964. The OLLI at UK has sites in Lexington and Morehead.
Membership
OLLI at UK is a membership program with an annual fee of $50. OLLI Scholars are eligible to register for courses and SIGs; take advantage of early bird registration windows; sign up for socials, trips, special events, and projects; access UK Wellness Centers; and more. Membership begins in August and includes Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Membership may be purchased throughout the year. Summer-only membership is prorated.
Courses
OLLI courses vary every semester and formats range from weekly classes to one day intensives. Instructors are passionate about their topics and sharing their love of learning. Courses are taught in the following categories: Computers & Technology, Culture, Health & Wellness, History & Government, Languages, Literature & Writing, Performing & Visual Arts, Science & Environment, and Out of the Box.
Donovan Forum & OLLI Conversations
Since 1964 UK has been offering weekly presentations on topics of interest each Fall and Spring. Both series serve as our gateway to the OLLI at UK and are free and open to the public. The Donovan Forum Presentation Series is held Thursday afternoons at the Lexington Senior Center.
Travel
Trips range from local walking tours to multi-day travel, typically offering a day-long charter bus trip each semester.
Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)
A SIG is a group of OLLI Members who share a particular interest and learn in a less formal environment. SIGs begin when an OLLI Member wants to create a new group in which to share an interest or experience or may evolve from an OLLI class whose members want to continue to explore a subject on their own.
Socials
The Social Committee creates opportunities for Members to meet and to socialize. A special Holiday Luncheon is held every year in early December. Additional socials vary and are scheduled throughout the year.
Concerts & Events
Numerous events are held annually including:
- Open Houses to meet Instructors and learn about upcoming learning opportunities
- Holiday Chorus Concert and Spring OLLI and the Arts Chorus Concert and Art Exhibit. These events are free and open to the public.
OLLI Volunteer Leadership
OLLI at UK is a volunteer, member-led institute with Advisory Boards in Lexington and Morehead. Members, also known as OLLI Scholars, serve on committees and task forces, teach courses, facilitate SIGs, and volunteer for events. Committees develop curriculum, plan and implement presentation series, social events, trips, projects, recruit volunteers and promote the program as OLLI Ambassadors.
