Teach for OLLI at UK

OLLI at UK is always looking for dynamic instructors with a passion for teaching. OLLI instructors have a passion for their subject, a commitment to lifelong learning education and a willingness to share their knowledge with others who love to learn.

General Information on OLLI Courses

How do I submit a course proposal? Please review all proposal instructions below. After you have reviewed the instructions, complete the OLLI at UK Online Course Proposal Form found at the bottom of this page.

What is a typical OLLI course format? The majority of our courses meet for 2-hours once a week for 4 – 10 weeks. However, we are always looking to try new options and course formats, such as one-day intensives or experiential learning opportunities.

Who can submit a proposal? OLLI at UK encourages OLLI Scholars and community members to submit proposals and get involved! The majority of OLLI Instructors do not need to be formally trained, however they do complete their course preparation, and any necessary research, with due diligence and demonstrate a level of expertise. This expertise might arise from their avocation, education and/or occupation.

Who can I contact for more information? If you would like more information or to discuss the course you wish to propose, please feel free to contact Teresa Hager at 859-257-2656 or teresa.hager@uky.edu.

Dates for Upcoming Semesters

Summer 2025: June - July 2025 (will open in early 2025)

Preparing and Submitting a Course Proposal

Please carefully review these instructions prior to completing the Course Proposal Form. We ask that all proposals be submitted through our Online Course Proposal Form (can be accessed at the bottom of this page). Paper forms are available by request. Please be sure to complete all required information in your proposal.

1. Determine the semester you are proposing to teach.
2. Proposed Course/SIG Title: Please limit your course title to no more than 100 characters with spaces.
3. Determine the catalog category that best matches the content of your course: Computers and Technology, Culture, Experiential Learning, Health and Wellness, History and Government, Languages, Literature, Out of the Box, Performing Arts, Science and Environment, Visual Arts, Shared Interest Group
4. Course Objectives: Include the specific content you want students to have learned by the end of the course.  
5. Course Description: Create a course description that is concise and clear about the topics/activities covered in the course so students will know what to expect. Students need to know what will be taught, the teaching method used (lecture, interactive discussion, skill building, etc.) and any preparation expected outside of the classroom. Please keep descriptions to approximately 100 words that can be used in the course catalog.
6. Number of Class Sessions: List the number of individual class sessions you are proposing.
7. Class Session Length: List how long each class session will last.
8. Class Meeting Time: List the preferred meeting time for your class/SIG. 
9. Course Maximum Enrollment
10. Course Outline: Include a short description of the content covered in each class session. This information will help the Curriculum Committee to better evaluate the course.
11. Teaching Method: Please select the teaching method(s) used in the class.
12. Specific Requirements: List any location, classroom, audio visual or class material requirements or preferences.
13. Specific Knowledge: List any knowledge or skills students need to have prior to signing up for the class.
14. Required Books or Supplies: List any required books or supplies students will need to purchase for the class.
15. Bio: Create a short bio that includes experience and/or education (formal/informal); research and preparation completed related to proposed course; what sparked your interest to teach for OLLI at UK

Additional Requirements

• Fitness certifications – valid and appropriate teaching and CPR certifications are required to be attached to any course and SIG proposal that includes fitness instruction as any part of the content.  (There are numerous types of fitness certifications, please contact the OLLI Office to determine acceptable options for your area of instruction.)  Note: OLLI Instructors are required to keep both certifications up-to-date. 
• Fine Arts courses that will be offering public performances are required to have Instructors with professional training/experience. SIGs do not offer public performances in the fine arts. 
• Financial topics – proposals are not accepted from instructors/presenters who are active in the for-profit financial arena.  The Curriculum Committee’s strong preference is for instructors/presenters to come from UK or another educational institution, and be fully retired from the field.
• Topics highly complex in nature - Instructors are required to have appropriate professional training/experience. To ensure we are following UK’s strategic objective to “Leverage leading-edge technology, scholarship, and research in innovative ways to advance the public good and to foster the development of citizen scholars” proposals focusing content outside “consensus science” are requested to include a letter of support or published paper from a nationally recognized/peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Proposal Review

All submitted proposals are reviewed by the OLLI at UK Curriculum Committee. Proposed courses are evaluated and scored based on the following criteria:

• Proposal is complete
• Evaluation results for continuing instructors/facilitators support continued review of this proposal
• Course/SIG format is appropriate and conducive to creating a successful learning environment
• Title and/or description supports clear communication of course content and member expectations.
• Outline/syllabus is sufficiently developed and achievable
• Content is educational/intellectual in nature, based on reliable research completed with due diligence,  evidence-based;
• Content will be presented objectively in a non-biased/non-prejudicial manner, alternative views acknowledged and respected;
• Objective is to educate, not to promote, advocate, further the interest of, or advance an agenda.  This includes, but is not limited to: political, religious, for-profit, or a personal agenda/objective.
• Content explores, and is inclusive of, experiences of all persons.
• Opportunities are available for interaction, open discussion and Q & A;
• Adequate resources are available to properly present and support the proposed opportunity;
• Provides a unique opportunity that is not sufficiently available elsewhere or more appropriately offered in a different environment; 
• Significant interest by our membership is expected leading to sufficient registration;
• Supports a diverse and balanced curriculum.
• Supports and advances: OLLI at UK Mission; The University of Kentucky Mission & Core Values & University of Kentucky Strategic Vision & Objectives.

After the review, the instructor will receive an email from the OLLI Office with further information. If the proposal is accepted, OLLI Staff will contact the instructor to discuss course location, meeting dates and times, preferred maximum enrollment, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: All courses must have a minimum of 10 students registered by one week prior to the start of the course.

If you have any questions about the course proposal process, please contact Teresa Hager at 859-257-2656 or teresa.hager@uky.edu.

OLLI 2024-2025 Course Proposal Form

Spring 2025 proposals are now closed. Summer 2025 proposals will open in early 2025.