Check out our new Zoom course offerings with OLLI at American University under Courses & SIGs!

A couple of years ago, a study leader from OLLI at American University started to teach Zoom courses for Osher at CMU, and a study leader from Osher at CMU started teaching for OLLI at American University.  Both courses were a hit at both Osher institutions.  This has continued for a number of years.

At the suggestion of Larry Gondelman, the SL from American University, the two executive directors met and figured out that if this concept were expanded to include additional Zoom courses, it would only make each individual Osher program stronger.  The twist was that instead of offering the Zoom courses individually for each program, students from both Osher programs would jointly enroll in specifically identified Zoom courses together.

So, how will this work? 

Each Osher will set up the shared Zoom course in their own system as normal.  The students of each Osher would register as usual in their own registration systems.  The individual universities will distribute the Zoom codes and any handouts to their students as they normally receive them.  The fee structure will stay the same at each student’s home OLLI and the registration process will not change.  Osher at CMU students will be able to identify a shared course by the addition of “AMU” before the title of the course.  OLLI at American University will do something similar.

Why do this?  

Not only will each Osher program be able to offer more Zoom courses, but the study leaders will only have to teach their course once, rather than twice.  Students will also be exposed to a broader group of study leaders who bring different perspectives and ideas as well as have the opportunity to meet and interact with students from another like-minded Osher.

Why these two specific Osher programs? 

Of the 125 Oshers located across the U.S., only a couple are independent non-profits sitting on their host university campus.  OLLI at American University and Osher at CMU are two of these 501(c)3 organizations.  Because of this unique model, neither Osher program has to clear their courses, study leaders, or even this terrific idea through their universities like many other Osher programs must.  No hoops, just a go!

Will these joint courses show up in the catalog?

Because OLLI at American University and Osher at CMU run on very different term schedules from  one another, putting the courses in the catalog won’t be practical at this time.  All courses, however, will be announced in our Weekly Essentials emails and will be listed on the website under the Courses & SIG tab as well as in the registration system.  To locate the AU joint courses, type “AMU” in the “search for a class Go” bar in the registration system.

The Boards and Administrations of both Osher at CMU and OLLI at American University are very excited about this joint venture and hope that all of their Osher students will be so.

Be on the lookout for upcoming course announcements.  Please also visit our website for more information.