Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to my class?
CLICK HERE for directions for sites where we hold most OLLI classes.
Most classes are held at The Bishop’s House on the Duke East Campus or at the Education Building at the Judea Reform Congregation on Cornwallis Road. Our computer classes are held at the Erwin Square Mill Building, Bay C. Directions for classes held at other sites in the community are for the most part listed as part of the course description.
Where do I park for my OLLI classes?
The Bishop’s House: There are a limited number of parking spaces around The Bishop’s House, including three handicapped spaces. The OLLI parking permit, included in your confirmation packet, MUST be kept on your dashboard when you park at The Bishop’s House. Please keep that pass in a place you will remember it when you are coming to class. We keep only a small number of spare passes in the OLLI Director’s Office, Room 104, The Bishop's House.
When classes are changing, please wait in line at the bottom of the small hill leading to The Bishop’s House lot. This allows people who are leaving to leave. Do not drive around those who are patiently waiting in line. Do not block other cars. Try to park carefully so that we can accommodate as many people as possible. Finally, be careful backing into and out of spaces. The surface in this parking lot is uneven, and we want to avoid accidents.
To use the handicapped spots, you need an official North Carolina handicapped parking tag. Campus parking restrictions are strongly enforced with a $40 fine. DO NOT park in the lower lot that you pass through before reaching The Bishop’s House.
Your OLLI parking permit is also valid for the lot at Asbury United Methodist Church on Markham Avenue and Sedgefield Street. City parking restrictions limit us to two-hour parking on the side streets adjacent to East Campus.
Judea Reform Congregation Education Building: Parking is in the lot adjacent to the building. It is plentiful, well-marked and well-surfaced, and you do not need an OLLI parking permit on your dashboard. To use the handicapped spaces, you will need an official North Carolina handicapped parking tag. Please do not park in spaces designated for members of the congregation.
For classes held at sites in the community: Please check the course description in the online or print catalog for specific guidelines on parking.
Do you hold class if the weather is bad or there is a community emergency?
OLLI at Duke classes will be cancelled when the Durham Public Schools are closed for reasons of weather. If the situation is ambiguous, or if the schools are delayed, there will be a message on the office phone (684-2703) by 8 a.m. on the morning in question. Listen for details about the Durham schools on WTVD (Channel 11), WDNC (620 AM) or WCHL (1360 AM). You can also check out the WRAL TV website at www.wral.com.
Where can I get lunch between OLLI classes?
Options at The Bishop’s House include bringing a brown-bag lunch, using facilities such as the Marketplace in the nearby Duke East Campus Union, and exploring nearby restaurants in the Ninth Street area. At Judea Reform, you may bring a lunch and eat in the commons area. Please note: We comply with the dietary guidelines at Judea—no pork, no shellfish, and no meat and dairy on the same plate. Staff at Judea also maintains a list and map listing restaurants in the area.
Are OLLI facilities accessible?
Duke University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please call the OLLI office at 684-2703 in advance of your participation or visit. The first floor of The Bishop’s House (where we hold all OLLI classes and the OLLI administrative staff works) is accessible and includes one accessible rest room. All facilities at Judea Reform Congregation Education Building are accessible.
If you have trouble hearing, we own an assistive listening device (ALD). Please call the OLLI office if you would like to reserve it for a particular class. We have only one set at this time, so reservations are first come, first served. Feel free to come by the office for a demonstration.
How do I add, drop, or get a refund for an OLLI class?
Please contact Mary Edwards at 681-3476 to find out more about dropping, adding, and refunds. We ask that members request all refunds by the end of the second week of classes. Memberships are not refundable.
How long does my membership last?
Membership follows the academic calendar and runs from September through June. Those who join for the short spring term (beginning in April) will be enrolled for the entire following academic year.