Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

How do I get to my class?

See the Directions section below 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 Smith Warehouse, Bay 6. 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?

All OLLI at Duke members are eligible to receive a parking pass that will permit them to park at the Bishop’s House, at Judea Reform Congregation (JRC), and certain other locations. each facility has individual parking passes available to pickup.

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 must be kept on your dashboard when you park at The Bishop’s House, or you may receive a $40 ticket from Duke Parking and Transportation. Your parking permit also allows you to park in the EAE (East Commuter) lot on Epworth lane opposite Trinity Avenue.

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 to leave, opening up spaces for the next class. 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 cars 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 $100 fine.

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.  You will need an OLLI parking permit on your dashboard to park at JRC. 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, or in spots designated for JRC staff. The JRC buildings and grounds are a non-smoking campus.

Smith Warehouse: Parking is available on both the north and south sides of the building. Members who are signed up for the courses in the Computer Lab will recieve a parking pass from their instructors that contain a bar code that is read by the scanner at each parking gate.

Westminster Presbyterian Church: Members should park in the lower of the two lots as you drive into the campus. Please do not park in the Nursery School parking lot that is behind the building.

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 (919-684-2703) 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.

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 of 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 919-681-3476 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. 

How do I request a catalog?

Click on this link: REQUEST A CATALOG, select the OLLI catalog you wish to order, and click on Submit.

(Note: If you already have a user account, we recommend that you first go to Student Login to retrieve your username and password before making the request.  If you are new to OLLI, make the request, and follow the prompts to create your user account.)

How do I add, drop, or get a refund for an OLLI class?

Please contact Kathy Parrish at 919-681-3476 to find out more about dropping, adding, and refunds. Refunds must be requested by the end of the first week of classes.  There will be a $20 processing fee per transaction per course drop per member. 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.