Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke seeks to engage the minds, elevate the spirit and foster the wellbeing of our members through a wide range of educational programs and opportunities for volunteer service and social activities. We embrace Duke University’s commitment to community service and lifelong learning through our collaborative work with academic and professional groups, retirement communities, various research projects on aging and other institutes for learning in retirement.
We are a learning community of more than 2,400 members. Some of our members grew up in Durham, but many have moved here from all over the country. We have a wide range of interests and passions and enjoy attending lectures and performances on campus.
We offer more than 400 courses annually that conform to an arts and sciences curriculum in addition to a number of courses that include fitness, cooking and hands on arts.
Curriculum
Our courses conform to an arts and sciences curriculum and are scheduled by a thirty-member curriculum committee, on the basis of member requests, the expertise of class leaders, variety, and balance. OLLI instructors are a mix of peer teachers, professors from Duke and nearby universities, graduate and postdoctoral students, independent scholars, and community experts.
OLLI classes do not have tests, grades or educational requirements, and therefore exemplify “learning for the love of it.” Participation is essential, ranging from keeping up with assigned readings and contributing to class discussion, to sharing the results of one’s own research. Most classes are held either in The Bishop’s House on Duke’s East Campus or in the Education Building at Judea Reform Congregation (JRC) on Cornwallis Road in Durham. Classes typically meet once per week for 1 ½ hours; class times are usually 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:15 pm. Fall and winter term classes generally last 10 weeks; spring term classes last 6 weeks. Please check the detailed course descriptions for exceptions.
If you have an idea for a class or know of someone who would make a great OLLI teacher, please contact Chris McLeod at chris.mcleod@duke.edu.
Courses
| Course | Time | Tuition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Photos Workshop: Memory, Art, and ArchivesAre your boxes of family photos still languishing in the attic? This two-class workshop offers you the opportunity to consider what is meaningful about your personal trove, reacquaint yourself with the personal and family value... Nov 9, 2019 to Nov 16, 2019 | 1:00PM - 3:30PM | $50.00 | Wait List |
| Food for Life: Kick-Start Your HealthA plant-based diet of whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits can help prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. According to the American Dietetic Association, "appropriately planned... Oct 5, 2019 to Nov 2, 2019 | 1:00PM - 3:30PM | $65.00 | Canceled |
| Work and Retire?Once upon a time, "retirement" meant dropping out of the workforce entirely to pursue leisure or rest. But in the last one hundred years, we have been granted an unprecedented gift—a thirty-year increase in life expectancy. Work and... Sep 14, 2019 | 9:30AM - 12:30PM | $40.00 | Available |
| Course | Time | Tuition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exploring CinemaExploring Cinema is an appreciation of film through the examination of diverse genres and themes. Each week, a complete film will be screened, followed by a class discussion. This semester, the course will explore the following... Sep 8, 2019 to Nov 17, 2019 | 2:00PM - 5:00PM | $100.00 | Wait List |
Membership
You must be a member of OLLI to take classes and attend social activities. Becoming a member of OLLI is easy. You can join online or call 919-684-6259 to register by phone. Annual membership dues are $45 (payable when you first sign up for courses during the school year). Memberships are good for the academic year. If you purchased a membership during Spring 2019 registration, your membership is good until June 30, 2020. If you do not have a current membership or are a brand new member, our new 2019-2020 membership is available starting March 1, 2019 and is good through June 30, 2020. Membership dues are nonrefundable.
All courses are priced individually. The prices are listed in the course descriptions with the specific dollar amount (e.g., "Fee: $90").
There are several ways to purchase an OLLI at Duke Membership:
- Automatically during registration: If you have been a member, but your membership has expired, our online registration system will automatically add a new membership to your cart when you enroll in courses.
- By phone: If you have never been an OLLI member, we encourage you to purchase your first membership by phone. Call our registration office Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, EST at 919-684-6259 or at 1-866-edu-Duke.
- From this website: Click on this link to be sent to the proper page: 2019 - 2020 Membership (active July 1, 2019)
- By mail or in person: The OLLI catalog also contains a membership and registration form. You can deliver the membership form (found in the catalog) and a check for $45 made payable to Duke University to the Bishop's House or you can mail them to OLLI at Duke, Box 90700, Durham, NC 27708.
Registration
Registration Dates
OLLI members registering for classes held on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday will register on day one of Registration – Tuesday, August 6 at 9am.
OLLI members registering for classes held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will register on day two of Registration – Wednesday, August 7 at 9am
Please Note: If you would like to use a credit card to pay for membership and/or courses, you must register either online or by phone.
There are three ways to register.
1. Online Registration: Duke Continuing Studies’ website makes it easy for you to register! Go to learnmore.duke.edu, click on “Student Login,” enter your registration user name and password, and then click “Continue.” There are now several ways to find your course. Please Note: We will no longer provide in-person online registration assistance.
- Search Courses Link: The most direct way to find your course is to go to learnmore.duke.edu, click on the link “Search Courses” located on the second horizontal menu at the far right, and enter either the four-digit course number or a portion of the name. Click on the link to the course, click on the “Add to Cart” button, and follow steps to checkout.
- By Day of the Week or by Category: Go to learnmore.duke.edu, click on “Osher Lifelong Learning,” click the down-triangle labelled “Show” under “Courses,” and click on the tab “View by day” or “View by category.” Click on the course title to get to the course page, click on “Add to Cart,” and follow steps to checkout.
- Search Box: You may also enter the course number or part of the title into the search box that appears on every page at the top right, under the shopping cart symbol. This will search the entire site and may also retrieve results from the .pdf version of the course catalog. Click on the appropriate link for the course, click on “Add to Cart,” and follow steps to checkout. Please note: Since this is a Google search box refreshed by Google, it may not have the most up-to-date information.
2. Paper Registrations: You still have the option of registering using the form in the catalog. Please deliver or send your form to the Bishop’s House no sooner than Monday, August 5, and it will be processed on the appropriate Registration Day (s) in the order received. Please note: no checks will be accepted from persons using the paper form. You will be invoiced after registration. You must pay within (5) business days of receiving the invoice, or you will lose your course registration. We charge a fee of $35 for all returned checks for insufficient funds. If you wish to pay by credit card, you must register online or by phone.
3. Phone Registrations: If you would like to register by phone, you may call the registration office (919-684-6259) any time after 9:00am on Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7. Please do not ask to register for classes prior to this date. Members will be registered in the order calls are received. If your call goes to voicemail because of heavy call volume, leave a message; a registration member will contact you as soon as possible in the order calls are received. Please do not leave multiple messages, since these only slow down the registration team.
Payments
Members who register online may pay with credit card at time of registration.
Members who register by paper will be sent an invoice. Invoices must be paid within five days. Failure to do so will void course registration.
Refund Policy
Requests for refunds for dropped courses must be received WITHIN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS following the first class for that course. After that time, no refunds will be issued except in the event of an emergency, at the discretion of OLLI at Duke Staff. There will be a $20 service charge per course dropped. If a course is cancelled by OLLI at Duke, no charge will be incurred by members. Please note: membership dues are nonrefundable.
Activities & Special Interest Groups
Activities are an integral part of the OLLI program, providing opportunities to learn and socialize outside the classroom. If you have general questions or suggestions for activities, call Kathy Parrish at 919-681-3476. If you want to find out more about any of the listed groups, please contact the coordinator for that activity.
Meet & Greet
New to OLLI at Duke? We invite you to join us for a morning program hosted by the Member Relations Committee. New OLLI at Duke Members will have an opportunity to meet other members and supporters, members of the Board of Advisor and our director, Chris McLeod. Refreshments will be served.
We look forward to seeing you!
- Thursday, September 5
- 10am- Noon
- Bishop House
- RSVP to meetandgreet@olliatduke.org
Become a Creative Genius (Carl Nordgren)
Description:Carl Nordgren offers his learnings about the 55+ brain that invites creative renewal, offering tips and practices and practices to help you grow creative capacity and develop entrepreneurial instincts and behaviors.
Date: Thursday, September 12, 2019
Time: 2:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Commons Room, 4907 Garret Road, Durham NC
Cost: $10 (includes a copy of Nordgren's book: Becoming a Creative Genius Again
Deadline to register: September 10
REGISTER
Aging in Community: Exploring Intentional Living Models (Donna McNeill)
Description: You will be introduced to the concept of intentional living in a variety of community settings, including cohousing.
Date: Thursday, September 19, 2019
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Commons Room, 4907 Garrett Road, Durham NC
Cost: $25
Deadline to register: September 17
REGISTER
OLLI Film Series
Description: Two short documentaries by Gregg McPherson, who along with V.C. Rogers, the professional political cartoonist, will join us for the screening to talk about the films.
Date: Thursday, September 19, 2019
Time: 2:00PM to 3:30PM
Location: The Chelsea Theatre, 1129 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Cost: $8
Deadline to Register: September 13
REGISTER
Storytelling Workshop for Women - An Encore Presentation (Judith Valerie)
Description: You are invited to explore a variety of stories from your life. We'll tell our stories for ourselves and each other, with partners and small groups. Bring a bag lunch.
Date: Friday, September 27, 2019
Time: 10:30AM to 3:00PM
Location: Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Commons Room, 4907 Garrett Road, Durham, NC 27707
Cost: $50
Deadline to register: September 23, 2019
REGISTER
How to Cultivate Healing and Inner Peace (Tom Spector)
Description: This course is designed for everyone, even people who believe they could never meditate. With over 40 years' experience, Tom's teachings are crystal clear and easy to follow.
Date: October 1, 8, 15 2019
Time: 1:00PM to 2:30PM
Location: Durham Center for Senior Life, 406 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham NC 27701
Cost: No charge, but you must register.
Deadline to Register: September 23
REGISTER
Deep Listening (Diantha Rau)
Description: This workshop is designed to expand our sensory awareness of the natural world and to re-awaken our ability to intuit with consciousness in our everyday lives.
Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Time: 1:30PM to 4:30PM
Location: North Carolina Botanical Gardens, Reeves North Auditorium, 100 Old Farm Road, Chapel Hill
Cost: $30
Deadline to register: September 30
REGISTER
Being Present: A Retreat at Camp New Hope (Marylin Jacobson)
Description: Spend a day in the a cabin set in the woods. Participants will support each other in taking the time to notice the natural world, the rhythm of a labyrinth walk, paying attention to our senses.
Date: Friday, October 10, 2019
Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Location: Camp New Hope, 4805 NC 86 Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Cost: $30
Deadline to register: October 7
REGISTER
Introduction to Yoga: A Three Session Series (Joanne Spector)
Description: Yoga quiets the mind and increases body awareness. It decreases tension and stress while increasing a sense of well being. Each one hour class will begin and end with relaxation.
Dates: 10/10/2019, 10/17/2019, 10/24/2019
Time: 11:00AM to 12:00PM
Location: Hatha House, 5216 Old Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC 27707
Cost for all three dates: $25
Deadline: October 2
REGISTER
CampaignZERO: How to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe (Nancy Ruffner)
Description: CampaignZERO is a 60-minute, informative, and thought-provoking presentation that teaches us how to keep a loved one safe and sound in the hospital.
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Time: 10:00AM to 11:30AM
Location: Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4907 Garrett Road, Durham NC 27707
Cost: $10
Deadline to Register: October 11
REGISTER
Being Present: A Retreat at Camp New Hope (Marylin Jacobson)
Description: Spend a day in the a cabin set in the woods. Participants will support each other in taking the time to notice the natural world, the rhythm of a labyrinth walk, paying attention to our senses.
Date: Friday, October 17, 2019
Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Location: Camp New Hope, 4805 NC 86 Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Cost: $30
Deadline to register: October 14
REGISTER
Being Present: A Retreat at Camp New Hope (Marylin Jacobson)
Description: Spend a day in the a cabin set in the woods. Participants will support each other in taking the time to notice the natural world, the rhythm of a labyrinth walk, paying attention to our senses.
Date: Friday, November 8, 2019
Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Location: Camp New Hope, 4805 NC 86 Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Cost: $30
Deadline to register: November 5
REGISTER
Book Group
This informal group reads contemporary literature and meets on the second Monday of every month at 3:15pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3639 Old Chapel Hill Rd. For more information, please contact Judy Grauer at judygrauer@gmail.com or 919-416-0755.
Sept. 9 “The Year of the Runaways” by S. Sahota
Oct. 14 “The Accidental President: Harry Truman and the Four Months that Changed the World” by A.J. Baime
Nov. 11 “Gradle Bird” by J.C. Sasser
Dec. 9 “The Woman who Smashed Codes” by Jason Fagone
Craft Group
It’s time to dig out that unfinished project from the back of the closet. Knitting, quilting, crocheting, sewing . . . whatever. All are welcome. The group meets year round, every Monday at 3:15pm at the Durham Senior Center. For more information, please contact Judy Grauer at judygrauer@gmail.com or 919-416-0755.
International Folk Dance
Join us for a fun way to get exercise, both physical and mental, and improve your balance. The folk dances we practice are done in a line or circle (no partner is needed) and are low impact (not highly strenuous). Most of the dances originated in Eastern Europe. Our ongoing class meets on Tuesdays, 1:30–2:45pm, at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community. Newcomers are welcome at any time. There is no charge, but you will need to contact coordinator Judy Stafford at 919-383-7172 or judy.stafford@alumni.duke.edu for more information.
Language Tables
Language Tables are a great way for OLLI at Duke Members to keep up their foreign language skills. These informal groups meet to discuss current events and build friendships using their love of the language.
La Table Française se réunit le mardi de midi à 13 heures dans l'atélier à "The Forest at Duke Retirement Center." En ce moment, le groupe est complet, et il y a une liste d'attente. Si vous parlez français couramment et vous voulez que nous y mettions votre nom, envoyez un mail à Emily Lees (emilyjlees@gmail.com) ou à George Entenman (olli@entenman.net). Les résidents de la "Forest" qui parlent français sont toujours bienvenus. Nous sommes heureux aussi de répondre à vos questions.
Spanish Table meets from 12:45-2:00 p.m. on the second Friday of each month (Sept.-April) at Mi Peru restaurant, 4015 University Drive, Durham (www.miperupci.com). We welcome Spanish speakers from all levels to join in practice of conversational Spanish. Please contact Margaret Riley (mrileync@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining us.
Mac Computer Users Group
Mac users will gather for Q&A and short presentations on topics of interest. The group will meet periodically at a day, time, and place to be announced. Coordinators: Mary Jo Fickle, fickle5@aol.com, and Susan Eure, asure@bellsouth.net.
Mystery Book Club
Whether you HAVE a clue, or not, this book club may be for you. We meet once a month to discuss mystery books our members have designated worthy and interesting to share with the group. We have read and discussed books by authors: Ann Cleeve, Arnaldur Indrioason, Ruth Rendell & Ausam Zehant to name a few. We are an adventurist group looking for new and exciting authors. For more information, please contact Madeline “Maddy” Kalstein, madkalstein@gmail.com.
Science Book Club
We read and discuss nonfiction science books on topics including biology, evolution, the physical sciences, medicine, the environment, economics, and biographies of famous scientists. The group is open to all regardless of background, and no registration is required. You DO NOT have to be an OLLI member to participate in this book club. The group usually meets the first Thursday of the month from 3:15 pm to 4:45 at Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1902 Perry St, Durham, NC 27705. Coordinator: Dan Oldman, daniel.oldman@gmail.com or 919-544-2686.
Retirement Transition Group
This informal drop-in group is for OLLI members who are going through transitions in retirement and perhaps experiencing some challenges. The group meeting provides an opportunity to adjust our mindset to this new phase of life, raise awareness of shared concerns, offer ideas that have worked, recommend resources and connect with other OLLI members who are going through the same experiences. People can drop in at any of the meetings. There is no charge. The group meets on the second Friday afternoon of the month - time and location to be announced. To learn more and to be put on a mailing list for meeting reminders, contact Corinne Schillin at cschillin@yahoo.com or 919-537-8450.
The OLLI Public Policy Special Interest Group
The OLLI Public Policy Special Interest Group (Policy Group) is designed for those who have an interest in discussing and pursuing important international, national and local public policy issues. We attend lectures/events at the Sanford School for Public Policy, and meet monthly near Duke Campus. Coordinators: Larry Reed (lgreed3@gmail.com) or 919-452-3896 & Jim Hollowood (jhollowood@gmail.com).
Calendar
Semester Calendar for Current Members
Please read carefully as some dates have changed.
| When | Event |
| Fall 2019 | |
| Tuesday, August 6 | Registration for Fall courses begins at 9:00 am |
| Wednesday, August 7 | Registration for Fall courses begins at 9:00 am |
| Monday, September 9 | Most OLLI Fall classes begin |
| Tuesday, September 30 | No classes at JRC - Rosh Hashanah |
| Tuesday, October 8 | No classes at JRC after 3 pm - Yom Kippur |
| Wednesday, October 9 | No classes at JRC - Yom Kippur |
| Monday-Friday, October 21-25 | OLLI Fall Break - No OLLI classes |
| Monday-Friday, November 25-29 | Thanksgiving Break - No OLLI classes |
| Friday, December 6 | Last day for most Fall classes |
| Winter 2020 | |
| Tuesday, December 3 | Registration for Winter courses begins at 9:00 am |
| Wednesday, December 4 | Registration for Winter courses begins at 9:00 am |
| Monday, January 13 | OLLI Winter classes begin |
| Monday, January 20 | Martin Luther King JR Day - no classes |
| Schedule revision | No Winter Break |
| Monday, March 23 | Last day for most Winter classes |
| Tuesday, March 24 | Make up dates for Winter classes (afternoon only) |
| Wednesday, March 25 | Make up dates for Winter classes (afternoon only) |
| Thursday and Friday, March 26 and 27 | Make up dates for Winter classes |
| Spring 2020 | |
| Tuesday, March 24 | Registration for Spring courses begins at 9:00 am |
| Wednesday, March 25 | Registration for Spring courses begins at 9:00 am |
| Monday, April 13 | OLLI Spring classes begin |
| Friday, May 22 | Last day for most Spring classes |
Volunteer Opportunities
OLLI at Duke relies heavily on the volunteer efforts of members to keep the program running. Members teach classes, coordinate lecture series, lead small-group discussions, organize activities and volunteer projects, serve on the Board of Advisors and committees, act as class hosts, and volunteer for all the tasks that make us an exemplary organization. Please read the bulletin boards, e-mails, and newsletters to find out about opportunities to take advantage of one of the many opportunities listed or to suggest a new program or activities. Opportunities to volunteer are posted on the member website, in the Spotlight (our e-newsletter) and on bulletin boards.
Class Assistants
Class members act as assistants to the instructors, helping to ensure that announcements are made, equipment is set up, and handouts are distributed. Class Assistants are essential to the smooth functioning of OLLI at Duke and enjoy the benefit of becoming better acquainted with both faculty and fellow class members. Training will be provided! If you would like to volunteer to be the class host in one or more of your classes, contact Kathy Parrish at 919-681-3476 to let her know which instructor you would like to host.
Board Service
We welcome both new and longtime members to become part of the leadership of OLLI at Duke. Serving on the Board of Advisors, either in an elected office, as an at-large advisor, or as a committee chair, will allow you to use your talents, contribute to the success of this dynamic organization, and be part of many facets of the OLLI at Duke community.
Are you new to OLLI at Duke? One of the best ways to meet new people is to volunteer for the Social Activities & Hospitality Committee. Consider organizing an activity or outing to learn more about a favorite North Carolina attraction; we are looking for members to coordinate trips to the Duke Lemur Center, the North Carolina Zoo, Cedar Creek Gallery or potteries of Seagrove, museums in Raleigh and wineries of the Yadkin Valley. Volunteers do everything from organizing outings to pouring wine. Extra hands are always needed to greet people at convocation and OLLI Socials. These activities are great ways to meet new people and learn more about OLLI at Duke and Durham. If you are interested, please contact cmabrons@gmail.com.
Members & Leadership
Who Belongs to OLLI at Duke?
All adults with a passion for learning are welcome. Our members include those who have never completed high school and retired school teachers, native North Carolinians and newcomers, professionals and homemakers. We believe that such a rich and diverse mix of backgrounds and interests make the classroom discussion even more interesting. Our common goal is deepening our understanding of the world around us through study and discussion.
We invite you to join our learning community. OLLI at Duke is a cooperative venture that relies on the contributions and participation, both in class and out, of every member. Our members teach classes, coordinate lecture series, lead small-group discussions, serve on the Board of Advisors and committees, act as class assistants, help with record-keeping and administration, make coffee, and volunteer for many other tasks, both large and small.
OLLI at Duke, headquartered in The Bishop’s House on Duke’s East Campus, is an organization where lifelong learners can enjoy daytime courses, good conversation, and the companionship of peers. In this relaxed and congenial atmosphere, OLLI at Duke affords an opportunity to rekindle former interests and discover new ones in classes without papers or tests, where members have in common a passion for learning and all the benefits that come from keeping mind and body healthy, active, and engaged. In addition to the programming available exclusively to our members, being part of the Duke community provides access to a wealth of intellectual and cultural activities.
Founded in 1977 as a joint venture of Duke University Continuing Education and the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, DILR/OLLI has grown from its 42 original members to over 2,400 each year, with a curriculum of over 140 classes each semester.
Leadership
OLLI at Duke operates under the auspices of Duke Continuing Studies and Summer Session. We are a member-led organization with our own Board of Advisors, bylaws and committees. OLLI at Duke is managed by a Director and an Assistant to the Director, who are employees of Duke Continuing Studies.
The OLLI Board of Advisors consists of the President and Vice President, who serve one-year terms, six At-Large Advisors, who serve three-year terms, and committee chairs who serve one‑year terms, and the Past President. The Director and the Assistant to the Director are ex‑officio members of the board.
We are always looking for people to help with events and committees. If you would like to talk to someone about volunteering at OLLI, or if you have ideas for a new activity or improvements to an existing program, please call the director at 919-684-2703.
2019-2020 Officers (one-year term, elected at annual meeting)
President: Matt Epstein
Vice President: Marion Jervay
Past President: Alex Vaux
Recording Secretary: Mike Bahnaman
At-Large Advisors (three-year term)
Term Ending 2020: Staurt Kaplan, Alan Teasley
Term Ending 2021: Margaret Brill, Abdul Waheed
Committee Chairs (one-year term, appointed by President)
Community Engagement: Virginia Lee
Curriculum: Beth Anderson
Instructor Relations: Ginny Knight
Membership: Rosemary Dineen
IT: Howard Koslow
Member Relations: Beth Timson
Social Activities & Hospitality: Chris Abrons
Space: Peter Blaufeux
Staff
Director: Chris McLeod
Assistant to the Director: Kathy Parrish
Representatives at Judea Reform Education Building: Beth Bowling, Susanna Chabinak-Uhlig, Jo Ann Dubberley, Betina Huntwork
Staying in Touch
OLLI at Duke keeps members informed and connected to the program in a number of ways.
Members can always check out the latest news and find flyers and sign-up sheets for groups and activities on our bulletin boards, located at The Bishop’s House and the Judea Reform Education Building.
OLLI at Duke's staff, instructors, class assistants and leaders send out occasional e-mails to the membership to inform them of breaking news. Please contact Chris McLeod at 919-684-2703 or at chris.mcleod@duke.edu to make sure that we have your e-mail address if you want to receive these notices.
Spotlight
The Spotlight is an online newsletter issued monthly to members via email. If you are an OLLI member and currently do not receive the Spotlight, please click here to sign up. (http://www.olliatduke.org/extension-to-home.html#signupspotlight)
Member Website
OLLI at Duke maintains a members-only website (olliatduke.org) designed to keep members up to date on available courses, scheduled events, activities, and items of interest. Contact Kathy Parrish (919-681-3476) for the password.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 will be provided in each classroom on the first day of classes at the Bishop’s House and must be kept on your front dashboard when you park at The Bishop’s House. Failure to display the parking permit may result in $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 your class ends, please exit Bishop House promptly and carefully to allow those arriving for the next class to park and enter, eliminating congestion for both the students and instructors. BE CAREFUL backing into and out of spaces, helping to avoid accidents; if you do accidently hit another car in the parking lot PLEASE let the OLLI Office know of the incident in fairness to the persons vehicle you damaged.
To use the handicapped spots, you need an official North Carolina handicapped parking tag. Campus parking restrictions are strictly 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. Registered members for the courses in the Computer Lab will receive a parking pass from their instructors that contain a bar code that is read by the scanner at each parking gate. The parking passes will be distributed either by email to print at the students home or handed out upon arrive to the class.
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?
Inclement Weather Policy
OLLI at Duke follows the lead of Durham Public Schools regarding Severe Weather Schedule.
- If the Durham Public Schools are open, OLLI classes and activities will be held.
- If the Durham Public Schools are closed, all OLLI classes and activities are cancelled.
- If Durham Public Schools delay opening, OLLI classes and activities that start before 10:00 am are cancelled.
- If Durham Public Schools close early, OLLI classes and activities that begin at 3:00 pm and later are cancelled.
Please check your email before you leave for class. There may be instances where OLLI classes are in session and a particular instructor cannot travel due to weather conditions. In those cases, OLLI members can expect to receive an email from their Instructor and/or the OLLI office if their class is cancelled.
Regardless of the weather or road conditions, every OLLI member and instructor needs to make his/her own decision about whether or not it is safe to travel. Please use good judgement. Since OLLI hosts classes at sixteen different locations in the Triangle, road conditions can vary considerably.
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. Requests for refunds for dropped courses must be made within five business days following the first class meeting. After that time, no refunds will be issued except in the event of an emergency, at the discretion of OLLI at Duke Staff. There will be a $20 service charge per course dropped. If a course is cancelled by OLLI at Duke, no charge will be incurred by members. For more information and our refund policy, please see the registration section of this website. Please note: Membership dues are nonrefundable.
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.
Locations
OLLI classes are held in a variety of locations throughout the area. Here are the addresses:
- The Bridge Academy, 2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Rd, Suite 102, Durham, 27707
- Barriskill Dance Theatre School, 3642 Shannon Rd, Durham, 27707
- The Bishop’s House, 8 East Campus Union Dr, Duke University, Durham, 27708
- Carolina Arbors Retirement Community, 357 Carolina Arbors Dr, Durham, 27703
- Carolina Dance Academy, 3101 Guess Rd, #E, Durham, 27705
- Caring House, 2625 Pickett Rd, Durham, 27705
- Durham Academy Middle School, 3116 Academy Rd, Durham, 27707
- Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris St, Durham, 27701
- Duke Campus Farm, 4934 Friends School Rd, Durham, 27705
- Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4907 Garrett Rd, Durham, 27707
- Emily K. Center, 904 W. Chapel Hill St, Durham, 27701
- The Forest at Duke, 2701 Pickett Rd, Durham, 27705
- FRANK Gallery, University Place, 201 S Estes Dr, Chapel Hill, 27514
- Galloway Ridge Retirement Community, 3000 Galloway Ridge Rd, Pittsboro, 27312
- Judea Reform Congregation, Education Building, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham, 27705
- NC Botanical Gardens, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, 27517
- North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, 27607
- Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, 2001 Campus Drive, Durham, 27705
- Passmore Center, 103 Meadowlands Dr, Hillsborough 27278
- St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael St, Chapel Hill, 27514
- Smith Warehouse Computer Lab, Bay 6, 114 S. Buchanan Blvd, Durham, 27701
- Watts Street Baptist Church, 800 Watts St, Durham, 27701
- Westminister Presbyterian Church, 3639 Old Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, 27707