Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Do you like to Learn? Exercise? Travel? Are you 50 or older? OLLI is the place for you!
OLLI at Southern Miss
At the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), active adults come together to learn, explore and connect. Our members share a love of curiosity‑driven learning and enjoy innovative, enriching programs in a welcoming, inclusive community. Many are retired, and our programming is designed especially for adults 50 and better, but membership is open to anyone—no Southern Miss affiliation required.
OLLI at Southern Miss is one of only 124 Osher Institutes nationwide and the exclusive home of OLLI programming in Mississippi, with campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach.
Learning happens wherever you are. With Zoom, members can join classes from either campus—or from anywhere in the world with internet access. It’s simple to use, and we offer a short how‑to video (Zoom with OLLI) plus personal assistance at 601.266.6554.
Dive into the classes that excite you. Learn in person on either campus or join online from anywhere. Each semester offers a mix of hybrid (in‑person + Zoom) and fully online courses.
Not yet a member? Email olli@usm.edu with your name and mailing address to request a class schedule guide.
Summer registration is underway, and your OLLI experience begins the moment you become a member. There’s always something happening, so join anytime.
Summer 2026 Term Dates
Term I: June 8–26
Break: No classes June 29–July 10 (facilities remain open for other OLLI activities)
Term II: July 13–31
How to Register
Choose the option below that works best for you.
Online or Email: Click the yellow Register icon above (near the top of this page) to enroll yourself, or email your class request list to olli@usm.edu and an OLLI staff member will register you.
By Phone: Call your local OLLI office and the OLLI staff will be happy to enroll you.
Hattiesburg: 601.266.6554
Long Beach: 228.214.3277
Walk‑In Visit your campus office and we’ll take care of the rest.
Hattiesburg: Peck House, 321 Dr. Eddie Holloway Drive
Gulf Park: Gulf Coast Library, Room 107, 212 Friendship Oak Circle
To speed things up, please have your class request list ready when you call or stop
by.
A Quick Tip
Some classes fill fast. To boost your chances of getting into your favorites, register
online or email your request list early. Email registrations are processed first‑received,
first‑registered.
Come learn and connect with us!
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Learning is for Life!
- Jeopardy Socials | 1st Fridays at 11 a.m.
- Art Reception: Chigiri-e: Paper Painting with Becky Fortenberry | Friday, June 19 | 1 p.m.
- Music Extravaganza: American Style | Hattiesburg Special Event | July 14 | 2:30 p.m.
- Celebrate America | Gulf Park Social | July 15 | 11 a.m.
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What's Going on in Hattiesburg: An Update by Mayor Toby Barker | August 11 | 10 a.m.
OLLI offers learning experiences designed for the interests and schedules of active adults. Fall and Spring semesters are divided into two terms—Fall into two five‑week terms and Spring into two six‑week terms. Summer features a six‑week term with no classes the week of July 4.
Fall terms: typically begin in September
Spring terms: typically begin in January
Summer term: runs through June and July
Standard Class Formats and Fees
Seminars meet once during a term and last two hours. Occasionally, a seminar is offered
in two parts for a total of four hours.
Fees
$10 for a one‑time, two‑hour seminar
$15 for a two‑session, four‑hour seminar
Plus any supply fees (for art classes, for example)
Five‑Week or Six‑Week Classes
Classes meet once a week for two hours. Exercise classes meet twice a week for one
hour.
Fees
$30 for five-week courses
$35 for six-week courses
Field Trips
Field trips are offered each semester and range from single‑day outings to week‑long
travel, with costs varying by destination. International travel experiences are typically
longer.
Our goal at OLLI Southern Miss is to create environments that maximize the learning experience for all members. Many of our programs offer a forum for the lively and even passionate exchange of views. To that end, our learning community follows principles of courtesy and mutual respect that promote reasoned discourse and intellectual honesty. Opposing viewpoints are honored and appreciated to preserve the dignity of others.
Transgressions may include denigrating others’ views or opinions, threatening behaviors, offensive or abusive language, disruptive classroom conduct, sexual harassment or discrimination, and monopolizing discussions. Personal attacks are especially unwarranted.
OLLI members, instructors, facilitators, staff, or guests who do not or cannot adhere to the principles of courtesy and mutual respect may be removed from class or denied the privilege of future participation.
Founded in 1977 by philanthropist Bernard Osher, The Bernard Osher Foundation supports educational, cultural, and nonprofit organizations across the United States. Its work centers on four key areas:
- Osher Scholars and Fellows
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes
- Osher Integrative Medicine Program
- Local Arts and Educational Initiatives
The Foundation launched its first OLLI at the University of Southern Maine in 1997 and expanded the network in 2002. Its partnership with The University of Southern Mississippi began in 2008.
Bernard Osher is a longtime supporter of the arts, education, and community organizations. His wife, the Honorable Barbro Osher—Consul General of Sweden in San Francisco—serves as chair of the Foundation.
Learn more at http://www.osherfoundation.org.