OLLI at Southern Miss
Get out of the house while you're at home--ZOOM with OLLI! As a result of COVID-19
concerns and out of caution, we will continue to use ZOOM for the spring semester.
ZOOM is a user-friendly program, and instructions on downloading it are available
in the short, simple video available in this link: ZOOM with OLLI! If you need assistance or practice in ZOOM, feel free to call us.
Course lists are available in the Gulf Park Courses and Hattiesburg Courses pages
of this website. Icons for each are in the left-side menu, and no matter which city
you're in, you may enroll in classes listed for either campus. Zoom provides us an opportunity to participate in courses with peers from both campuses and most anywhere, no driving
required.
Members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) are active adults who share
a love of learning. Members enjoy innovative and enriching programs in an inclusive environment with others who share their interests. Many members
are retired, but it is not a requirement to join, nor do you need to be a graduate
or otherwise affiliated with Southern Miss. Our members come from a wide range of
backgrounds, vocations, and connections to local community.
There are only 124 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes in the United States. In Mississippi, OLLI programming is available exclusively at Southern Miss, in Hattiesburg and Long Beach.
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Learning is for Life!
Our semester is filled with online opportunities for learning, creating, camaraderie
and fun!
Spring 2021 Registration for Term I Classes
Wednesday, January 6 at 9:00 a.m. - online and email only
Thursday, January 7 at 9:00 a.m. - phone registration
Spring 2021 Classes Begin
Monday, January 11
Advisory Board Meeting
Friday, January 22 at 1:00 p.m.
OLLI Social
Friday, February 12 at 1:00 p.m.
Mixer with Members from the Other USM (University of Southern Maine)
Friday, March 5 at 1:00 p.m.
Advisory Board Meeting
Friday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m.
OLLI Social
Friday, April 9 at 1:00 p.m.
Advisory Board Meeting
Friday, May 21 at 1:00 p.m.
General Business Meeting
Tuesday, May 25 at 3:00 p.m.
OLLI offers classes that meet the needs and schedules of active adults. We typically divide the Fall and Spring semesters into two five-week terms and offer a six-week term in the Summer, with no classes the week of July 4th. Fall terms typically begin in September and October. The Spring terms typically begin in February and March. The Summer term typically runs during June and July. During each term we offer three different formats of learning experiences: classes, seminars, and field trips. All Hattiesburg classes and seminars are held at the Peck House or Asbury Annex (unless otherwise indicated). Gulf Park classes are held in Lloyd Hall, unless otherwise indicated.
Our goal at OLLI at 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.
The Bernard Osher Foundation was founded by Bernard Osher in 1977. Through the foundation, his philanthropy has benefited a wide range of educational, cultural and other nonprofit organizations across the United States. Currently, the foundation provides support to four distinct programs:
- Osher Scholars and Fellows
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes
- Osher Integrative Medicine Program
- A Local Arts and Educational Program
Bernard Osher is a successful businessman and community leader, a patron of the arts and education, whose philanthropy has affected countless organizations over the past quarter-century. His wife, the Honorable Barbro Osher, Consul General of Sweden in San Francisco, serves as chair of the foundation. To learn more about Bernard Osher, his philanthropic interests and investments, please visit the foundation's website: http://www.osherfoundation.org.