Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
Senior Learning at UW-Madison
If you're 50 or older, we invite you to join a community of lifelong learners and take advantage of a stimulating array of courses and activities for seasoned adults interested in learning for the joy of it!
UW-Madison is home to an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), one of a national network of lifelong learning institutes sponsored by the Bernard Osher Foundation.
OLLI is a membership organization offering a variety of lifelong learning opportunities for mature adults:
- Expert-led enrichment courses
- Peer-led participatory discussion groups (PLATO)
- Lectures
- Socials
- Bus trips
See program schedule (coming soon).
Information about discussion groups.
Membership benefits
The annual member fee for OLLI is $50 from July 1– June 30 and includes the following benefits:
- 30 PLATO discussion groups each fall and spring
- Access to lectures, social and special events
- Preferred invitations, mailings and announcements about upcoming events
- The Persimmon newsletter, mailed three times a year
- A catalog of learning opportunities distributed to members
- Free bus transportation to select events
- Discounted registration fees for other lifelong learning events
For more information about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UW-Madison call 608-262-5823 or e-mail slp@dcs.wisc.edu
Other classes, programs for senior learners
UW-Madison also offers credit and noncredit classes, programs and free lectures to all members of the greater-Madison community. The following opportunities may be of special interest to senior learners.
Wisconsin Alumni Lifelong Learning
Wisconsin Alumni Lifelong Learning, in partnership with the Division of Continuing Studies, offers UW alumni and friends a campus connection through educational programs.
Grandparents’ University
Any grandparent-grandchild pair may participate in this popular two-day, on-campus educational program offered jointly by Continuing Studies, the Wisconsin Alumni Association and UW-Extension.
Credit Course Auditing
Wisconsin residents of any age may audit credit courses for a per-credit fee. An application and instructor approval are required.
Wisconsin residents (as defined by state statute) age 60+ can audit lecture courses at UW-Madison for free with the instructor’s approval. (Note: this does not include online classes or labs.) See Auditing for Wisconsin Seniors, or call 608-263-6960.
Benefits of enrolling as a Guest auditor include access to campus computing services and the libraries; Recreational Sports access is available for a fee.
Noncredit Continuing Education Classes
Classes and workshops are available on such topics as art, history, languages, music, travel, workplace skills and writing. You do not need to enroll at UW-Madison for most of these Madison-area classes; registration and fee information is included with the class descriptions. For a print catalog call the Division of Continuing Studies at 608-262-1156 or e-mail info@dcs.wisc.edu.
UW Retirement Association
The UW Retirement Association is a membership organization for retired faculty and staff. The association promotes the interests, health, and welfare of its members through a diverse program of activities and information, including presentations on topics of interest to retired members.
Other Sites of Interest
National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes
Institute on Aging
AARP
National Center for Creative Aging
Civic Ventures
Peace Corps
Contact the Division of Continuing Studies
608-262-5823 • slp@dcs.wisc.edu
21 N. Park St, 7th floor, Madison WI 53715
