Member Handbook

OLLI at UNH is a vibrant, member-driven educational program designed for lifelong learners aged 50 and over. Our focus is on learning for the enjoyment of it within a supportive and relaxed environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of ideas and interests within a community of peers—without any tests, grades, or prerequisites! 

Our volunteer committees develop a wide variety of non-credit courses and events based upon member interests. We offer an array of events, trips, social activities and volunteer opportunities to enrich your experience. 

Our ongoing goals include delivering high-quality accessible courses, broadening our reach into our local communities, and making “OLLI at UNH” a well-known name for lifelong learning throughout New Hampshire. 

Courses and events take place at university facilities or convenient community locations. They are led by volunteers, educators and community leaders who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with members, who, in turn, contribute to a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Mission
The mission of OLLI at UNH as a member-driven, volunteer-based and inclusive program, is to develop and provide a broad array of affordable and accessible lifelong learning educational and social activities designed for intellectually curious older adults. 

Vision
The vision of OLLI at UNH is to be recognized as the premier source of learning and collegial activity for older adults seeking to be part of a community of lifelong learners in New Hampshire.

Core Values
These are the fundamental beliefs of OLLI at UNH that guide our planning and decision-making. These core values support our vision, shape our culture, and reflect what we value. 

Program Excellence – We maintain an emphasis on high standards for educational and social enrichment. 
Volunteerism – We recognize the importance of volunteers in the development and success of our programming. 
Accessibility – We strive to provide programming that is affordable and accessible to all. 
Community –We are committed to fostering a membership that reflects our community and promotes mutual respect and inclusivity for all.

The National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (Osher NRC) is a non-governing center of excellence, hosted by Northwestern University, benefiting older adults through the national network of 120+ Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs). 

The mission of the Osher NRC is to help OLLIs thrive by connecting OLLIs to each other and to resources, collaborating with OLLIs and partner organizations, consulting with OLLI leaders to find solutions, and celebrating the successes, camaraderie, and growth of OLLIs and their members. The Osher NRC fulfills its mission through a variety of projects and services including providing professional conferences, tools, resources, and training for OLLI staff and volunteers; conducting research on lifelong learning and purposeful aging; presenting at national conferences; offering virtual courses to Osher Online affiliated Institutes; and highlighting OLLI successes through a monthly newsletter and the Osher NRC website.

The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 1977 by respected businessman, philanthropist, and community leader Bernard Osher. The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through innovative funding in higher education and the arts. 

The Foundation supports a national lifelong learning network of programs designed for adults 50 and better; Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes operate on 120+ college and university campuses in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 

View a brief animated video history of The Osher Institute Legacy of Bernard Osher.

OLLI is a program within the University of New Hampshire’s Division of Online & Continuing Education, which is dedicated to providing both credit and non-credit opportunities including Professional Development & Training, OLLI, and microcredential programs. The University of New Hampshire is a public land-grant research university with its main campus in Durham, New Hampshire. It was founded and incorporated in 1866 as a land grant college in Hanover in connection with Dartmouth College, moved to Durham in 1893, and adopted its current name in 1923. It is one of the three schools under the umbrella of the University System of New Hampshire.

OLLI memberships run from February 1st - January 31st or August 1st - July 31st. OLLI at UNH membership fees at are nonrefundable. However, new members may request a refund within the first six (6) weeks of the semester in which they join by contacting the Program Director.

OLLI at UNH memberships are non-refundable with the exception of new members. New Members can request a refund within the first 6 weeks of their membership.

You can join or renew your OLLI at UNH membership using any of the following options:

• Online through our secure registration platform. 
• Mail a completed registration form with your fee to: 
  OLLI at UNH, 1 Leavitt Lane, Durham, NH 03824 
  Please note: Each member must submit a separate form and payment to ensure accurate processing
• Call the OLLI Office at 603-862-OLLI (6554). 

There are many benefits to joining OLLI at UNH. Some of these benefits include:

• 300+ courses each year— in person, out in the community or online via Zoom
• Joining a Shared Interest Group (SIG) to explore areas of interest with fellow members 
• Participating in social events, Lunch & Learns and more ways to connect with other members
• Access to sharing courses and opportunities with other regional OLLI's
• Day trips to museums, theaters and cultural destinations 
• Course fee assistance for members with financial need
• Volunteer opportunities and help shape the future of our learning community and have positive effects on your personal health

OLLI at UNH offers two full academic semesters each year—Spring and Fall —each lasting approximately 16 weeks. In addition, inter-semester courses and learning opportunities are offered between terms, giving members more ways to stay engaged year-round.

Courses may be single- or multi-session and are generally scheduled on weekdays; however, we do have limited evenings and weekend offerings. Check out our most recent catalog to see what is currently available that fits your schedule. 

Curriculum Development: Volunteer Curriculum Committees in each learning region develop the statewide curriculum for in person and online course offerings each semester. Courses may take the form of lectures, discussions, hands-on workshops, tours, or outdoor experiences. 

Formats & Locations: Courses are offered in person at UNH campuses, partner facilities and accessible community sites across New Hampshire. Online learning opportunities are also available via Zoom, with free training sessions provided each term for members who are new to the platform.

Subject Areas: Guided by the values of the Bernard Osher Foundation, courses span a wide variety of topics, including but not limited to: 

• Aging & Health 
• Art Appreciation 
• Computers, Smartphones & Tablets 
• Creative Arts 
• Film 
• Gardening & Nature 
• History 
• Literature 
• Math & Science 
• Music & Dance 
• Personal Development 
• Current Events & Politics 
• Sociology, Religion & Culture

• Course: A series of classes or sessions on a topic during a single term. 
• Class/Session: An individual meeting of a course. 
• Section: A repeated offering of the same course, sometimes at different times or locations. 
• Semester/Term: The 16-week period in Spring or Fall when courses are conducted. 
• Outdoor Adventures: Courses centered on outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or snowshoeing. 
• Exploring the Community: Courses held at community venues where the location itself is integral to the learning experience.

In addition to courses, OLLI members enjoy a variety of social events designed to build community and connection. These activities are generally developed and hosted by our volunteer committees and may include: 

• Course Previews & Open Houses: A free, public event held before registration, offering a look at upcoming courses and presenters. 
• Game Days & Holiday Parties 
• Lunch & Learns: An informal discussion over a brown bag lunch, held in person or online. 
• Mug & Muffins: A themed social event where members bring their own mug to enjoy coffee or tea and member-provided pastries while discussing a shared topic or participating in discussions with other members. 

Other special events done on a one-time basis will be advertised for our members via email for registration.

Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) provide another way for members to connect around common interests outside the classroom. 

What They Are: SIGs are member-led groups that meet regularly to explore hobbies, ideas, or activities. They are hosted by a learning region or offered statewide. 

Participation: SIGs are free to all OLLI members and associated costs, when applicable, are the responsibility of the member, depending on the activity planned by the SIG. 

How to Find Them: Information on current SIGs can be found in the course catalog, the Outlook newsletter, on the OLLI website, or by contacting your region’s Central Committee Chair. 

SIGs are a great way to build lasting friendships while pursuing shared passions in a flexible, informal setting.

OLLI at UNH course fees are based upon the number of sessions listed for each course as follows.

Non-members pay an additional $25 per course.

Online Registration (Quick & Convenient) 
Log in and confirm your membership is active in advance. If you need assistance, call the office to ask about your membership status. If it has been more than 90 days since you have last logged in, please reset your password. On registration day, log in as early as possible once registration begins at 9:00 a.m. for the best chance at securing a seat in our most popular courses. Need help before registration opens? Call 603-862-OLLI (6554) for account support. 

Phone Registration 
Call 603-862-OLLI (6554), Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Have your course selections and payment ready. 

Mail-in Registration 
Complete the Membership & Registration Form (from the catalog or website). Include a separate check for each registrant, payable to OLLI at UNH. 

Mail to: OLLI at UNH 1 Leavitt Lane Durham, NH 03824 

Mail-in registrations are processed in the order received but not prior to the registration open date. The best way to secure a spot in popular courses, is to register online.

If a course is full, join the waitlist. If a spot opens, members are admitted in the order they joined. If interest is high, additional seats or sections may be added. 
Payment is only required once you are officially registered for a course.

Courses may occasionally be cancelled due to low enrollment to ensure the best possible experience for both members and presenters in our learning community. 

If a course is cancelled by the presenter, OLLI staff will make every effort to reschedule the course with them if possible. 

If a course is cancelled, members will receive an email from the OLLI Office with options to: 

• Receive a refund to the original form of payment 
• Apply the fee back to their OLLI account for use toward another course 
• Donate the course fee to support OLLI at UNH

Donations from members and community partners support scholarships to help defray course fees for members with financial need. Assistance is not available for membership fees. The process is simple and confidential. 

Contact: Toniann Leavitt, OLLI Program Director 603-862-OLLI (6554) | Toniann.Leavitt@unh.edu

Volunteer for the Health of It!
OLLI at UNH thrives because of its volunteers. From helping in classrooms to shaping statewide initiatives, volunteers bring energy, creativity and heart to our lifelong learning community. Getting involved is a great way to stay active, share your skills and connect with other members who share your curiosity and enthusiasm for having a positive impact on our program. There are many ways to participate — whether you’d like to lend a hand occasionally or take on a leadership role. Every contribution helps OLLI continue to grow and flourish.

Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with OLLI is flexible, meaningful, and fun. Whether you give an hour a week or a few hours a semester, your participation strengthens our community and enhances the experience for everyone. Volunteers often say they gain more than they give—new friendships, new skills, and a deeper connection to learning. 

How to Get Started Getting involved is easy! 

• Visit our volunteerism page and complete the Volunteer Interest Form 
• Email us directly at OLLI.office@unh.edu 
• Call us at 603-862-OLLI (6554) to learn more about volunteer opportunities that match your interests. 

Together, we make OLLI at UNH a vibrant, welcoming community where curiosity truly has no age limit.

University Policies 
OLLI at UNH is part of the University of New Hampshire and follows all applicable UNH policies and standards. Members are encouraged to review these at the University’s Office of Community Standards for details. 

Refunds & Withdrawals 
Courses cancelled by OLLI qualify for a refund or donation. Members may withdraw up to 7 days before a course or event to receive a refund. After that, fees are nonrefundable. Refunds are not given for absences or for individual sessions missed in multisession courses. Presenters may offer make-up sessions if possible. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, or may be applied to a future course or donated back to OLLI. Special exceptions will be noted in course or event descriptions. 

Guests 
Members may invite a guest to attend one class session, space permitting. Please call the OLLI Office in advance to confirm availability. Guests attend free of charge but are responsible for any materials, meals, or admission costs. Guest privileges do not apply to trips. 

Academic Integrity 
OLLI values honesty, respect, and fairness in all learning experiences. Presenters and members are encouraged to share diverse perspectives in a respectful and constructive manner. Views expressed in OLLI courses reflect those of the presenter or participant, not necessarily OLLI at UNH or the University. 

Inclement Weather 
If a host site closes, all OLLI courses and events at that site are canceled. If OLLI cancels due to weather, registered members will be notified by email and phone. UNH closure announcements are posted on WMUR (TV and website). Members are responsible for making safe travel decisions during inclement weather.

External Communications 
The OLLI Director is the official spokesperson and oversees all external communications, including media and public relations. Members and volunteers may not issue public statements on behalf of OLLI without prior approval. When using social media in relation to OLLI at UNH: Obtain consent before sharing photos or quotes. Do not tag names without permission. Do not share confidential or unpublished OLLI information. Avoid promoting personal causes or sending bulk/unsolicited emails. 

Caregivers & Support 
Members requiring assistance are welcome to bring a caregiver or support person to class at no additional fee (material/admission fees still apply). Please notify the OLLI Office in advance so we can include them on the attendance list. Pets & Service Animals Pets are not permitted at OLLI courses, trips, or events. Service animals are always welcome.

OLLI at UNH is a learning community built on kindness, patience, positivity, and respect. By joining, members agree to uphold these values in all interactions with fellow members, volunteers, presenters, and staff. 

Members are expected to: 

• Treat all participants with courtesy and respect. 
• Listen actively and share discussion time fairly. 
• Respect the role of instructors and volunteers. 
• Communicate with staff and volunteers in a professional and courteous manner. 
• Follow good etiquette in classes and online meetings. 

The following are not tolerated: 

• Disruptive, disrespectful, or offensive behavior. 
• Harassment, intimidation, or threats. 
• Actions that compromise the safety or enjoyment of others. 

Accountability: 

• Concerns may be reported to the OLLI Program Director. Consequences for violations may include a warning, removal from a class or event, or dismissal from the program. 
• Together, we ensure OLLI at UNH remains a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable community for lifelong learning.

OLLI at UNH is supported through a mix of resources: 

• Endowment income from the Bernard Osher Foundation 
• Membership dues and course fees 
• Donations from members, families and friends 
• Community partnerships
• In-kind support from UNH, including classrooms, office space, parking, administrative services, technology, facilities, and website support 

The Impact of Giving Member and community contributions allow OLLI to: 

• Keep membership and course fees affordable 
• Provide course fee assistance 
• Expand access for adults age 50+ 
• Strengthen programs and services as OLLI grows 
• Build a strong and sustainable future 

Members support OLLI throughout the year in many ways: 

• Adding a gift when renewing membership or registering for courses 
• Donating course fees when withdrawing from a class 
• Giving online
• Mailing a donation to the UNH Foundation
  • Elliot Alumni Center, 9 Edgewood Rd, Durham, NH 03824
  • Please designate checks for OLLI at UNH
• Setting up recurring monthly donations via credit card or bank withdrawal 
• Participating in the OLLI Annual Appeal each fall or The (603) Challenge hosted by UNH every in April 
• Making a gift directly from your retirement account through your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) 
  • To learn more, please contact: Toniann Leavitt, Program Director 

All donations are tax-deductible. OLLI at UNH is part of the University System of New Hampshire.