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FAQ

What is OLLI at Vanderbilt?

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Vanderbilt University is an inclusive group that strives to represent the greater Nashville community with stimulating intellectual and cultural noncredit courses, programs, and trips for adults over 50, regardless of educational background.

How much do courses cost?

Courses are priced individually. Fees can be found on the schedule-at-a-glance and in the course descriptions of the course catalog. 

Is financial assistance available?  

Yes.  Scholarship information can be found HERE.

How do I retrieve my user name or password to register online? 

Please call the office at 615-343-0700 to inquire about your username or to have your password reset.

Are there homework assignments or exams? 

There are no exams or grades; however, there might be recommended reading assignments. Occasionally, an instructor may give an assignment in one of our smaller classes to enhance the learning experience.

Who teaches OLLI at Vanderbilt courses? 

Our courses are taught by a wide variety of instructors. The majority are current or retired Vanderbilt professors, but there are also many who come from other educational institutions, government and business. 

Will classes be held during inclement weather? 

It is rare that we cancel class, but if a class (or event) is cancelled due to inclement weather, it will be posted on the OLLI at Vanderbilt website by 8:00 a.m. the morning of the event. Cancellations will also be televised on Channel 2.  The official policy regarding class cancellations can be found on our Policies and Procedures page.

What is the Bernard Osher Foundation?

The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was started in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader. The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts.

The Foundation provides post-secondary scholarship funding to colleges and universities across the nation, with special attention to reentry students. It also supports a national lifelong learning network for seasoned adults. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, operating on the campuses of 122 institutions of higher education from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska, have a National Resource Center at Northwestern University. In addition, the Foundation benefits programs in integrative medicine in the United States and Sweden, including centers at the University of California, San Francisco; Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston; the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm; Northwestern University;  and Vanderbilt University.  Additional information can be found HERE.  

What if my plans change after I've registered for a course or event and realize that I cannot attend it?

Life happens and we certainly understand that things change. We simply ask that you please let us know as soon as you realize that you cannot attend the course you signed up for. 

If you can notify us no later than two weeks prior to the start of the course, we can refund your tuition. Additionally, that helps us accommodate anyone who was on the waiting list or individuals who would like to bring a guest.