OLLI at SOU NEWSFLASH
December 28, 2020
Spring Course Proposals Due December 31
Snowman alarm clock for winter deadlines
This Thursday, December 31, is the final day to submit a course proposal for spring term. Click here for more information and the online course proposal form.

If you're hesitating about teaching this spring, take a moment to read what two of OLLI's oldest instructors have to say about the joys of teaching at OLLI, and the advantages of teaching via Zoom. Laura Simonds on the Communications & Community Outreach Committee wrote this article for a series in collaboration with Rosebud Media (Tidings and Mail Tribune) to increase awareness of OLLI at SOU among adults living in the Rogue Valley. Click here to read the article online, or download a PDF here.

Still not sure about teaching remotely? Click here to see what students and instructors are saying about the experience of taking classes and teaching online (PDF). And don't worry– OLLI staff and the Curriculum Committee provide lots of support, as well as multiple opportunities to learn and practice. The Curriculum Committee offers training on Zoom, an experienced mentor, an Instructors' Reference Guide, and each instructor is supported by a tech staff member as well. Instructors may also hold a live Zoom practice session (see below) with volunteers as practice students.
New Conversation Connection January 4
  • Topic: "Talk to Me"
  • Description: You are invited to engage in a one-hour dialogue with Oregon State Senator Jeff Golden facilitated by retired attorney John Ferris and retired school administrator Barry Vitcov. This is the first of what we hope will be a series with local politicians, policy makers, and influencers. The first Conversation Connection will be held on Zoom, Monday afternoon, January 4, at 4:00 PM and will be limited to the first 25 to enroll. Guidelines to follow.
  • Date: Monday, January 4, 2021
  • Time: 4:00-5:30 PM
  • Facilitators: John Ferris and Barry Vitcov
  • RSVP: Reservations are required, and honored on a first response basis. The maximum number of participants for this event is 25, OLLI members only. RSVP by 3:30 on Thursday, December 31. Click here to RSVP.
  • Other Questions? Contact John Ferris at [email protected]
Zoom Training for Students Saturday, January 2
A Zoom member instructional training will be available to all OLLI members on Saturday, January 2, from 10:00 AM – Noon. This is a basic instructional to help members be able to sign on to Zoom and participate in OLLI classes. For those who want to learn more about online registration, the Zoom training will be followed by a session on how to register for OLLI classes online. There is no need to sign up in advance or to download Zoom prior to the training. On Saturday morning, at a few minutes before 10:00 AM, just click this link to join the training session:

If you would like to sign in 15 minutes early, it will give you the opportunity to meet and greet other OLLI members. Otherwise, if there are any questions, please contact Member Services Committee Chair Andrea Gay at [email protected]
Zoom Practice Partners Needed

Instructors are preparing to teach via Zoom this year, and would like to hone their skills with live participants, AKA Zoom Practice Partners or ZPPs. ZPPs will have the double benefit of improving your own comfort with taking classes on Zoom, while helping OLLI instructors practice. Do you have 30 to 45 minutes you can spare to help out?

This week:
  • Today! Monday, December 28, at 1:00 PM – To sign up, contact Alan Ackroyd at [email protected]
  • Tuesday, December 29, at 2:00 PM – To sign up, contact Mark Gibson at [email protected]

First week of winter term:

If you are interested and available to be a Zoom Practice Partner for any of these sessions, click on the instructor’s email and let the instructor know you’d like to be a ZPP.
The Zoom invitation link for that session will be emailed to you directly by the OLLI instructor.

Questions? Email Anne Coleman at [email protected]
Happy New Year to All!

The OLLI office will be closed for the New Year holiday on Friday, January 1.
Winter term begins on Monday, January 4.

Open enrollment is ongoing, and many courses are still available. Click here for the catalog, and get ready to learn.

More Dates for Winter
  • Open Enrollment: Ongoing
  • Thursday, December 31: Spring Course Proposal Period Closes
  • Friday, January 1: Happy New Year ~ OLLI Office Closed
  • Monday, January 4: Winter Term Begins
  • Monday, January 18: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday ~ OLLI Office Closed
  • Friday, March 12: Winter Term Ends
A Bit of Holiday Mirth
Perhaps by now you've had a chance to watch the OLLI video, Fall Recap, Winter Preview that was emailed earlier in the month. As the six OLLI members and instructors featured in the video agreed, Zoom is relatively easy to learn. But, as was true for technology malfunctions that can occur in OLLI’s physical classrooms, Zoom is not free from technology glitches. For a good belly laugh, watch the not-yet-ready-for-prime-time OLLI Blooper Fun. It serves as a timely reminder that camaraderie is possible in cyberspace. We hope you’ll use your newfound Zoom skills for warm and safe visits with loved ones this holiday season.

Thank you to these folks for their enlightening and entertaining conversation, and special thanks to the behind-the-scenes producer, Anne Bellegia.
Lifelong Learning Opportunities
OLLI at Berkshire Community College invites OLLI members everywhere to celebrate Elvis Presley's birthday on January 8 with a book talk about his connection to the Jewish community by author Roselle Chartock. Free and open to all. Advance registration is required. Click here for more information and to sign up.

If you're missing a winter escape to warmer climes, and enjoy citizen science, you may want to participate in a collaborative effort between WildWatch Kenya and the San Diego Zoom to collect information from trail cameras. Click here to learn more.

The Women's History Museum offers a wealth of information in its online exhibits. Click here to see the impressive collections of photographs and materials.

High Museum of Art in Atlanta includes a photographic exhibit on the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Click here to learn more.

The Detroit Institute of Art offers a range of virtual exhibits including works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Click here to look around.