OLLI is a vibrant learning community that has grown through active member involvement and strong support from Furman University. The Institute falls under the Continuing Education Department but is uniquely guided by bylaws and an executive council voted upon by its membership. Everyone is encouraged to contribute in some way. You may teach a class, be a class liaison, serve on a committee or on the Council, help with record keeping, make coffee, give directions or perform other tasks. OLLI @ Furman’s Administrative Council Members are elected from the general membership under bylaws adopted by the members. There are standing committees and ad hoc committees created as needed for special projects.
Note: Each year the Administrative Council (Members-At-Large are on a 3 year rotation) is rotated off in May during the Spring Luncheon. It is the responsibility of the committee chairmen to choose and train their successors. Both the Chair and Chair-elect members attend all Council meetings (average 4 a year). This helps to ensure continuity in OLLI throughout the years.
Updated Bylaws [PDF] were approved by the membership at the Annual Luncheon on May 20, 2014. You may also view the Current OLLI Mission and Vision Statement [PDF].
The Administration Committee decides on the length of each term (ten weeks, eight weeks, etc.), membership fees, expenditure of endowment funds, and other administrative decisions. The committee meets only when there is a decision about changing the current fees, term lengths, etc.–generally once per term. For more information, contact Committee Chair Ron Eldridge.
The Curriculum Committee develops the list of outstanding classes OLLI offers each term. The committee is divided into subcommittees, each focusing on specific interest areas: Arts, Culture, and Music; Business and Finance; Computers and Technology; Current Events and Other; Health, Fitness, and Exercise; Languages and Travel; Photography; Practical Arts and Hobbies; Psychology, Personal Development, and Self-Help; Religion and Philosophy; and Science and Math.
Each subcommittee has at least two members, and we are always looking for additional OLLI members to help find new and interesting classes and instructors. If you are interested in participating on a subcommittee or have ideas for new classes, please contact Chair Lance Renault.
The Instructor Committee on keeping and supporting our incredible faculty. Through mentors for our new instructors, helpful tips and guidance to make their teaching more effective, and pre-term instructor lunches this committee is there for the instructors. You’ll fit in this group if you are a past educator or just someone who likes to get the most out of people! This committee meets a couple of times each term. If you’re interested in serving on this committee, contact Judy Pearson for more information.
Contact May Welborn for information.
The Social Committee plans a calendar of fun events each term. We work to schedule a variety of events, from breakfasts to sporting events to plays to movies….the possibilities are endless. If you have ideas for events that OLLI members would enjoy. If you’d like to serve on the committee as a planner, or as a host for a particular event, we’d love to have you!
The Social Committee also coordinates our Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Watch OLLI Notes for upcoming activities. You can also check the Social Calendar on the bulletin board outside the Crabtree Room (HC 110).
The Volunteer Committee works to involve members in all-volunteer aspects of OLLI, thereby increasing retention and satisfaction of members. The committee works to recruit, train, retain, recognize, and reward volunteers; conducts succession planning; oversees scheduling and training of office volunteers; and helps fill OLLI committee positions. If you’re interested in serving on the Volunteer Committee, contact Kathy Roed.