Philosophy and Guidelines on Workshops

OLLI at Stony Brook University hosts workshops, as well as other functions, that are designed for mature adults who have a lifelong interest in learning and who seek a fun and intellectually satisfying educational experience. 

The key to OLLI’s success is continuing to encourage a spirit of fellowship in which there are no faculty but only members who seek to share their interests, experiences and talents. The descriptive term “workshops” is deliberately chosen instead of “courses” or “classes.” OLLI workshops are peer-led study groups on various subjects in which the OLLI workshop leader facilitates and encourages other members to participate in a common learning experience appropriate to its university setting. Although the subjects of workshops vary widely, they reflect this setting because the University established our lifelong learning program and provides its facilities.

OLLI at SBU is a member driven program. Workshop Leaders are volunteers, and participation in the activities outlined in the Volunteer Identification and Agreement is wholly voluntary and without expectation of salary, employee benefits or other valuable consideration.