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UTEP’s OLLI to Offer Fall Courses in Online Format

Last Updated on August 25, 2020 at 12:00 AM

Originally published August 25, 2020

By UC Staff

UTEP Communications

Officials with The University of Texas at El Paso’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) announced recently that it would offer its fall courses online in response to the positive reaction to the summer online classes and the continuing concerns with COVID-19.

Adult woman working on craft project.
The University of Texas at El Paso’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will offer its fall courses online in response to the positive reaction to the summer online classes. The fall semester includes more than 80 courses that will be divided into two sessions that start Sept. 8 and Oct. 26.

OLLI, a program open to adults age 50 and older, will register students through Aug. 31, 2020. The fall semester includes more than 80 courses that will be divided into two sessions that start Sept. 8 and Oct. 26. The courses include art, food, crafts, music, movies, travel, science, architecture, photography, political science and so much more. For a complete list of courses and to register, visit the OLLI website.

Lynn Provenzano, OLLI executive director, said the program’s students called the online education format instituted this summer as “fun.”

“Members felt connected and we all became more proficient in Zooming in to classes,” Provenzano said in reference to the video conferencing tool used for instruction.

Provenzano said program leaders decided to continue with the online format this fall as a precaution for its many students who are in the high-risk zone because of the pandemic and would not be able to participate in face-to-face classes. She praised the instructors for their willingness to use technology to teach their courses.

She said the online delivery has allowed OLLI students to stay connected in spite of the pandemic.

OLLI members pay an annual membership fee of $30 per individual or $50 per household and a $70 registration fee per semester that entitles them to take as many courses as they want. On top of the classes, members can join different special-interest groups and visit a “virtual” lounge to connect with friends.

“We need to stay socially and mentally active to support wellness in our lives,” Provenzano said. “We found a silver lining in online courses. They keep mature adults engaged, active and thriving.”