We are NOT on the main RIT campus! Osher is located off East River Road in Henrietta at 50 Fairwood Drive (Suite 100), Rochester NY 14623 – about one mile south of the main RIT campus. Our off-campus site allows for ample parking with easy access to all classrooms. Handicapped parking is available. No long walks to far-off campus buildings! Get Directions.
Osher members are older adults who are retired or work part time and know that lifelong learning is the best way to keep mentally sharp and active.
Osher is not an acronym. It is the last name of Bernard Osher, the founder of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes across the US. Read about the Osher Foundation.
No. Osher offers non-credit-bearing courses.
No, this is learning for learning’s sake with none of the pressure of exams, grades, or other requirements.
Any older adults who have a thirst for learning can join Osher regardless of educational background or work experience.
Yes. The RIT College of Liberal Arts offers more than 100 courses that Osher members may participate in (audit) as a “listen and observe” experience. You can even take the exams, but there is no pressure or any requirement to do so. College credits will not be granted.
No, because college credits are not being being earned.
Courses are led by Osher at RIT members and by those in our network of 125+ Osher Institutes nationwide.
If you'd like, you can lead a course at Osher when and if you are ready. You don’t need to be an expert or a former teacher or professor. You just need an interest and a passion to share that interest with others. Volunteers can assist you in designing a course.
No, we have “wizards” that assist the course leader with any technology or audio/visual needs in the classroom.
Osher has many social opportunities: tours to local and regional places of interest, SIGs (Special Interest Groups), and special events planned by our member volunteers.
Yes, each classroom has audio/visual equipment and a Listen assistive-listening system for those who are hard of hearing.
There are five classrooms which hold from 15 to 115 members. There is also a library, a lounge with a fireplace and computer stations to catch up on emails or do research, and a kitchen with a refrigerator and microwaves should you want to bring your lunch or snack.