Frequently Asked Questions

We are NOT on the main RIT campus! OLLI is located off East River Road in Henrietta at 50 Fairwood Drive, Suite 100 (Orange Doors), Rochester NY 14623 – about one mile south of the main RIT campus. Our off-campus site allows for ample, free parking with easy access to all classrooms. Accessible parking spaces are available. Get Directions.

OLLI is designed for vibrant, older adults who want to engage in activities and non-credit-bearing courses to keep mentally sharp and active. Most members are age 50+, but if our OLLI program activities and classes fit into your schedule, please join us! However, to audit RIT undergraduate courses as an OLLI member, you must be age 50+.

It is the last name of Bernard Osher, the founder of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs) across the US. Read about the Osher Foundation.

No. We offer only 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 OLLI and take classes within our program regardless of educational background or work experience. To audit RIT undergraduate classes, however, you must be age 50+.

Yes. OLLI Full-Year members age 50+ may audit up to two eligible RIT undergraduate courses per semester. You can even take the exams, but there is no pressure or any requirement to do so. College credits will not be granted. See the Membership Benefits page for details.

No, because college credits are not being earned.

We accept course proposals from both non-members and members. You don’t need to be an expert or a former teacher/professor. You just need a passion to share your interests with others. Our Course Offerings Committee can assist you in designing a course.

No, we have volunteer “wizards” and staff members who assist the course leader with any technology or audio/visual needs in the classroom.

We have many social opportunities: tours to local and regional places of interest, Special Interest Groups, and special events planned by our member volunteers.  

Yes, each classroom has state-of-the-art 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.