The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is an inclusive community of more than 2,100 adults who share a love of learning. By becoming a member, you’ll join peers who seek to foster connection, exploration, and engagement. We take pride in providing an excellent lifelong learning experience for our members.
Mission Statement: OLLI at Duke fosters a dynamic community of lifelong learners through educational programs, social engagement, and volunteer opportunities that inspire curiosity, connection, and growth.
Connect with others who share your love of learning.
Explore new ideas and activities.
Challenge yourself.
Build community with your peers.
In-Person Courses
Online Courses
Special Events and Workshops include mini courses, lectures, tours, and social gatherings for members. These events are designed to complement the institute's regular courses and offer opportunities for members to connect with one another and the wider community.
Details about upcoming Special Events and Workshops are shared in the member newsletter and catalog.
Workshops
Dates
Fall 2026 registration is currently open. Registration for each course remains open through the first week of the course.
Check out the video below for a demo of how to register for an OLLI course. The OLLI at Duke FAQ page lists questions about the registration process.
Enrollment and Waitlists
Course capacities are set by instructors, staff, and parking limitations. Most online courses have higher enrollment limits, while in-person courses tend to be smaller and fill quickly. You can find the maximum enrollment for each course at the bottom of its description. Click the Courses tab on this website to review course profiles.
If a course reaches capacity, members can join an automated waitlist. When a spot becomes available, the system will invite the next person on the waitlist via email.
Members will have 48 hours from the time the email is sent to accept the spot and complete payment. If no action is taken, the offer will expire and the member will move to the bottom of the waitlist. The spot will then be offered to the next person on the list.
To transfer or drop a course, please email learnmore@duke.edu. Please refer to the refund policy for more information.
Payments
Courses are individually priced, with fees (including any materials costs) listed in the course catalog and on each course's profile page on this website.
Payment of course fees is required at the time of registration and must be made by credit card. Please note that checks are not accepted.
OLLI’s refund policy can be found on the OLLI Policies page.
Scholarship Support
OLLI at Duke offers need-based Community Memberships to support access to lifelong learning. Financial assistance does not apply to Experiential Education. To apply or learn more, email olli@duke.edu. All requests are confidential.
Joining OLLI at Duke is simple! Annual membership dues are $60. Memberships can be purchased March 1 and are valid through June 30 of the following calendar year; please note that dues are nonrefundable.
Membership benefits
Membership includes access to:
- Register for engaging, non-credit courses
- Participate in special lectures and events
- Join Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
- Volunteer opportunities
- Social gatherings and activities
- Exclusive travel opportunities with OLLI at Duke
- An invitation to the OLLI Member Directory
- An invitation to four OLLI webinars per year
- Invitations to join selected programs with the Duke Alumni Forever Learning Institute
- A 25% off discount to selected programs with Duke Arts
How to join
There are two easy ways to become an OLLI at Duke member:
- During registration: The online registration system will automatically add a new membership to your cart when you enroll in courses.
- From our website: Click here to add a current membership to your cart.
For questions or assistance, feel free to contact us at olli@duke.edu.
Find your course links for Duke OLLI courses in the Student and Instructor Portal
OLLI Registration
Viewing OLLI at Duke Course Catalog Online
Each year, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers more than 200 courses across three terms: fall, spring, and summer. Our Curriculum Committee, comprised of dedicated members, carefully reviews and selects courses to ensure a diverse and engaging program. Course topics are inspired by member suggestions, as well as contributions from instructors and advisors, providing a balanced selection that offers something for everyone.
Our courses typically cover the following areas:
- Art and Architecture
- Economics & Public Policy
- Hands-On Art
- History: Past & Present
- Literature and Languages
- Performing Arts
- Photography
- Religion & Philosophy
- Science & Technology
- Society and Culture
- Wellness Activities
- Writing
OLLI’s unique set of excellent and passionate instructors come from diverse backgrounds, including retired faculty from Duke and nearby institutions, graduate and postdoctoral students, working artists, local business owners, independent scholars, and the occasional politician.
Do you have a suggestion for a course topic or know someone who would make a great OLLI instructor? Please reach out to Jenny Levine at jenny.levine@duke.edu.
All OLLI events are in Eastern Time (ET). Please read carefully as all dates are subject to change.
| When | Event |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | |
September 14 | First day of Fall rerm |
September 21 | No classes |
November 23 | Last day of Fall term |
| November 24, 25, & 30 | Fall make-up days |
| December 16 | Annual OLLIDay Luncheon at the Washington Duke Inn |
| Winter 2027 | |
January 19 | First day of Winter term |
March 29 | Last day of Winter term |
March 30- April 5 | Winter make-up days |
|
|
Spring 2027 |
|
| May 3 | First day of Spring term |
June 11 | Last day of Spring term |
| June 14-17 | Spring make-up days |
Our online courses are taught via Zoom. Links to your class can be found in your Student Portal by logging in at the top right of this website.
Most in-person courses are taught at our classroom facility at the Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W Cornwallis Rd. Durham, NC, 27705, unless otherwise noted in the course description.
OLLI at Duke keeps members informed and engaged through our weekly newsletter.
The OLLI newsletter provides updates about upcoming events, special workshops, and course registration details. Click here to sign up for our newsletter and stay in the loop.
Online Learning Website
OLLI at Duke has developed a dedicated website for online learning activities. This site features Zoom how-to guides, technical assistance requests, and details about the current term. Visit the site at https://www.olliatduke.online for more information.