Our Members

UT OLLI FORUM is a community of active, engaged adults who are enthusiastic about the pursuit of life-long learning. OLLI members join FORUM to explore fresh insights, stay current on important topics, and meet new, exciting people. The varied backgrounds and life experiences that our members bring from their professions, travel, volunteer work and communities enrich our program offerings, discussions, and friendships. 

Curriculum

UT OLLI FORUM offers three six-week sessions each year that meet on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. ‒ 2:10 p.m. CT from September to May. Our seminars and lectures are planned by UT OLLO FORUM volunteers with the support of UT OLLI program staff.

Seminars explore one topic in depth for six weeks, and lectures cover a different subject each week. The Seminar and Lecture Committees offer six seminars and six lectures, respectively, for each session drawn from member interests. During registration, members sign up for in-depth seminars and standalone lectures on an array of subjects such as history, religion, health, science, and public affairs.

Friday Seminar and Lecture Schedule

• Seminar
  • 9:30 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.
  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
• Lecture
  • 1:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.

*Livestreamed Schedule
_{*Will be recorded}

• Friday's 1:00 p.m. lectures are hybrid in which UT OLLI FORUM members can attend in-person or remotely.
• Attend online-exclusive classes offered on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. – 2:10 p. m.
• Remotely attend a class on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

Recent seminar and lecture topics have included:

• The UT-Austin Climate Collaboration: Template for Climate Solutions Globally
• The Supreme Court—The Social Evolutionary Nature of Decision-Making
• Sursum: Elisabet Ney Arises in Europe and Texas*
• Changing Lives with Music*

*Content-related field trips.

More Than Just a Classroom Experience

Classroom learning is complemented by various tours, field trips, shows, and special interest groups. Many of these events are designed to supplement seminars and lectures with the aim of providing an energetic social context for enhanced learning.

Events

Members gather at a variety of social activities throughout the year. Tours, field trips, and shows are open to all for a nominal cost. An end-of-session social is scheduled every six weeks to thank our seminar speakers and the UT OLLI program staff. Recent events have included:

• A tour of The Painted Churches in Texas*
• A tour of the Austin State Hospital*
• A trip to Marfa focusing on the McDonald Observatory
• Amtrak trip to Ft. Worth for Museum Tours
• Zach Theater presentation of Roe

*Content-related seminars/lectures.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

A variety of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are available to members and include conversational Spanish, mahjongg, pickleball, book clubs, dinner groups, and "Wine after FORUM."

Additional Information

UT OLLI FORUM membership fees are paid annually and include all costs and assessments except for optional excursions and social functions.