Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I contact OLLI at Pacific?
Mailing Address: University of Pacific /OLLI l 3601 Pacific Avenue l Stockton, CA 95211
Office Location: 1776 W March Ln, #332, Stockton, CA 95207
Members Walk-In Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 AM to 1:00 PM
Jennifer Juanitas, Program Director
Phone: 209.946.7658
Email: OLLI@Pacific.edu
2. What is OLLI at Pacific?
OLLI at Pacific is one of 124 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes nationwide. It is supported by the University of Pacific, the Bernard Osher Foundation, and OLLI at Pacific members. Lifelong Learning programs began as Pacific Experience in 1997 under the direction of former President Dr. Don DeRosa. In 2007, the university was awarded its first grant establishing the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute now known as OLLI at Pacific. A subsequent gift from the Foundation in 2010 endowed the university thus ensuring OLLI@Pacific's long term viability while recognizing it as a program of national distinction.
OLLI offers a rich array of classes and learning opportunities designed for adults who are 50 or older, but all ages are welcome. You can explore academic and general interest classes in an atmosphere that is intellectually challenging but without the stress of tests or grades. Our members are people with a desire to learn and seek intellectual stimulation. They want to experience new and creative ways of self-expression, explore new ideas with peers, take an active part in shaping the world around us, and build new friendships.
3. Why belong to OLLI at Pacific?
People who are active, engaged in their communities, and who continue learning throughout their lives feel more productive and purposeful, and are healthier and happier. Members share common bonds of intellectual curiosity and the experience of their generation. They are self-motivated learners, eager to share opinions, knowledge, and expertise with humor and mutual respect. OLLIoffers opportunities to meet new friends, make contacts, and develop connections. In addition to lectures, members can attend social events, take field trips, and participate in a myriad of other short courses that betters one's quality of life, providing a personal sense of health, engagement, and overall well-being.
4. What are the requirements to join?
OLLI at Pacific courses are designed for lifeling learners age 50 or older; all ages welcome. Members from all backgrounds attend; a college education or previous association with the university is not a requirement for membership. The only prerequisite for joining is a desire to learn. Curiosity never retires!
5. Who are the teachers?
Our instructors are experts in their fields and include distinguished university faculty, both active and retired, as well as community educators and leaders. We also invite members who wish to share their personal passion for a particular subject. Instructors tell us they enjoy teaching to an audience with life experience who want to be there. To others, the idea of teaching without having to read papers, correct tests and worst of all give out grades is really appealing.
6. How do I get on the OLLI mailing list?
Please call 209.946.7658 or email your name, address, and phone number to: OLLI@Pacific.edu. We will gladly send mail to you, your family and/or friends if you share their address(es) with us.
7. Where are classes held?
Fall 2020 Semester is being held completely online, distance learning via Zoom. Regular semesters are held at these locations:
- University of the Pacific campus • 3601 Pacific Ave • Stockton 95211
- Professional Development Center (PDC) • 1776 W March Ln, #290 and #330 • Stockton 95207
- O'Connor Woods Retirement Community • 3400 Wagner Heights Rd • Stockton 95209
- First United Methodist Church • 200 W Oak St • Lodi 95240
- Central United Methodist Church • 3700 Pacific Ave • Stockton 95204
- Cheese Central • 11 N School Street • Lodi 95240
8. What does it cost?
OLLI is a membership organization. Every OLLI member pays annual dues of $95 which enrolls them with basic membership for the fall through spring academic year. Some programs or events may carry an additional fee due to special materials or costs required.
9. What are the annual membership benefits?
Members who pay the annual $95 dues are considered Members and as such are enrolled in OLLI@Pacific for the academic year beginning with the fall semester through spring. Annual Membership entitles you to:
- Two semesters of lectures
- Early enrollment
- Advance notification of other university events
- International travel opportunities
- Discounts on Apple and Microsoft technology
- Eligibility to join the Baun Fitness Center or Kjeldsen Swimming Pool
- Free Pacific Library privileges and on-campus "B" parking
- Free admission for two at Conservatory concerts
- Eligibility to serve on the OLLI Advisory Board
- $5 off Valley Brew Take 5 Jazz sessions
- Special in-store offers at participating Miracle Mile and Lincoln Center retail shops
11. Where can I park at the University?
With fall and spring semester registrations, OLLI members receive a FREE parking pass (valued at $100) for "B" lots on campus.
12. How do I sign up?
There are FOUR easy ways to register!
- ONLINE: You can register online at JoinOLLI.Pacific.edu.
- MAIL: Registrations and payment can be mailed to University of Pacific/OLLI, 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95211.
- PHONE: Telephone registration hours are Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Please have your credit card information readily available and call 209.946.7658.
- IN-PERSON: Register Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM -1:00 PM at the OLLI@Pacific Office on the third floor, at 1776 W. March Lane, #332. Please call ahead. The staff works part time and may be attending to business outside the office.
13. How will I know that my registration form was received?
Due to heavy volume, please allow up to two weeks for our office to process mailed registrations. A registration packet containing your member badge (if you are a new member), a "B" lot annual parking permit, and class confirmation will be mailed to you. We encourage you to call us if you have not received your registration packet within two weeks.
14. Can I bring a guest?
Enthusiasm for our program is contagious. We encourage every active OLLI member to bring a guest to the welcome receptions. You may bring a friend or family member who has never attended any OLLI@Pacific program as a one-time guest to a lecture.
15. Can I apply for a scholarship?
OLLI at Pacific offers a limited number of scholarships each semester. Please call the OLLI office for more information. 209.946.7658.
16. Can I purchase a membership for someone as a gift?
OLLI at Pacific memberships make meaningful gifts for any occasion, including birthdays, retirements, anniversaries, and holidays. Your gift can jumpstart new friendships and interests which your recipient will value for a lifetime. Gifts are non-refundable and non-transferable.
If you have more questions about gift memberships, please call our office at 209.946.7658.
17. Can I pay for just a short course?
OLLI is a membership organization. In order to register for any short course, one must be enrolled in the academic year. This requires paying the annual dues of $95. If there is a fee for the short course, that will be added as well.
18. How Can I Make a Donation to OLLI at Pacific?
There are many interested people in our community whose household budgets will not allow them to participate in our lifelong learning program. We have been able to sponsor several people each semester with gifts underwritten by people like you.
There are many other ways to support OLLI at Pacific with a tax-deductible donation. You might consider underwriting our receptions, publications, or lecture series; adding to our endowment fund; making tribute gifts; bequeathing us in your trust or will; and supporting our fundraising initiatives to enhance and grow the program. Click on the link on our homepage that says: MAKE A GIFT. Please call Jennifer Juanitas, Program Director, at 209-946-7658 if you would like help in establishing the appropriate philanthropic path for you.
19. Can I offer suggestions for lectures and courses?
We encourage our members to offer recommendations for future lectures. All suggestions are provided to the OLLI at Pacific Advisory Board's Curriculum Committee for review. If you have a suggestion for a lecture or short course and have the name of an instructor, please advise the office, inform an Advisory Board member and/or add this information to class evaluation forms.
20. Does OLLI at Pacific have volunteer opportunities?
It takes behind the scenes work by our Advisory Board, various committees, the newsletter contributors, and office volunteers to make a program like ours succeed. Members respond to requests to assemble envelopes at the beginning of each semester, and others greet members at the Welcome Receptions or at class sign-in tables.
Perhaps you'd like to become more involved. Budding and expert photographers can help document OLLI history at events and courses. Would you like to introduce our lecturers or lead a study group? Have you thought about sharing an interest of yours with fellow lifelong learners?
Consider taking a more active role in your lifelong learning odyssey. Call us at 209.946.7658 and we can help you take the first step in the development of your idea. Committees work with curriculum, marketing, membership, social opportunities, fundraising and volunteering. Volunteers who give their time, experience, and creativity make OLLI at Pacific exceptional. Your help will enrich our program, and you will get back much more than you give through appreciation, new friendships, and a feeling of accomplishment.
21. Does the schedule ever change?
Courses are scheduled months in advance. Due to circumstances beyond our control, class dates, instructors, times and locations are sometimes subject to change. OLLI will make every effort possible to notify you, in advance, about schedule or instructor changes. Be sure we have a current email address.
22. How are cancellations handled?
Although we make every effort to avoid course cancellations, administrative emergencies or low enrollments do occur. Please provide us with the best daytime phone number and e-mail address so that we may reach you in a timely manner. If a course is canceled due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen faculty emergencies, you will receive a full refund for that course if there is one.
23. What is OLLI@Pacific's refund policy?
Fully-paid current OLLI at Pacific members may withdraw from the program or short courses by notifying the OLLI office of their intent. (Gift memberships are non-refundable.) Withdrawal refunds apply as follows:
- Annual dues are non-refundable.
- Refunds for short courses must be requested no later than 3 days before the course begins. There is a $10 processing fee for withdrawing from any short course.
- 1-day short courses or daytrips are not refundable, but are transferable to another member. If you cannot attend and give your seat to another member, please notify the office at 209.946.7658.
- Excursion Refund Policy - Tickets to theatre or events involving transportation are transferable but not refundable. If you cannot attend and give your ticket to another person, please notify the office at 209.946.7658.
