We are located in the Human Services and Design (HS&D) Building which is in the East Campus near the intersection of Palo Verde Avenue and State University Drive (see map).
Our classrooms and offices are located on the campus of a very large (almost 35,000 students) and busy university. Less than 2000 students (about 5.5%) live on campus in residence halls – the remainder commute. So, like most major universities, CSULB has parking issues. A newly constructed parking structure holding 1200 automobiles opened in August, 2006 which is helpful, particularly since it is located in the general student parking lot nearest our classrooms/office (Lot #11 off Palo Verde Avenue).
During the registration period for each term, OLLI participants can purchase special student parking permits valid for the duration of the term for all general student parking lots on campus. These permits cost $18.00. One Day permits for these same lots are available from vending machines located in each general lot at a cost of $4.00. There is limited metered parking nearby (rate = $1.75 per hour). OLLI students possessing a DMV issued Disabled Parking Permit can obtain a special campus parking permit (cost also $18.00) from the OLLI Office which allows them to park during the current term in a restricted lot (#9) which is much closer to our facility. The OLLI Office must be given a copy of the DMV permit. The DMV issued parking placard and the special CSULB Parking Permit must both be displayed when cars are parked in Lot # 9. Automobiles parked in any campus parking lot which do not display the appropriate permit are subject to citation (minimum fine = $40.00).
The CSULB campus can be reached using buses operated by both the Long Beach Transit System and the Orange County Transit System. If you live in the area serviced by Long Beach the fastest way to find your best routing is to telephone them at (562) 591-2301 or log on to www.lbtransit.com and click on the Metro Trip Planner icon. If you live in Orange County, a similar service is offered by the OCTA – their telephone number is (714) 636-7433 and their website is located at www.octa.net.
When regular Fall and Spring semester classes are in session at CSULB, there is a shuttle bus that circles the campus every 10 minutes or so (see map for shuttle stops). [LINK] This Campus Connection shuttle is available to OLLI students. Otherwise, it is a moderate walk across campus from the nearest bus stops to our location.
There are several reasons for the tuition difference. One is the cost of the textbooks provided. We have found that students learning computer skills do much better if each has his/her own textbook to study at home, scribble notes in, etc. Hence, virtually all of our computer classes use a textbook that we provide. Some are selected by instructors from commercial publishers, others are printed at our expense under license from Senior Net using materials and teaching techniques that they have shown to be very successful with seniors. By contrast, most of the lecture classes have no text book.
In addition, students are provided with materials for their use at home on floppy disks or CDs at no additional cost. We also provide blank media (CDs and DVDs) for advanced students to use when learning to make photo albums, slide shows, movies, etc. Finally, advances in technology cause computers to age and go out-of-date far faster than humans do. So we set aside a portion of each computer class student’s tuition to purchase new and up-to-date equipment for our lab on a three to four year cycle. We want to give our computer students the best possible hardware on which to learn new skills.
Not at all. First, our students do not earn any college credit or even “continuing education credits” for the classes they take. So, there are no tests, exams, and little if any homework. Sometimes students are asked to read something before the next class or practice something, however, even that is entirely optional. OLLI is somewhat like an academic cafeteria – we are at liberty to choose our level of participation in whatever it is that interest us. Mostly, it is learning about stuff that we didn’t have the time, energy, or enthusiasm for during the earlier parts of our lives. Only some of the computer classes have prerequisites and that is to insure that the student has enough knowledge/skill to grasp the material presented. Otherwise, OLLI students sign-up for classes that interest them and participate in them at their own comfort level.
Cordial and friendly are two of the best terms to describe our interaction with the CSULB community. Many of the “regular” students express fascination at the idea of people our age attending classes just because we love learning and/or want to explore new topics. They are courteous and respectful and quickly acknowledge our “Hi” and “How are you?” greetings. They seem to be quite content with sharing their campus with us.
Part of the reason for this good relationship is that many OLLI Members are strong supporters of the University and its activities. Some are alumni. Some of our members are avid sports fans and regularly attend sporting events on campus. Others are patrons of the various programs put on by the Music and Theatre Departments. Our members are docents at the University Art Museum and volunteer ushers at the Carpenter Center. We regularly respond to student and faculty requests for interviews and “first-hand” information about the aging process as well as other student and faculty inquiries. In return, the University provides us with space and administrative support. CSULB Identification Cards are available to OLLI Members. These provide some discounts on ticket prices to University events as well as library privileges.
In short, OLLI and its members are viewed as being part of the CSULB community. It is a very pleasant relationship.
Except for our Executive Director and our Office Administrator, everyone at OLLI is a volunteer. This includes instructors, office workers, Governing Council Officers, committee chairpersons and members, computer class coaches, our webmaster, etc. We always have a need for more volunteers and will welcome you. Our volunteer coordinator is Jean Lowe – let her know you are interested (you can leave her a message in the OLLI Administrative Office at 562-985-8237 ) and she will find a spot for you.
We recognize our volunteers with a nice thank you luncheon each year and generally have some nice awards and prizes to give out. We work hard to be a congenial group that works together toward common goals and we have a 10 year history of success in this endeavor.
Although we have received some very generous grants for specific purposes and collect tuition payments from our students, we do need donations from individuals who support our mission to meet all of the expenses of putting on this program. We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit operation whose finances are handled by the CSULB Foundation. Donation checks may be made payable to the CSULB Foundation and mailed to California State University, Long Beach Foundation, 6300 State University Drive, Suite 332, Long Beach, CA 90815. . Please note on the reference line that this is a donation to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and whether it is a general donation or a donation to a specific purpose. Currently, we are soliciting specified donations to our scholarship fund (assists OLLI members who cannot afford our tuition and/or membership fees) and our “Smart Classroom” fund (to install an ceiling mounted projector in our main classroom along with appropriate DVD/Video Playback equipment and instructor controls).
Both memorial donations and donations “in honor of” someone are also appropriate. For your convenience, donation envelopes are available in the OLLI Office. All donations will be appropriately acknowledged.
