Become an OLLI Member
The acclaimed historian and 12th Librarian of Congress Daniel Boorstin once said, “Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know.” OLLI is dedicated to fostering learning and engagement in all areas, including those of which our students may not have even thought before joining OLLI. This process of curiosity and discovery is at the heart of OLLI’s mission, which is to encourage learning as a lifelong pursuit and as its own reward.
OLLI has offered courses, study groups, lunchtime lectures, travel opportunities, and other activities to Central Illinois residents 50 or older since 2007. If you have participated in OLLI’s activities in the past, then you already know what a rich and exhilarating experience it is. If you have not yet discovered the many benefits of OLLI membership, we hope that you will join us on this exciting journey!
OLLI full-year memberships for 2023-2024 and Fall memberships will be available beginning May 15, 2023. The full-year memberships will be active from the time of purchase through June 30, 2024. Fall memberships will be active from the time of purchase through December 31, 2023. In late Fall 2023, Spring 2024 memberships will be available and run through June 30, 2024. Please note: Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 members (half-year members) are NOT eligible for a University of Illinois UIN, NetID, and i-Card (required for online access to select University of Illinois library materials). Only those full-year members who live within a 50-mile radius of OLLI at Illinois are eligible for a University of Illinois UIN, NetID, and i-Card
About Your OLLI Membership
OLLI membership allows you to register for courses offered in fall and spring; for the multiple study group sessions during the year; for our member-led interest groups; for all lectures, films, and special events; and for optional OLLI-planned activities that come with additional costs. Lectures and many other events are free with membership. Courses and study groups have modest fees, and members pay those fees only for each course or study group for which they register.Fees
An annual membership is $150. The annual membership period is from the time of purchase through June 30, 2024. Those who join during the open period prior to July 1 are welcome to participate fully in our June 2023 activities and events.
Fall memberships are available beginning May 15, 2023 for the period from time of purchase to December 31, 2023. A Fall membership is $90.
Spring memberships are available beginning January 1, 2024 for the period from time of purchase to June 30, 2024. A Spring membership is $90.
Only active OLLI at Illinois members are eligible to register for courses, study groups, and other programs.
All course and study group fees are pay-as-you go. Each 8-week course costs $40 (4-week courses are $20), and each study group costs $20. Most lectures and events are free for members, unless there is a charge by an outside venue.
OLLI for All
We are dedicated to making OLLI membership and participation affordable and accessible to area residents 50 and older who wish to be involved. If you would like to request a membership fee waiver, or require disability-related accommodations or special assistance, please contact the OLLI Director at olli@illinois.edu or 217-244-9141.
Membership in OLLI does not confer any further University of Illinois student, staff, or faculty status, or any other benefits pertaining to those roles. Member benefits may not be redeemed for any cash value. OLLI membership is intended solely for people fifty or older connected to East Central Illinois or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Spring memberships are now available.
Click here to learn how to become an OLLI member!
OLLI Gift Certificates
The joy of learning makes a wonderful gift! OLLI Gift Certificates are available for Memberships and Course and Study Group fees. They are available online and in the OLLI office. All Gift Certificate recipients will receive a brief email message composed by the purchaser on the date requested (e.g., birthday) during the purchasing process.
To PURCHASE A GIFT CERTIFICATE ▶
OLLI members:Please sign in to your account and select "Gift Certificate" under Select Program. Gifts to other OLLI members will be transferred to their accounts and they will receive a Gift Certificate email. The funds for a gift certificate to a non-OLLI member will be transferred to the recipient's account as soon as it is created.
Non-OLLI members: To purchase a Gift Certificate online, you will need to
1) create an Account under Membership Type: Gift Certificate. (There is no fee for this. You need only complete the required - starred - information, so that you can purchase the Gift Certificate.)
2) Once you create an account Username and Password, please log in with that information.
3) Select your name under "View Programs For" and Gift Certificate under "Select Semester," and click "Search."
4) Click "Register" under Gift Certificate.
5) Complete the Purchaser and Recipient information and Gift Certificate selections, and click "Continue."
6) Proceed to Checkout.
7) Read and accept Terms of Use and click "Continue."
8) Complete payment information and submit.
9) You will receive a confirmation email for your purchase.
Gift Certificates may also be purchased by calling the OLLI office at 217-244-9141.