OLLI@UND program to be discontinued at the end of February

The OLLI@UND (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) program will be discontinued the end of February 2018.

Although the University of North Dakota and Bismarck State College have worked diligently over the last 10 years to make OLLI a financially viable program, efforts to that end have not been successful, especially with the dramatic recent budget cuts. Funding from all sources has not been sufficient to cover OLLI’s program costs.  Over the past few years UND has had to cover more of OLLI’s costs with additional funding. In the end, this is not viable given the reduction in UND’s budget as a result of North Dakota’s slowed economy.

The OLLI program will continue to offer courses, tours, and lectures during the Fall/Winter semester in Grand Forks and Bismarck from September 2017 through February 2018.  There will also be OLLI showcases this fall and special events are planned for OLLI members in Bismarck and Grand Forks.

After the winter programming is complete in February 2018, OLLI@UND will be phased out as an active organization.  Memberships that extend past February 2018 will be reimbursed at a rate commensurate with the length of your membership.

This has not been an easy decision for UND and for the Office of Extended Learning.  However, there are other lifelong learning opportunities in the Grand Forks and Bismarck areas that those interested are encouraged to pursue. For additional information, please visit the FAQ page.

If you have additional questions, please contact Lynette Krenelka, director of the Office of Extended Learning, at 701.777.4883 or lynette.krenelka@UND.edu.