ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

Program Details

• ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ OLLI AT ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

  Osher at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

  Mission Statement: The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University San Marcos (OLLI at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´) is an intellectual and social community of inquisitive learners established to engage people over 50 years of age through higher education and the arts. With scholarly and invigorating programming, OLLI connects members to the brightest minds and ideas in our society, including university-level professors and successful professionals who are leaders in many fields. The program strives to inspire seasoned learners who share intellectual curiosity and a quest for knowledge.

  Established in 2004, OLLI at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ is one of 124 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes nationwide supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation.

  OLLI facilitates a meaningful learning experience, increase community involvement and enhance social connections, all beneficial to a flourishing life. 

  If you want to renew your enthusiasm for learning, explore new interests and make new friends, OLLI is for you!

  The Bernard Osher Foundation: In 2004, Cal State San Marcos Extended Learning was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation to establish the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).  After growing the program and reaching 500 members, Cal State San Marcos was endowed $1,000,000 to ensure the program’s continued growth.  The , headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader.  The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts.  The Foundation provides postsecondary scholarship funding to colleges and universities across the nation, with special attention to reentry students.  The Foundation also supports selected centers in integrative medicine at Harvard University, the University of California, San Francisco, and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.  In addition, the Foundation supports a growing national network of lifelong learning institutes for mature adults.  Each provides a distinctive array of non-credit courses and activities specifically developed for seasoned adults aged 50 or older who are interested in learning for the joy of learning. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, operating on the campuses of 124 colleges and universities from Maine to Hawaii, have a National Resource Center at the University of Southern Maine.

• BECOME A MEMBER

  Membership is required to participate in Osher classes at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´. There are four membership options outlined below. If you have any questions, please reach out to us!

  Becoming a member of Osher at Cal State University San Marcos will introduce you to a diverse community of like-minded engaging peers, allow you intellectual and cultural exploration opportunities, and will provide you a truly exciting experience. Memberships are required to participate in Osher courses. Occasionally, there may be an event that is open to the public but it will be noted in the course description. The Taste of Osher event does not require a membership to attend.

  Memberships are valid July 1 - June 30 (unless membership is a specific term only). Memberships may be purchased at any time, but will not be prorated. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

  Membership benefits include:

  • Access to a wide array of courses
  • Complimentary intersession discussion groups
  • Special Osher member pricing on select noncredit Extended Learning courses
  • Discounts on local attractions through ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´'s Associated Students, INC.
  • Free student admission to the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Arts and Lectures program

  General Membership

  • $35 yearly fee and pay as you go for courses and trips
  • Class prices vary depending on the number of weeks in the course series
    • One day is $18, five weeks is $80, etc.
  • Most courses meet once a week for two hours and are held from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. or from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
  • Each student must have their own Osher account
    • Purchase only ONE membership per account

  Annual Membership

  • $560 yearly fee for unlimited courses throughout the year (some exclusions apply)
  • Simply pay one fee and select an unlimited number of courses from 100+ offerings throughout the year
  • Destination learning trips, special events, pop-up lectures, art supplies for hands-on art courses or museum entrance fees for art appreciation courses are not covered.

• CLASS UPDATES & CANCELLATIONS

  Cancelled Classes

  Please check back for class cancellations 

  Class Updates

  Please check back for class updates

• DESTINATION LEARNING

  Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure Tour

  Join Bonnie Weingarth and DANA WHARF OC's first (and local Dana Point favorite) whale watching company and delight in the exciting sights and sounds of the magnificent ocean creatures seen daily by Dana Wharf. Known as a landmark for marine life sightings, Dana Wharf's Dana Point Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure Tours offer rare glimpses into a huge variety of underwater wildlife and gorgeous scenic views you'll never forget.

  • Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (arrive by 9:15 a.m.)
  • Location: 4675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA
  • Fee: $49
  • Registration required

  Tour of Police and Fire Facilities

  The Carlsbad Fire Department welcomes all members of the community to tour our stations. Visitors will be able to meet members of the Carlsbad Fire Department and learn about firefighters’ daily activities, equipment and emergency vehicles and see where they sleep, study and train. Station tours may also include hands-on demonstrations and messaging on various safety topics.

  • Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
  • Location: 2560 Orien Way, Carlsbad, 92101
  • Fee: $18
  • Registration required

  Please note: No refunds or discounts on Destination Learning Trips/Events

• FREE LECTURES

  Free Lectures for Members

  Below is a list of upcoming courses with a link to learn more and register for that course.

  107 Days at Sea: The Journey That Changed Everything

  At 63, Jill Chalsty boarded a ship alone, grieving her husband’s death and battling cancer. What began as a voyage around the world became far more than a trip. In this lecture, Jill shares the story behind her memoir Packets of Hope, inviting participants to travel alongside her through the ports she visited, the people she met, and the reflections that transformed personal adversity into strength and global impact. Jill demonstrates how one person’s courage can create ripples that span continents. Participants are encouraged to read her memoir, available free before the presentation.

  • Monday, Oct.12, 2026
  • 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Zoom only
  • Free for members
  • Jill Siegal Chalsty

  Creating Fascinating Villains

  What makes a person a villain? This hands-on workshop highlights key characteristics of popular villains in literature and the movies, and how they shape a good read or cinema watch. Villains are often shaped by the writer observing people, their flaws, motivations, backstory, and connection to the hero or protagonist. Participants will receive tips for and create a villain that is engaging, believable and the character in the story that readers will love to hate.

  • Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
  • 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  • In-class only ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ ELB 470
  • Free for members
  • Marsha Lupi

• OSHER ONLINE COURSES (OOL)

  Osher Online (OOL) is a program offered in collaboration with Northwestern University. We are now able to offer fully online courses to our ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Osher members. View OOL frequently asked questions. 

  Winter 2027 Osher Online Course Offerings

  for one or all courses today!

  Functional Healthspan Measuring What Matters

  • Mondays, Jan. 25 – March 1
  • 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Scott Fulton
  • 
    
    

  Guilded Age New York

  • Mondays, Jan. 25 – March 1
  • 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Adam Kocurek
  • 
    
    

  Funny You Should Mention It: TV Sitcoms in the 21st Century

  • Mondays, Jan. 25 – March 1
  • 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Jim McKairnes
  • 
    
    

  Popular Cultures of the Middle East

  • Mondays, Jan. 25 – March 1
  • 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Nour Hodeib
  • 
    
    

  The Power of Introverts

  • Mondays, Feb. 1 – March 8
  • 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Jeri Bingham
  • 
    
    

  The American Revolution and the British Empire

  • Tuesdays, Jan. 19 – Feb. 23
  • 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Richard Bell
  • 
    
    

  Famous Furniture Makers and Their Fabulous Creations

  • Tuesdays, Jan. 19 – Feb. 23
  • 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Eleanor Schrader
  • 
    
    

  The Last 100 Years of Russian Rulers: From Stalin to Putin

  • Wednesdays, Jan. 27 – March 3
  • 10:00 – 11:30p.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Asya Perltsvaig
  • 
    
    

  Paper Trails: The History of US Mass Media Ownership

  • Wednesdays, Jan. 20 – Feb. 24
  • 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Caroline Nappo
  • 
    
    

  50 Years of Star Wars

  • Thursdays, Jan. 21 – Feb. 25
  • 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Marc DiPaolo
  • 
    
    

  Deaf History and Culture

  • Thursdays, Jan. 21 – Feb. 25
  • 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Matt Cooper
  • 
    
    

  If Einstein Climbed Everest: Alexander von Humboldt's Hero's Journey to South America

  • Thursdays, Jan. 28 – March 4
  • 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Eric Simon
  • 
    
    

  Embodying The Inner Truth: The Films of Denzel Washington

  • Thursdays, Jan. 28 – March 4
  • 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
  • 6 weeks
  • $80
  • Arnold Blumberg
  • 
    
    

  Osher Online (OOL) FAQ

  Show All

  • What is Osher Online?

    Osher Online Learning (OOL) is a program offered in collaboration with Northwestern University. It’s an Online initiative we are participating in, along with a selected group of other OLLI’s.

    The purpose is to supplement local offerings, especially during off season, to share resources, and to ensure the Legacy of Osher Institutes.

  • Will this program replace other Zoom offerings?
    No, it’s an addition to our regular programming.
  • What are the details?

    • Four terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

    • Course length: 6 consecutive week courses

    • Once a week, 90 minutes

    • Monday thorugh Saturday

    • Multiple time zones

    • Classes will not be recorded

  • Will the Zoom links be in our receipt like regular programmed classes?
    No, Northwestern University will service your account for this program. They will give you an orientation, create your account where you will find your enrollments and Zoom links for these online courses.
  • Do I register through Northwestern University?

    • No, you will register through our portal

    • OOL will always be listed first

    • One click leads to all four courses

  • Do you have to be an Osher Member?

    Yes, and your membership needs to be with our institution.

  • Do discounts apply for Lifetime/ Annual Members?
    No
  • What is the fee?

    $80 per 6-week course

  • Are there any single lectures offered?

    No, all courses through OOL are 6 weeks long.

  • How many courses will be offered?

    A minimum of three courses wil be offered per term.

  
  

• POP-UP LECTURES

  Pop-Up Lectures

  Pop-up lectures are an addition to regular programming.  Fees apply to all.  No membership discounts.

  • Please check back for upcoming pop-up lectures

  Please note: A $35 General Membership will automatically be added to those who are not current. Annual/ Lifetime Members will be charged $18.
  This session will not be recorded

• TRAVEL

  In partnership with Collette Travel, join us on these exciting travel adventures!

  Spain and Portugal

  • Dates: April 24 - May 8, 2027
  • Booking #1433993

  Spotlight on South Dakota

  • Dates: Aug. 25-31, 2027
  • Booking #1433981

   

• UPCOMING EVENTS

  Upcoming Events

  Taste of Osher

  Join us for a Taste of Osher! Explore our program, get a sneak peek at upcoming fall courses, meet our instructors, and meet new friends. 

  • Date: Fall 2027 (TBD)
  • Open to the public
  • Registration required 

   Be sure to join the mailing list at the bottom of this page to stay updated on upcoming courses and events!

  Please note: No refunds or discounts on Destination Learning Trips/Events

• MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

  Learn From the Best

  OLLI at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ instructors are exclusively selected and have tremendous expertise and passion for their fields of study. Instructors include current and retired ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ faculty, faculty from other colleges and universities, experts in their respective fields, local authors and artists, medical professionals, and local law enforcement. Learn more about each instructor!

  Current Instructors

  If you're interested in becoming an instructor, please contact Sherie Cambra at scambra@csusm.edu or (760) 750-8716 to learn more. 

• LOCATIONS

  Classes will be held both via Zoom/hybrid and in person in the following locations:

  • ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ Extended Learning Building (ELB)
    • 288 Campus Way, San Marcos, CA 92078

  Classes may be held at various locations throughout North County and Southwest Riverside County and are subject to change each semester. Destination learning and special event locations vary. 

• SUPPORT OLLI AT ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

  Your Support Matters!

  The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a non-profit program that is self-support and receives no state funding. Your support matters and planned gifts can be very helpful to ensuring the continued success of our program.

  Please consider giving to the Osher program at Cal State University San Marcos and help sustain this vibrant community of learners now and in the future. There are many ways to give and your donations are tax-deductible, secure and private. Learn more about giving options.

  You can enhance OSHER at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ by:

  • DONATE IN HONOR OR MEMORY OF A FRIEND OR LOVED ONE: the perfect gift for any occasion! Your recipient will be notified by a beautiful card from Osher with your personal message inside. Please contact our office directly at 760-750-8613 for this option.
    

  • OSHER MEMBER SCHOLARSHIPS: enable others to experience Osher.

  • INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT: ensure that Osher can recruit and retain highly-qualified faculty.

  • INSTITUTE OPERATIONS: improve the overall quality of Osher through program development, community outreach and promotion.

  • ENDOWED FUND: An endowed gift is one that lasts a lifetime. Creating an endowment in your name (or a loved one’s name) is similar to placing funds in a savings account and providing the Institute with the interest from your gift. Your investment (or principal) is never expended, but the income from the gift is used to assure a lifetime of support for the program.

  • PLANNING YOUR ESTATE? Consider leaving a gift in your will or bequest, gifting through a charitable trust, a gift annuity, life insurance, pension plan, IRA or through real estate.

• VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

  Volunteer Opportunities

  We encourage our passionate and enthusiastic members to consider volunteer opportunities at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.  Volunteering is a great way to connect with peers and give back to your community.  Whatever level of involvement you choose, we are sure to have a role just right for you!
  

  Classroom Ambassador

  Goal: To provide outstanding customer service to members and instructors by acting as main point of contact for questions/concerns during class hours.

  • Serve as main point of contact during class hours
  • Notify Osher staff of any questions/concerns
  • Serve as an "assistant" for the instructor (Introduce them, assist with handouts, etc.)
  • Make announcements as assigned by Osher staff
  • Manage attendance sheet
  • Welcome new students 

  Intersession Facilitator

  Goal: To facilitate and lead (4) week intersession discussion groups for Osher members

  • Select an educational DVD provided by the Osher office
  • View and study the DVD before the start of class 
  • Initiate discussion topics each week for class members
  • Manage the flow of conversation to spark new ideas for conversation

  City Ambassador

  Goal: To promote Osher throughout the community and disseminate catalogs where appropriate

  • Disseminate Osher catalogs throughout the community (libraries, community centers, churches, coffee shops, etc.) or as assigned 
  • Refer potential instructors to Osher staff
  • Seek new opportunities to promote Osher (Presentations at local rotary meetings, Kiwanis clubs, community groups, etc.)
  • Be knowledegable about the Osher program overall to assist with questions from the community

  International Mentorship Program

  Goal: To engage in English-language conversation with international students from the American Language Culture Institute at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

  • Engage international students in discussion to help them practice conversing with native English speakers
  • Share meaningful experiences and explore cultural values together
  • Form lasting relationships with students from around the globe!

  If you'd like to volunteer with Osher or have questions regarding any of these opportunities, please let us know.

• FAQ & STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES
  Show All

  • What is Zoom and where do I start?
    Zoom is a safe and secure app that allows you to engage in live Web conversations with your instructor using audio, video, and text-based chat features.
    View the step-by-step guide we created for OLLI members. 
  • Do I have to purchase an Osher membership before enrolling in courses?
    Yes, you do have to purchase a membership in order to participate in Osher courses. Occasionally, there may be an event that is open to the public but it will be noted in the course description. The Taste of Osher event does not require a membership to attend. For information regarding membership options, please view the membership section on this page.
  • Are there any exclusions in the Annual Membership that I should be aware of?
    While the annual membership allows you to take an unlimited number of courses throughout the year at no additional cost, some exclusions apply. Destination Learning trips, special events, wine appreciation , art supplies for hands-on art courses, or entrance to museums for the art appreciation course are not covered. For questions regarding the annual membership, please contact el@csusm.edu or call (760) 750-4020.
  • Is my OLLI at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ membership valid at other OLLIs?
    No. Every OLLI program is a separate entity and each university/college has its own membership program.
  • When and how do I register and pay for a course?

    Prior registration is required to attend OLLI courses.  Payment for each course is required in full at time of registration. We accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover Card, American Express and checks. There are three easy ways to register for OLLI courses:

    1. Online - The easiest and most secure way to register for a course is through the online portal.  Creating an account is required, but it’s quick and easy. Registering online allows the option for payment by electronic check which eliminates the 2.65% credit card convenience fee.
    2. By Phone - Call the office of Extended Learning at (760) 750-4020.  All credit card payments are subject to a 2.65% convenience fee. Electronic check payments are now accepted by phone.

    View step-by-step guide on how to register for classes.

  • Is parking included in my course fee and do I need a parking permit?

    Parking at all off-campus course locations is free and no parking permits are required. Parking on campus requires a permit, 365 days a year no exceptions. Parking fees for Osher members is currently $5 per day. 

    View step-by-step guide on how to purchase a parking permit.

  • What are your cancellation, drop, and refund policies?

    Cancellation notification must be made in writing. Written notice should be emailed to el@csusm.edu 72 hours before the class begins to receive a full refund (less a $5 processing fee per drop and if it was paid with a credit card, the 2.65% convenience fee). No refunds will be issued once a course has started. No refunds will be given on Destination Learning trips. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds may take four to six weeks for completion.

  • When are courses offered?
    Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. The fall and spring semesters are 10 weeks in length while the summer semester is five weeks in length. Most courses meet one day a week for five weeks, or are single two-hour lectures scattered throughout the semester.  Select courses (writing and art appreciation) meet one day a week for ten weeks.
  • Who teaches the courses?
    OLLI at ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ instructors are exclusively selected and have tremendous expertise and passion for their fields of study. Instructors include current and retired ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ faculty, faculty from other colleges and universities, experts in their respective fields, local authors and artists, medical professionals, and local law enforcement. View instructor biographies.
  • I’d like to request an OLLI presentation for my senior community or club. Who should I contact?
    We’d be happy to arrange an OLLI presentation for your community, club, or special event! Contact Sherie Cambra at scambra@csusm.edu or (760) 750 - 8716.  
  • What do current and former students say about the program?
    View Osher student video testimonials. 

  
  

   

  Mandatory Notifications

  • Effective July 2016, all credit card transactions will be charged a convenience fee of 2.65%.
  • Title IX notice
• CONTACT US

  (760) 750-4020 or

  Sherie Cambra
  Program Director
  scambra@csusm.edu
  (760) 750-8716

  Amy Sprout
  Program Coordinator
  asprout@csusm.edu
  (760) 750-8613