Welcome!
Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Nevada, Reno. Our presenters are essential partners in creating engaging, educational, and welcoming experiences for our members. This guide outlines expectations, logistics, and helpful information to support you before, during, and after your presentation. Our goal is to ensure clarity, consistency, and a positive experience for both presenters and members.
Please review this information carefully prior to your program.
Teach for OLLI
OLLI presenters are part of the broader community—and you do not need to be an OLLI member to teach. Our presenters include current and retired faculty, working professionals, and community members who enjoy giving back through lifelong learning.
Teaching for OLLI is a volunteer-based opportunity and is not a paid instructional role. By volunteering their time and talents, presenters often find the experience rewarding as they share their knowledge, skills, and lifelong passions with engaged adult learners. OLLI programs are intentionally non-credit and stress-free—no tests, no grades—just meaningful learning, conversation, and connection.
Why Teach at OLLI?
OLLI presenters volunteer their time and talents for many reasons, including:
- Share your passion and expertise with an enthusiastic, engaged audience
- Enjoy flexibility to teach in person, online, or in hybrid formats
- Experience the personal satisfaction of teaching in a supportive, collegial environment
- Build meaningful connections within a vibrant lifelong learning community
- Teach without the pressure of grading, exams, or formal assessments
How to Submit a Proposal:
Program Proposal Forms are submitted online through the OLLI website: CLICK HERE
When submitting a Program Proposal Form (PPF), please be prepared to provide:
- A concise program description and title (for the online listing and printed catalog)
- Your preferred delivery modality (in-person, live online, or hybrid)
- Requested schedule details, including anticipated length and number of sessions
- If applicable, the name of the OLLI program representative you’ve been working with (please include them on the submission)
For returning presenters: If you are offering a repeat program or a new topic, you are welcome to submit a new Program Proposal Form. You may also contact your OLLI program representative directly to discuss updates, timing, or format before submitting.
Proposal deadlines:
Program proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority deadlines established for each term (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer). Deadline dates are posted on the proposal page on the OLLI website. Submitting by the priority deadlines helps ensure:
- Adequate time for review and scheduling
- Inclusion in the printed and online catalog
- Appropriate room, technology, and staffing support
Program Proposal priority deadlines:
- October 1 for the Winter (January–March) catalog
- January 1 for the Spring (April–June) catalog
- April 1 for the Summer (July–September) catalog
- July 1 for the Fall (October–December) catalog
If you have questions about a topic, format, or timing—or would like to talk through an idea before submitting—please contact the OLLI office at (775) 784-8053 or olli@unr.edu. We’re always happy to help.
How Proposals Are Reviewed & Scheduled
After a PPF is submitted, OLLI staff will confirm receipt and may follow up with you for any clarifications (title, description, format, technology needs, handouts, or scheduling preferences). Proposals are then routed to the OLLI Program Committee for review.
The Program Committee considers proposals in light of:
- Alignment with OLLI’s mission and lifelong learning focus
- Educational value and member interest
- Balance across topic areas and offerings within the term
- Presenter experience and feasibility of the proposed format
- Room availability, technology needs, and overall scheduling logistics
What to expect (typical timeline)
While timelines can vary by term and scheduling needs, these general guidelines may be helpful:
- Within 1–2 weeks of submission: OLLI staff acknowledges receipt and may request minor edits or details.
- Within 2–4 weeks: Program Committee review and preliminary scheduling considerations take place (more time may be needed near catalog deadlines when volume is highest).
- Once approved: OLLI Program Representative works with you to confirm dates/times, delivery modality, and any classroom or Zoom needs.
- Before publication: You may be asked to review a final program description for accuracy prior to posting/printing.
Helpful planning notes
- Submitting early increases scheduling flexibility and improves the likelihood of being included in the printed catalog.
- If your topic is time-sensitive or you have limited availability, please note that clearly in your proposal.
- Some programs may be scheduled for a future term based on space, timing, or program balance; OLLI will communicate next steps as soon as possible.
About OLLI at UNR
Our mission is to enrich lives through learning and meaningful connection. We primarily serve adults age 50 and older, while welcoming all adults who value lifelong learning. OLLI is designed to be a welcoming, stress-free environment—free from tests and grades—where curiosity, conversation, and shared discovery are central.
OLLI at UNR is part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute network, supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation, with institutes located at colleges and universities across the country. At UNR, OLLI began in 2007 (originally known as Elder College) and now operates under the Sanford Center for Aging within the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. As a presenter, you play an important role in bringing our mission to life—helping create learning experiences that are engaging, accessible, and meaningful for our members.
Educational Focus (Not Promotional)
OLLI programs are educational in nature and are not intended to serve as marketing or sales platforms.
Presenters may:
- Reference their professional background or experience for context
- Share examples, case studies, and personal or professional insights
Presenters may not:
- Deliver sales pitches or promotional content
- Actively solicit business, clients, or services
- Promote products, services, political positions, or fundraising efforts
Marketing/promotional materials (e.g., brochures, business cards, service menus, pricing, or booking information) should not be distributed during the program. However, presenters may have these materials available at the end of the session only if a member specifically requests them.
Members are always welcome to follow up with presenters independently outside of OLLI programs.
Program Formats & Length
OLLI programs may be offered as:
- Single lectures
- Multi-session courses/mini-series
- Hands-on workshops
- Facilitated discussion/collaborative learning groups
Most programs are 90 minutes, including Q&A. Programs are typically scheduled Monday through Friday at 10 am, 12 pm or 2 pm.
Programs may be delivered:
- In person at the OLLI Moana Campus
- Live online via Zoom
- Hybrid, offered simultaneously in person and online
Preparing Your Presentation
Presenters are encouraged to:
- Use large, readable slides
- Build in discussion and Q&A
- Be mindful of pacing and time
For hybrid programs:
- Repeat in-person questions for Zoom attendees
- Avoid extended side conversations
Presentation files: To keep setup smooth and avoid delays, please bring any media you plan to use (PowerPoint, videos, audio, etc.) on a USB/flash drive. As a backup, you may also email your file to olli@unr.edu at least 24 hours in advance if needed. While we can often connect personal laptops/devices, compatibility and adapter requirements can vary, and we can’t guarantee a seamless connection in the moment—especially for hybrid sessions. Having your files on a USB (and emailed as a backup) helps ensure a successful start.
Arrival & Day-of Expectations
Presenters are asked to arrive 15–30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to allow for setup, testing slides, audio, and microphones, and to settle in comfortably.
OLLI programs are held at the OLLI Moana Campus, located at 604 W. Moana Lane, Reno, NV 89509, at the corner of Moana Lane and Grant Drive. Free parking is available in front of the building, with additional parking located across the street under the solar panels.
If you have difficulty finding the building or experience any delays on the day of your program, please contact the OLLI office at (775) 784-8053 and our team will be happy to assist.
Technology & Classroom Support
Rooms typically include:
- Computer, projector, and dual screen
- Internet access
- Microphones, including handheld and lavalier (clip-on) options
- Zoom capability for online and hybrid programs
Important: Please bring your presentation file on a USB drive. If you’re unable to do so, email the file to olli@unr.edu in advance.
Day-of support: OLLI staff will assist with in-room setup (slides, microphones, and basic classroom technology). For online and hybrid programs, an OLLI Tech Host will support the Zoom experience specifically—monitoring chat and Zoom participant needs—so you can stay focused on presenting.
Test run option: If you’d like to schedule a brief technology test run (especially for Zoom or hybrid programs), please contact our office 1–2 weeks prior to your program to arrange a time. Call (775) 784-8053 or email olli@unr.edu.
Handouts & Materials
Educational handouts are welcome but not required, as OLLI programs do not require advance registration and attendance can vary. If you plan to provide handouts, please coordinate with your Program Representative or the OLLI office in advance so materials can be shared appropriately with both in-person and online participants.
Informational materials that support the educational content are appropriate. Marketing materials, sales brochures, or promotional giveaways should not be distributed during OLLI programs. Members who are interested are always welcome to follow up with presenters independently after the session.
Audience Engagement & Questions
Members value interaction. Please let the group know whether you prefer questions throughout or at the end of your program.
Photos, Recording & On-Demand Viewing
OLLI may take photos for internal or promotional use. Many programs are recorded for member-only on-demand viewing. Please notify us in advance if you prefer not to be recorded or photographed.
Changes, Cancellations & Substitutions
If illness, weather, or an emergency affects your ability to present as scheduled, please notify the OLLI office as soon as possible. In many cases, programs can be rescheduled or shifted to Zoom, depending on timing and logistics.
If you need to send a substitute presenter or make a significant change to your program’s format or content, please notify your Program Representative and cc OLLI staff at olli@unr.edu as soon as possible so we can coordinate any updates and ensure a smooth experience for our members.
Professionalism & Learning Environment
OLLI is committed to an inclusive, respectful environment. Presenters should dress professionally and speak respectfully. Humor is welcome when inclusive and in good taste.
Our Shared Purpose
OLLI succeeds when presenters and members come together in the spirit of curiosity, respect, and shared learning. We are grateful for your willingness to contribute to this community.
