Please note that you must have either a UNC Asheville annual parking permit or a visitor permit to park on campus 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Visit the Campus Parking for OLLI Members page for instructions on how to purchase an OLLI-subsidized annual parking permit. Daily and monthly visitor permits must be obtained through the UNC Asheville parking site; OLLI does not provide visitor permits.

Spring Catalog

The spring 2026 College for Seniors course schedule and catalog of courses, programs and events are available by clicking on the buttons below. Please be aware that courses, programs and events are subject to change or cancellation, which may not be reflected in the catalog; the online registration system will always include the most accurate locations and other information about our courses, and this page will always include the most accurate information about programs and events. Consult the schedule of upcoming College for Seniors terms (including term dates, catalog availability and registration).

View Spring 2026 CFS Course Schedule View Spring 2026 Catalog

Program Calendar

Unless otherwise noted, programs take place at the Reuter Center and are free and open to everyone.

Please see UNC Asheville’s expectations of mutual respect and care for all for more information/guidance about maintaining a healthy environment for in-person courses, programs and events.

February

Monday, February 9, 10 a.m.-Monday, February 16, noon
CFS spring 2026 lottery registration
Volunteers will be available to provide in-person registration assistance Monday, February 9 through Friday, February 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily; and Monday, February 16, 10 a.m.-noon
Read more about the two phases of CFS registration, and log into our online registration system.

Wednesday, February 11, 4:30 p.m. | Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter
Partner Program: “Memory Changes: When to Be Concerned and When Not to”
Nearly everyone has had a “Should I worry?” moment – about themselves, a partner, or family member when it comes to their memory. Join us as we discuss:
–Normal forgetfulness vs. early warning signs
–Why sleep, medications, and hearing loss matter
–How an early evaluation helps
–How to start a difficult conversation with loved ones
–Resources from the Alzheimer’s Association that can help
The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter presents workshops focused on topics in service to its mission to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia—by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection and maximizing quality care and support.
To learn more, visit the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter’s website.

Friday, February 13, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “Building Connection and Purpose as We Age” (in-person + online)
Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health concerns for older adults, but they are preventable. We will explore the importance of connection, purpose and engagement for healthy aging, including local opportunities for volunteering, learning, recreation and community-building. We will share both big-picture strategies and small, practical actions that can make a real difference.
Elizabeth Williams is the executive director of Mountain Aging Partners, a nonprofit formed through the merger of MountainCare and the Council on Aging for Henderson County. With more than 20 years of experience in aging services and nonprofit leadership, Elizabeth builds sustainable programs that support older adults and their caregivers.
Join online via Zoom.

Friday, February 13, noon
Deadline to request a partial CFS scholarship (lottery registration)
Visit the Forms page to access the CFS Spring 2026 Scholarship Request form.

Friday, February 13, 2 p.m.
OLLI Life Transitions Program: “Emberlight: Conscious Living, Conscious Dying and the Art of Being Human”
What would it mean to live more fully if we were less afraid to talk about death? Emberlight: The Center for Conscious Living & Dying is a local nonprofit that offers a community-based approach to end-of-life care, the role of death doulas and the importance of developing death literacy as a lifelong human skill. Through stories and a gentle experiential exercise, we will be invited to reflect on legacy, presence and what it means to age and die with dignity.
Courtney Smith started her career as a music therapist in the realms of both birth and death. These early experiences, along with her work as a certified nurse assistant, hospice volunteer and trained death doula, as well as a more than 20-year career in social services, have imprinted upon her the sacredness of the entire life cycle and the importance of community. Courtney is supported by her lifelong practices of meditation, Kundalini yoga, shamanic studies and ancestry work. She currently facilitates and supports the emergence of the Center for Conscious Living & Dying through strategic planning and organizational development.
This event is free to OLLI members, UNC Asheville students, faculty and staff and the community, but registration is requested.

Tuesday, February 17, 4:30 p.m. | STEAM Lecture Series
OLLI Program: “More than Bugs” (in-person + online)
Camila Filgueiras is assistant professor of biology department at UNC Asheville where she runs the National Enemy Management and Applications laboratory focused on biological control, biodiversity and community engagement.  An entomologist and nematologist, she studies how insects interact with organisms through their environment then uses that knowledge to design effective strategies for their management and conservation.  
A large part of Dr. Filgueiras’ work is integrating the amazing world of insects with education for students of all ages. At UNC Asheville, she leads Insect oriented STEM outreach activities for local K-12 students while building programs that support and train undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in education. In this talk, Dr. Filgueiras will discuss the connections between these topics while highlighting the opportunities for contributing to community engagement programs.
Join online via Zoom.

Friday, February 20, 11:30 a.m.
Fab Fridays: “The Past, Present and Future of the French Broad River” (in-person + online)
Over the past 40 years, RiverLink has been instrumental in helping to transform the French Broad River corridor. Founder Karen Cragnolin championed the once neglected and highly industrialized river, turning it into a thriving environmental and economic engine for Asheville and the region. Following Helene’s impact and destruction, RiverLink is partnering with our local jurisdictions and communities once again to help reimagine how to be in our floodplains with more resilience and to better manage our risk and losses—all while advocating for our rivers and streams in our ongoing recovery. RiverLink’s director of programs, Renee Fortner, will present a lively conversation on the history of this transformation and the opportunities and challenges the river faces in Helene’s wake. We will explore what we need to do as a community to ensure the river’s ongoing health and vitality, including post-storm bank restoration and repair, and reducing sediment loading and stormwater runoff impacting our watershed.
Join online via Zoom.

Friday, February 20, noon
Deadline to pay CFS spring 2026 tuition and OLLI annual membership (lottery registration)
Log into our online registration system to make a payment.

Friday, February 20, 5 p.m. | Death Café
Partner Program: “Death Café”
Death Café is an engaging gathering with storytelling and conversation about a topic that too often alienates people in our death-phobic culture. At Death Café, participants break into small groups of five or six people and discuss personal stories related to the death of loved ones; loss of jobs, relationships or marriages; or loss or death of parts of ourselves. These programs are facilitated by Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Saïd Osio from Third Messenger. Learn more about Death Café by visiting the Death Café website, the Third Messenger website, or facebook.com/deathcafeasheville. If you have questions about meetings of Death Café at the Reuter Center, please contact Karen Sanders at 828-778-8882.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 24-March 12, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Life Transitions Workshop: “Exploring Continuing Care Retirement Communities”
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), also called Life Plan communities, are an attractive residential option for active older adults. CCRCs offer a full continuum of independent housing, assisted living and skilled nursing care within a single campus setting. There are a variety of these kinds of communities, each with a different financial model, various health and wellness options and services, and varied amenities. Navigating your way through all of the choices to find a community that is right for you can be a challenge. A Life Transitions program, Exploring CCRCs is designed to help you assemble the relevant information and ask the right questions to see whether a CCRC is a living option that meets your needs and in turn help you choose among the options available to you.
Cost (includes program materials and program administration): $150; a 25-26 OLLI membership is required to register for this workshop.
For more information and registration instructions, visit the Exploring Continuing Care Retirement Communities page on OLLI’s website.

Tuesday, February 24, 3 p.m.
OLLI Program: “Community Workshop: Climate Change Quilt Project”
Come learn about the Climate Change Quilt Project, an initiative aimed at revitalizing conversations and action surrounding climate change from the local through the national level. During the two-hour workshop, we will learn about how the project began as well as how we can contribute to it. We will be able to participate in quiltmaking, even if we have no sewing experience. All supplies will be provided; just bring passion to make your voice heard!
Pamela Mischen is professor of environmental studies and chief sustainability officer at Binghamton University. She has an undergraduate degree in international agriculture and rural development from Cornell University, a graduate degree in agribusiness and a doctorate in public administration from Arizona State University. Her research focuses on sustainability in rural areas and what motivates individuals to engage in sustainable behaviors. Additionally, she runs a small organic farm in Vermont with her husband, Joe Palka, and their three cats.
Free and open to the public, but registration is requested.

Friday, February 27, late afternoon
Preliminary course schedules sent to CFS spring 2026 lottery participants
Log into our online registration system to view your class list.

Saturday, February 28, 3 p.m. | Asheville Senior Chorus
Partner Program: “Kindred Spirits: A Choral Celebration of Companionship”
Join the Asheville Seniors Chorus for an evening of choral music that romps with cats and dogs, laughs with old friends and then quietly slips into luminous songs of love, memory and hope. Featuring Santiago Veros’ moving tribute to his beloved canine companion, “I Will Dream with You,” alongside works by Rutter, Barber, LaBarr, Hagenberg and more, the program invites listeners to remember that in every season of life—playful, tender or bittersweet—we are held by the friends and gentle hearts who walk (and wag) beside us.

March

Sunday, March 1
Course proposals for CFS fall 2026 term open
Visit the Forms page to access the CFS Fall 2026 Course Proposal form.

Monday, March 2, 10 a.m.
CFS spring 2026 open registration begins
Volunteers will be available to provide in-person registration assistance Monday, March 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Read more about the two phases of CFS registration, and log into our online registration system.

Sunday, March 15
Priority registration deadline for Osher Online spring 2026 courses
Registrations may be accepted after this date based on availability; no refunds are offered after this date.
Log into the online registration system to view Osher Online spring 2026 courses and enroll, or visit the Forms page to access the Osher Online Spring 2026 Drop Request form.

Monday, March 16
Deadline to request a partial CFS tuition scholarship (open registration)
Visit the Forms page to access the CFS Spring 2026 Scholarship Request form.

Friday, March 20, 10 a.m.
OLLI program: “New Member Welcome/ Returning Member Refresher” (in-person + online)
Are you considering becoming an OLLI member? Are you new to OLLI at UNC Asheville and the Reuter Center? Are you returning after being gone awhile? Do you want to catch up on organizational developments, learn more about volunteering, figure out how things work and meet new people? Come learn about all that OLLI has to offer! Watch the OLLI Observer weekly e-newsletter for more information and how to RSVP.

Friday, March 20, 1 p.m.
CFS information session: “Preparing to Be an In-Person Class Representative”
Have you signed up to be an in-person class rep to support one or more of your College for Seniors instructors? We will review the role of these important classroom volunteers and practical matters such as how to work the lights and microphones, where to pick up and drop off attendance clipboards, how to check in course participants and when and where to get help if needed. This info session is especially geared towards new in-person class reps, but experienced in-person class reps are welcome to attend as well.
Register to attend in person.

Friday, March 20, 1 p.m.
CFS information session: “Zoom Café” (online)
Are you planning to participate in an online or hybrid course, program or event? Have you signed up to be an online class representative? This info session is a great opportunity to learn basic skills and improve your experience of our video-conferencing software! We will review how to install and update the Zoom app on your device, log into a meeting, change your Zoom name and background, mute/unmute, post/respond in the Chat box, use the “raise hand” function and reactions, move into and out of breakout rooms, participate in polls and more. We will also leave plenty of time for your questions and to troubleshoot your device.
Register to attend online.

Friday, March 20, 3 p.m.
Deadline to drop all CFS courses for a full refund
Visit the Forms page to access the CFS Spring 2026 Drop Request form.

Monday, March 23
First day of CFS spring 2026 classes

Friday, March 27, 5 p.m.
OLLI event: “Member Social”
Join your OLLI friends in the Reuter Center’s lower level to socialize, enjoy a casual supper, drinks and music from one of our UNC Asheville performance ensembles. Watch the OLLI Observer weekly e-newsletter for more information and how to RSVP.

April

Monday, April 13, 4:30 p.m.
OLLI Event: “Annual Meeting and Celebration of Community” (in-person + online)
Join OLLI staff and volunteers as we review the past year, highlighting the accomplishments of our committees and programs, offering an overview of our finances and presenting our slate of officers for 2026-2027. We will celebrate what we have achieved together and hope to inspire more members to be engaged in planning our future. Come to share ideas, ask questions, learn how OLLI works and look to the future of our organization. We will serve light refreshments. Watch the OLLI Observer weekly e-newsletter for more information and how to RSVP.

Friday, April 24, 9 a.m.
CFS information session: “You Too Can Teach!” (in-person + online)
Are you interested in (or curious about) teaching a course at the College for Seniors? You may have never thought that you could be an OLLI instructor, but you too can teach! Our instructors run the gamut from retired teachers and professionals to those with deep knowledge of a certain topic. The common thread with all our instructors is passion for their subject matter and a desire to share it with peers. The process of becoming an instructor is not daunting. Current CFS instructors will introduce what teaching at OLLI is all about and demystify the process from having an idea for a course through creating a good proposal. All of your questions about teaching will be answered!
Register to attend in-person or online via Zoom.

Saturday, April 25, 1 p.m.
OLLI Field Trip to the Asheville Art Museum: Women of the Pacific Northwest
Join fellow OLLI members for a field trip to see the special exhibition Women of the Pacific Northwest at the Asheville Art Museum. This exhibition highlights female artists working in diverse media and explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works that inspire greater understanding and connect us to one another and to the world around us. Cost (includes curator-led tour and discussion; does not include transportation or parking): $15.
Space is limited; registration is required. To register, log into our online registration system through April 23.

May

Friday, May 1
Last day to submit a course proposal for fall 2026
Visit the Forms page to access the CFS Fall 2026 Course Proposal form.

Wednesday, May 13, 5 p.m.
OLLI program: “Welcome to Improv”
Do you love the Upright Citizens Brigade or “An Evening at the Improv”? Join us for an improvisational comedy show hosted by participants in Bob Sack’s spring 2026 course, Introduction to Improv, for an hour of unscripted laughs.

Friday, May 15
Last day of CFS spring 2026 classes