College for Seniors - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

The College for Seniors (CFS) is a program of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville (OLLI) established in 1988. With access to many of the resources of the University of North Carolina Asheville, OLLI members come to feed their minds and nourish their spirits. They seek out an inspiring academic life and the vibrant sense of community that abounds at OLLI at UNC Asheville.

CFS draws from the experiences and professional expertise of its members as well as from the UNC Asheville and other area institutions and people. Courses range from Chaucer to technology, from foreign affairs to opera, from the history of modern China to Asheville on the Cheap. Previously, the program was primarily at the Reuter Center on the UNC Asheville campus, but during the shutdown necessitated by COVID-19, CFS transitioned its learning experience online. Since fall 2021, CFS has been offering in-person courses onsite at the Reuter Center and in other locations on-campus and in the community, online courses via Zoom and hybrid (simultaneous in-person/online) courses.

Courses are non-credit, with no tests or grades, and are open to all OLLI members. OLLI members collaborate with staff to teach, learn and design courses, and also to arrange special events. In addition to the annual OLLI membership fee, a tuition fee for each term is paid by CFS participants.

There are many ways to get involved with CFS including teaching a course, working on a subject-area subcommittee to plan upcoming terms or acting as a class rep or Zoom assistant. Learn more about volunteering.

“Learning is a lifetime journey… growing older merely adds experience to knowledge of man and wisdom to curiosity.” C. E. Lawrence

College for Seniors Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for College for Seniors courses?

Register online and pay with a credit card. Visit our online registration system, login and click on COLLEGE FOR SENIORS. Detailed registration instructions are available at the back of each term’s catalog. If you need assistance with registration, come into the OLLI office.

You must be an OLLI member to register for CFS. If you are not a current member, put the OLLI membership into your cart first. To see if you are already a current OLLI membership, click Account.
Before selecting your CFS courses, put the CFS tuition fee into your cart.

When are the terms?

Please note that these dates are subject to change.

Fall 2024

Catalog available August 5, 2024
Lottery registration August 12-19, 2024
Open registration begins September 3, 2024
Term dates September 23-November 15, 2024*

* = cancelled as of 9/27/24 due to Hurricane Helene

Winter 2025

Catalog available November 11, 2024*
Lottery registration November 18-25, 2024*
Open registration begins December 16, 2024*
Term dates January 13-February 24, 2025

* = rescheduled due to Hurricane Helene

Spring 2025

Catalog available February 3, 2025
Lottery registration February 10-17, 2025
Open registration begins March 3, 2025
Term dates March 24-May 16, 2025

Summer 2025

Catalog available April 28, 2025
Lottery registration May 5-12, 2025
Open registration begins May 27, 2025
Term dates June 16-July 25, 2025

Which courses are offered?

Each term offers a spectrum of courses ranging from world history to yoga to silent films and more. Visit our Calendar page to see our current course catalog.

How much does CFS cost?

$115 fall term (eight weeks)
$90 winter term (six weeks)
$115 spring term (eight weeks)
$75 summer term (six weeks)

This fee structure is based on courses offered in-person on the UNC Asheville campus, in-person at approved offsite locations and online. To participate in the College for Seniors, you must be a current OLLI member.

Which payment methods are accepted?

Our online registration system accepts credit cards. Participants may pay by cash or check in the OLLI office.

Is financial assistance available?

Partial scholarships are available to cover CFS term fees; the annual OLLI membership fee and any parking fees are the member’s responsibility. To request a scholarship, visit our Forms page and submit the scholarship form by the published deadline. For additional information, email us or call 828.251.6140.

How many courses may I take?

Registration for the College for Seniors takes place in two phases. During lottery registration, OLLI members may request up to six courses and will be registered for up to three courses per term. During open registration and through the first week of classes, you may add as many more courses as fit into your schedule. Read this article to learn more about CFS registration, how the lottery works and frequently asked questions.

Do I have to register in person?

No. Most members register online from any internet-connected computer or smart device and use a credit card for payment. See “How do I register for College for Seniors courses” above.

What are CFS guest passes?

A guest pass to visit a CFS class may be issued for OLLI at UNC Asheville non-members if:

Someone is visiting in order to get to know more about OLLI Asheville and CFS, OR
Out-of-town guests or family members of OLLI members are visiting OLLI for the day.

Guest passes are not issued for OLLI members to attend a CFS course in which they are not registered, health and fitness courses that have a course fee, nor the first session of a course.

Visit our Forms page to request a CFS guest pass. Requests for guest passes must be submitted via the online form at least two business days before the requested class.

How do I teach a CFS course?

At the heart of CFS are dedicated volunteer instructors. While many instructors are retired academics, others with no formal teaching background have successfully facilitated learning experiences centered on their areas of passion, interest or expertise. Read more about teaching at the College for Seniors, or visit our Forms page to get started with your course proposal.

Have other questions about CFS?

Email us, or call 828.251.6140.