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Twenty-two members of OLLI's Program Development Committee and Subcommittees pose for a group photo

OLLI Standing Committees

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Committee directory

Program Development Committee

The Program Development Committee (PDC) comprises coordinators for each of our eight Program Development Subcommittees plus several at-large members that have shown a great commitment to program planning.

The PDC meets monthly to discuss broad program planning objectives with their staff liaison, Assistant Director Kimberly Little. Members of this committee collaborate to find solutions to program planning challenges and update each other on the developments and achievements of their respective subcommittees. Participation in the PDC is by appointment.

Program Development Subcommittees

OLLI’s curriculum is developed “by our members, for our members.” Volunteers on our Program Development Subcommittees submit course and lecture ideas for approval and reach out to prospective instructors to encourage them to teach for our program. The eight current subcommittees are: 

  • Arts and Architecture
  • Business and Economics
  • Countries, Culture and History
  • Government and Politics
  • Literature and Writing
  • Lifestyle
  • General
  • Health and Wellness
  • Psychology
  • Philosophy and Religion
  • Science and Technology

Subcommittees meet 3-4 times per year to collaborate on ideas and work independently to submit proposals. Orientation for this fun and fulfilling role is held twice a year. 

Membership Development & Marketing Committee 

Want to help spread the word about OLLI at NC State? The Membership Development & Marketing Committee (M&M) members help inform the public about OLLI and lifelong education by attending senior health fairs as well as presenting to smaller groups throughout the Triangle area.  

Members distribute catalogs (once a semester) to libraries, senior centers and senior living communities throughout the area, and attend a few OLLI events throughout the year to answer questions new members may have about OLLI. The M&M committee meets four times a year.

Hospitality Committee 

OLLI’s Hospitality Committee plays a crucial role in assisting staff with the planning and execution of various OLLI special events, as well as engaging with all members to make sure they feel welcomed and part of a learning community. A few of the committee’s favorite events include the fall and spring semester kick-offs, new member meet-and-greet, seasonal celebration and OLLI’s spring picnic. The committee meets three times a year to plan events.

Inclusion & Accessibility Committee

OLLI’s Inclusion & Accessibility Committee focuses on program and organization development through the lens of the individual member experience. The committee works to identify barriers to participation in OLLI programming, then researches best practices for addressing those barriers and makes recommendations to OLLI staff. The work of the committee will vary over time depending on specific issues or opportunities that arise.

Financial Advisory Committee

OLLI’s Financial Advisory Committee is a creative, analytical and strategic group committed to OLLI’s long-term viability. The Financial Advisory Committee has an understanding of OLLI’s operating budget, which enables them to make recommendations on fundraising communications and options, sponsorships, fee structure and financial needs.

Advisory Council

The OLLI Advisory Council is composed of the chairs of OLLI’s operating committees, nine at-large members, the Advisory Council Chair and Past Chair, the president of the Association of Retired Faculty, and other appointed member representatives who meet to focus on the big picture of OLLI at NC State. 

The Advisory Council plays a vital advisory role for OLLI at NC State but is not a governing board. Council members share information about the work of each standing committee and discuss issues key to the success and sustainability of our OLLI — from fee changes to program goals to membership recruitment. 

The Council provides OLLI staff with feedback and member perspectives that inform decision-making and communications. New ideas emerge from Advisory Council discussions allowing OLLI to evolve to better meet the needs of its members. The Advisory Council meets five times per year. 

All Advisory Council at-large members and the Advisory Council Chair are nominated for appointment based on their active participation in OLLI by the Advisory Council’s ad hoc nominating committee.