Prospective Instructors

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Sonoma State University is inviting course proposals for the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 academic year in the following subject areas: arts, contemporary issues/popular culture, food and wine, natural sciences, social and political history, world cultures, and technology and AI. 

Please note that we are no longer accepting proposals for the Fall 2025-Spring 2026 academic year. 

Selection Process

OLLI courses are planned a year in advance. Proposals submitted between now and November 2025 will be considered for Fall 2026-Spring 2027. 

The Curriculum Committee meets in the spring to review roughly 100 proposals each year, and then selects courses for the fall, winter, and spring terms. You will be contacted if your proposal is selected for the program. 

OLLI members strongly favor HyFlex (hybrid/flexible) classes, which gives them the flexibility to attend in person, via Zoom, or watch the recording of the class session after it occurs. We therefore only select instructors who have the ability to teach in-person on SSU's campus.  

Please submit your proposal using our online Course Proposal Form

OLLI at SSU Instructor Information:

• OLLI offers a selection of six-week classes, three-week classes, and single two-hour lectures each fall, winter, and spring term.
• OLLI may offer single two-hour lectures in the summer between June and August.
• Compensation: $2,200 for a six-week class, $1,100 for a three-week class, and $350 for a single two-hour lecture
• OLLI instructors are required to complete Sonoma State University Human Resources paperwork, including an I-9 form.
• The OLLI Faculty Agreement is emailed to instructors at least one month before the start of class that outlines the expectations of OLLI instructors, including class dates and times, participation in the OLLI Course Preview Open House*, compensation, and any SSU/CSU compliance training requirements.
  • * Instructors provide a ~5-minute overview presentation to OLLI members in an effort to promote their classes. If an instructor is unable to attend the Course Preview Open House, a video presentation can be provided in advance of the event.