About Osher, its lectures, trips, and other events

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Carnegie Mellon, formerly the Academy for Lifelong Learning at Carnegie Mellon, is a gathering of people eager to extend their mature years by attending non-credit, peer-led classes in the dynamic, creative atmosphere of an outstanding university.

Osher at Carnegie Mellon offers three semesters of classes, Winter/Spring, Summer and Fall. Each semester has two sessions. A course catalog is mailed to members before the start of classes. Osher offers on average 85 classes per semester, with the actual number during 2009-2010 ranging from 81 to 121 classes per semester, including courses in literature, history, dance, politics, astronomy, current events, art, health, drama and theater, cooking, great novels, computers, philosophy, geography, music and poetry. Most classes meet once per week for six sessions.

The tuition fee is $50/semester, which includes an unlimited number of classes. A registration form is included with the course catalog. After the registration period has ended, a confirmation letter is mailed to members. Due to the popularity of some classes, lotteries for course attendees are held.

The Curriculum Committee works diligently on finding provocative study leaders for our classes. Courses are normally held during daylight hours and most classes meet on campus. Osher has two dedicated classrooms in Wean Hall and utilizes the Martha Orringer conference room in Hunt Library for smaller classes. Off campus class locations include the City Theater, Dance Alloy, Friends Meeting House, Rodef Shalom Temple, East Liberty Presbyterian Church and Wilkins Community Center.

Cookbook

Osher has published its own cookbook! A Taste of Osher contains many wonderful recipes from our cooking instructors and cookbook committee. View a sample recipe, Al Kosmal's Potato Latkes. Proceeds from the sale of the cookbook ($12) will be used by Osher to continue its non-profit mission of providing a variety of interesting and challenging learning opportunities for adult area residents. Please email us ( ) if you would like to purchase a copy.

Lectures

During the months of January through May and September through December, Osher sponsors a once-monthly evening lecture. The lectures are held in the University Center. Carnegie Mellon professors and well-known community members including physicians, authors and media professionals are often invited to speak for one hour, with a question and answer period following the presentation. View photos from previous events. Members on the waiting list are invited to monthly lectures.

One-day and multi-day trips

In addition to courses, Osher offers one-day and multi-day trips to its members several times throughout the year. For examples of previous trips, please view our Calendar Archive page. You may also want to view our Photos and Videos!

Luncheons and Other Events

Luncheons are held several times per year at popular, unique or ethnic restaurants in the area. In previous events, members had a brunch at the Schatz Faculty Dining followed by a tour of the Hunt Botanical Institute in April, a tour of the Vatican Treasures Exhibit at the Heinz History Center--and our annual holiday luncheon at the P.A.A. Future luncheons will be planned. Our annual Ice Cream Social includes entertainment.