Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Frequently Asked Questions

What type of classes are offered?
A wide variety of university-level classes are offered each semester, including topics in Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. The majority of classes are lecture-style with the ability to participate in discussion. Classes are usually lively, academic in nature, interesting and fun! Taking Osher classes is a wonderful way to learn new things, to challenge yourself and to experience the joy in learning. 

Download the Winter 2010 Osher Brochure here. (PDF 1.2 MB)

Where are the classes held and when?
Classes are held at CSUSB's Palm Desert campus, the La Quinta Museum and  the Palm Springs Art Museum. We offer morning classes from 10 am-12 noon and afternoon classes from 1:30-3:30 pm during the week. Each class is held once per week for two hours and each Osher quarter lasts 6 weeks.

Please review the quarterly class schedule to find out the specific details for all the classes currently being offered.

How much does it cost to attend classes? How do I pay?
Osher Institute membership costs $135 per quarter. This entitles members to enroll in up to five classes at any of our three locations. You can pay for your membership fee and parking pass (if applicable) with your credit card online. You can also pay by credit card or check when you register by mail or in person at the Palm Desert Campus.

Do I need to buy a parking pass?
You will need to purchase a parking pass if you plan to attend classes at the Palm Desert campus. Parking passes can be purchased when registering online or at the campuses. You can buy an Osher Discounted Quarterly Parking Pass for $36 which entitles you to visit the campus 7 days a week. A $24 Discounted One-Day Parking Pass is available for members who have class(es) only one day per week. Or, daily parking passes are available for $5 and can be purchased at the dispensers in the Palm Desert campus parking lot. Osher members are invited to special lectures and events at the campus, and they may also visit the electronic library and student bookstore.

Street parking is available at the La Quinta Museum and the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Are there requirements to enroll?
The only requirement is your interest in learning. Classes are offered on a noncredit basis and have no homework, tests, or attendance requirements.

What happens if I miss a class?
Since there are no attendance requirements, missing a class is not a problem. Also, it is important to know that most Osher classes do not require that you attend all classes in order to gain value from the class since classes are often designed as stand-alone classes. This is unlike most academic for-credit classes where each class builds upon the previous class(es). In other words, even if you attended only the 2nd and the 5th classes, you would still likely learn lots and enjoy your overall experience.

What happens on days observed as holidays?
Classes are not offered on holidays and therefore classes that fall on holidays are extended an additional day the following week. For example, there will be no class on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday). All Thursday classes will therefore continue for an additional Thursday in the month of December.

Other than classes, are there additional benefits to Osher membership?
Yes. We want our members to take full advantage of being a university student and become part of our campus community.  Therefore, we regularly share information with our members about campus events such as guest lectures, special performances and fun field trips. As an Osher member, you will likely be one of the first to know about all the exciting things that happen on our campus. 

Does the Osher Institute offer any travel opportunities?
Yes, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute partners with Classic Escapes to provide a wide variety of non-credit educational travel adventures. Classic Escapes uses educational experts to escort small groups of adults to a wide variety of locations in the world. The travel-learning experience is enhanced in this context. Although most trips are Five-star, prices are very competitive, and some budget trips are also available. Osher membership is not required to experience Classic Escapes.  *For more information, go to our Classic Escapes Web site.

How do I find out more about the Osher program?
Persons enrolling in the Osher Institute for the first time are urged to attend the New Member Orientation scheduled at the beginning of most quarters. These orientations takes place at the Palm Desert Campus. To inquire about the next New Member Orientation, E-mail Jerdy Sterling at jsterlin@csusb.edu or call (760) 341-2883, x78121. You may also call this phone number in case you have any additional questions about the program.