Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I join Osher anytime during the year?
• What about parking?
• Does Osher have a minimum age requirement?
• Is Osher just a men's or women's organization?
• In addition to the membership fee, are there other expenses?
• Will I have homework or required reading?
• Must I attend a certain number of classes?
• Is it possible to carpool with other members?
• Is there a discount if both spouses join?
• How about a senior discount?
• What proportion of classes are taught by our own members?
• Am I eligible to audit classes taught by the University faculty?
• Is the Osher classroom wheelchair accessible?
• What about extracurricular activities?
• Do you employ electronic audio and visual equipment?
• Is a college degree required?

Can I join Osher anytime during the year?

Yes, anytime. You can join for the balance of the school year with membership fees prorated or just join for one quarter at a time.

What about parking?

You can purchase an annual parking pass or one for a quarter. Otherwise, you can use single day passes.

Does Osher have a minimum age requirement?

Yes. The Osher Council decided that the minimum age for membership should be 50. You should be retired or semi-retired. All of our classes are held during the morning and afternoon hours.

Is Osher just a men's or women's organization?

No, our approximately 500+ members gives us a good balance of men and women.

In addition to the membership fee, are there other expenses?

Parking fees, if you drive. Your membership fee covers every class, except for the Master Classes taught by UCSD professors.

Will I have homework or required reading?

Please review opportunities to read, then discuss. All members may attend these classes but only those who have read the material should participate in the discussions.

Must I attend a certain number of classes?

You can come and go as you please. Take a vacation. Visit your grandchildren. We'll always be here for you when you return.

Is it possible to carpool with other members?

We have no formal carpooling arrangements, for so much depends on matching people according to localities and attendance preferences. That said, some carpooling takes place on an informal basis.

Is there a discount if both spouses join?

No, but, of course, you can save on parking fees.

How about a senior discount?

We are all seniors. So you could say our membership fee is already discounted.

What proportion of classes are taught by our own members?

All, except for the Master Classes and those classes taught by Distinguished Lecturers from the UCSD faculty.

Is the Osher classroom wheelchair accessible?

Yes

What about extracurricular activities?

Go to our activities page which lists present and past events.

Do you employ electronic audio and visual equipment?

Osher has a fine sound system for voice, records, cassette tapes, Cds and DVDs. Its visual equipment includes a video projector, overhead projector, slide projector, and a computer that projects onto a large screen.

Is a college degree required?

No, the only requirement is your desire to explore the type of classes you'll find on our classes web page.