Frequently Asked Questions


How do I get to Krauss Hall? Check our Where are we map

REGISTRATION

How do I register for classes? [See OLLI-UHM Registration Quick Guide]
 

Registration
We have two registration phases: Priority-Request Registration (PRR) and Open Registration.
Priority-Request Registration (Jan 5 - 19)
PRR lets you request and rank the classes you most want before seats are assigned. After PRR closes, our system enrolls members based on the order of each request.
  • Why it matters: PRR is especially important for limited-capacity classes (in-person or intentionally small).
  • How to choose: Rank smaller classes higher if they are important to you—this increases your chances of getting in.
  • Limits:
    • You may rank up to 5 of the 50+ offerings (including SIGs).
    • You cannot assign more than one class as #1.
    • Any priorities beyond 5 will be deleted.
  • Tip: Classes with <15 seats ? rank #1. Classes with no limit ? safe to rank #5.
  • If full: A waitlist is created in priority order.
  • Sorting date: Jan 22.
Open Registration (starts Jan 26)
After PRR, you can add or drop classes first-come, first-served throughout the term, as long as space is available. Use the Add to Cart procedure.

Strategic Planning Tips

Be Strategic: As you go through the course catalog, jot down your course choices and potential priorities on paper.

Further Considerations If interested in more than five courses, especially if some have unlimited spots, consider saving them for Phase 2 (Open Registration) to optimize your chances in the initial sorting.
 
For Classes Requiring Waivers, the 2026 Waiver [Revised, COMING SOON] should be downloaded, filled out, and returned to Ninia Barr at wbarr@hawaii.edu. Be sure to SAVE the pdf after you have filled it out, preferably adding your last name to the document. If you are unable to fill it out online, you may print it, fill it out, scan it and email as above. If you lack the capacity to scan, or have other digital limitations, and there is at least a week before your course starts, you may mail the form to: OLLI-UHM, PMB #460, 2440 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI 96822


Is parking free at WCC? YES! It is! But you will need to park in specified areas. There are no OLLI classes at Kapiolani CC nor Leeward CC in Fall 2025

Getting to and Parking at:
     Windward Community College

 

UH ID FAQs: What will a UH ID Allow me to Do?

Can I use the UH libraries?
Go to: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/library/services/borrow-renew-request/borrowing-privileges-and-access/ and look under the UHM Special Programs section for the Osher Institute/ Life Long Learning Program to see details of privileges available to OLLI members. In summary, an OLLI UH ID will allow access to Hamilton Library, the use of the public access computers, and the ability to check out books. It does not allow access to online databases, nor computer labs in the library system as our members do not have UH usernames. It does allow card holders to load money onto their card for printing. 

When will my UH ID expire?
OLLI Fiscal 2025 IDs will all have an expiration date of Sep 25, 2026. No matter when an OLLI member gets an ID, whether September, March, June, they will all expire on Sep 25, 2026.
 
Can OLLI members use the Rainbow Shuttle?
Though the OLLI student ID allows OLLI members to use the shuttle, the routes are limited. This academic year one route looping between student housing and Varney Circle, is not useful for getting to campus, only around it. A new route loops between the Institute for Astronomy (IFA) in M?noa and Varney Circle on campus. See info here.

What discounts are available to OLLI members?
Your UH ID can be used to get discounts at the UH bookstore, Kennedy Theatre, and a few other non-UH organizations. Ask your fellow OLLI members, they may know more than the OLLI office!
 
Can members on the neighbor islands also get UH IDs?
It is unclear that there would be any use for people not on Oahu to obtain an ID.
 
Why doesn’t my OLLI UH ID give me the same benefits other UH students receive?
All UH IDs are not the same. Per UH policy, benefits are associated with the primary affiliation that a student, faculty or staff member, or visitor has with the University.  Many of the benefits that regular students receive are based on their payment of mandatory student activity fees each semester. OLLI members are “Non-regular students,” a category that includes members in special programs and non-credit courses. This is the status that qualifies OLLI members to purchase an ID card for $10 good for one OLLI membership year. As OLLI members DO NOT pay the student fees that UH full- and part-time students pay, their associated “student” benefits are more limited and with all non-regular student benefits, subject to change. 

 

What if I forgot my password?

Use the “Forgot your password? ” link on the signin area.

How many Terms does OLLI offer / run?

OLLI normally runs 3 terms each year – Fall, Spring, Summer.


Will I get a confirmation letter?
Yes, you will automatically receive a confirmation notice by email. 
 

How do I print a receipt?

Sign in to your account. Select My Transactions from the left menu bar. Locate the class. Under Action, select Print View and print your receipt.
 

When should I register for a class?

Registration Start and End dates are posted on the site prior to each term.  This particularly applies to priority classes.  You may be able to register for an Open class after then with the help of the office staff. We encourage you to register early as many classes fill prior to the start date or classes with low enrollment may be canceled.
 

Is there a minimum age for OLLI student classes?

Students age 50 or older are permitted to register for OLLI classes unless otherwise indicated in the course description. 
 

Can I register for a full class?

If a class is full, there will be a "Waiting List" button rather than an Add to Cart button to the right of the class listing. You may place yourself on the waiting list. If an opening becomes available, OLLI staff will contact people on the wait list in the order that they registered until the class is full.
 

Are there prerequisites for any classes?

Check class descriptions for prerequisites that apply to certain courses.
 

When do I pay supplies or materials fees listed in the class description?

OLLI-UHM is not allowed to collect any fees other than membership.  Materials fees are due to the instructor by the beginning of the first class meeting. This will either be in the class description or you will receive an email with instructions.

How do I cancel a class in which I am registered?

Emaill olliuhm@hawaii.edu or call 808-956-2624.
 

What is the refund policy?

There are no refunds. You are paying for a membership in OLLI-UHM; you are not paying for classes. In rare occasions, a members may request their term membership to be cancelled and held for a future term.
 

Are your classrooms handicapped accessible?

OLLI classrooms are handicapped accessible.
 

Why are classes canceled?

We rarely cancel classes. In the past this primarily happened due to instructor illness. On occasion, classes that do not reach a minimum student enrollment are be subject to cancellation. If this should happen, we will notify you and make every effort to help you find an alternative class.
 

Whom do I contact if I am interested in teaching a class?

Click on the TEACHING link on the left-side main menu.
 

How do I suggest classes?

Email us at olliuhm@hawaii.edu with class ideas.
 

OLLI Code of Conduct

OLLI at University of Hawaii at Manoa aims to create environments that maximize the learning experience for all members. Many of our classes offer a forum for the lively and passionate exchange of views while other classes create an environment for personal introspection and to maximize a sense of calm. Therefore, our learning community adheres to the principles of courtesy and mutual respect to promote a learning environment that meets the expectations and class needs of the instructor and members. Reasoned discourse, intellectual honesty, and appropriate behavior are foundational standards of OLLI.
 
Transgressions may include denigrating the views or opinions of others, threatening behaviors, offensive or abusive language, disruptive conduct, sexual harassment, discrimination, and monopolizing discussions. Personal attacks are unwarranted.
 
OLLI members, instructors, or facilitators who do not adhere to this code may be removed from class or denied the privilege of future participation.

What Can I do to help?

You can volunteer to be a class helper, help with special events, become an instructor, recruit new members, suggest new courses, or make a donation.  See the Volunteer page for more information.
 

What is your Privacy Policy?

OLLI at University of Hawaii at Manoa is committed to protecting your privacy. All personal information is kept confidential and will not be shared with a third party. We may use the information collected to contact you about class information, promotional updates, new class information, or website upgrades.  We do not store your payment information on our website.
 

Where do classes meet?

Many classes remain online, but 42% of Spring 2026 classes will be in person, some outside, some in Krauss Hall and others at Windward Community College, and a new class location, Paki Hale. Offsite class locations and directions will be noted in the class description, on your confirmation email, or be sent via email.