The Osher Institute is an academic program designed for people over 50 that provides non-credit courses and educational opportunities in settings conducive to learning. The Institute is supported and sustained by Boise State University, an engaged membership, and endowment funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation. It is a welcoming community where curious people connect with Boise State's intellectual resources and with visiting experts. Members share educational experiences and contribute to the success of the Institute.
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Our members are seasoned adult learners who bring varied life experiences and intellectual curiosity to the lectures and classes.
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The curriculum is membership driven. A program committee assists the Director in identifying and contacting potential speakers and in designing a curriculum that responds to the interests, needs and curiosity of the members. The faculty is comprised of University faculty and community and regional experts. We often seek out specific individuals with expertise in an area of interest, but potential presenters also contact us with ideas for courses or lectures.
Download a proposal form (pdf) to send us your ideas.
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The Institute has a scholarship program for those with limited income. Scholarship recipients receive an annual membership, which includes the lecture series, and a 50 percent fee reduction for one course each season.
You may download a scholarship application form (pdf). Scholarship requests are reviewed anonymously.
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The majority of our classes are held at the Institute's home in the Ron and Linda Yanke Family Research Park at 220 East Parkcenter Boulevard in Boise. Classrooms are equipped with hearing-assist technology. Some classes will be provided in other venues when it is deemed more suitable for the course or event.
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You can become a member and register for classes at the same time, or become a member now and register for classes later. However, because classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, we urge you to register early. Registration must include payment.
You may join or renew your membership and register for classes in four ways:
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Yes, and please do. We welcome your guest at any lecture in the lecture series, but we ask that members bring a different guest to each session, limiting each non-member guest to one visit per season. Please call (208) 426-1709 a week ahead of the lecture to reserve a space for your guest.
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Yes. At the new location for the Osher Institute, we provide both ADA accessible classrooms and hearing assistance.
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Yes! The Institute also provides Special Interest Groups for those who want to pursue an interest on a less formal basis with other members of the Institute. There are also several volunteer committees within the Institute that assist with the planning of curriculum, social events and special programing. Members of our Advisory Board chair the various committees.
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We understand that schedules change and life sometimes interferes with plans. Registrants who must cancel before the class begins will receive a full refund minus a $10 processing fee. Cancellation can only be done by calling Extended Studies at (208) 426-1709.