 
About Us
The Lifetime Learning Institute is sponsored by Bard College. It provides opportunities for older persons to share their love of learning in a setting that fosters the exchange of ideas and experiences. The Institute is part of the Elderhostel Institute Network, an association of campus based programs that recognizes the demonstrated enthusiasm of older citizens for furthering their education, sharing their knowledge and interests and socializing with like-minded people. Noncredit, non-competitive, courses are taught by volunteers on the Bard Campus. Classes are held in the Spring and Fall semesters and include a January mini-session. Special Events consist of speakers' programs, cultural trips and moderated panels. Members are encouraged to actively participate in study, discussion and the operation of the institute. Membership is open to residents of northern Dutchess, Ulster and lower Columbia Counties in New York State.
Click here to view the by-laws of the Institute
back to top
Committees
- Curriculum Committee: Plans and develops courses, recruits presenters, coordinates classroom space, AV equipment, class support and assistants.
- Hospitality Committee: Maintains hospitality room when classes are in session, works with Bard caterer and member volunteers to cater special events.
- Public Relations Committee: Prepares catalogue, flyers and newsletters and maintains contacts with media to publicize LLI events.
- Special Events Committee: Plans events on and off campus including trips, luncheons, special programs.
- Volunteers Committee: Coordinates members who volunteer on as needed basis. Jobs may include mail pickup, phone messages, mailings, These jobs are usually short term.
- Membership Committee: Enrolls members and registers classes, maintains data base.
back to top
Upcoming Events
back to top
Donations and Sponsorships
Seniors to Seniors- Five graduating students receive grants to help them complete their senior projects. They are competitively chosen by a committee from the college and may use the grant in any way they deem necessary. Prior to graduation the recipients make a presentation at a High Tea hosted by the members of LLI.
Bard High School/Early College Summer Intern Incentive- Bard's new high school in NYC offers selected students the opportunity to graduate high school with two years of college credit. In the summer before their senior year many of the students participate in unpaid internships. LLI provides a small stipend to four students to pay their expenses during this time.
back to top
How to Join
Membership fees are $125 per year. There are no half-year memberships. Download an application from our website or call for a catalogue 758-7314. Forms may be mailed to LLI Bard College PO Box 745, Rhinebeck, NY 12572.
back to top
FAQs
Do I need to be retired to join lli?
No. We are open to all adults who are interested in joining.
Can I join for half a year?
At this time, we do not take half-year memberships. There are many benefits to being an active member that are available on a year round basis.
Can I use the Bard facilities?
Bard welcomes all Lifetime Learners to use many facilites at reduced rates or free. This includes the library, dining rooms and performances.
What kinds of volunteer work can I do?
Members are encouraged to join any of our committees and to help plan courses, trips, set up luncheons and other special events, make phone calls, run AV equipment, do mailings. Find a committee you like and sign up to help. By being an all-volunteer organization you can enhance your life and help us keep costs down.
What if I have an idea for a course?
Courses are developed in several ways. If you want to teach a course contact the curriculum committee and they will help you define and develop it. If you would like a course taught just make the proposal, and we will try to find someone who is capable. Or if you know someone who can teach a course tell us about it. But remember the first thing any prospective presenter should know is that there is no pay involved, merely the opportunity to do something interesting and wonderful for an important community.
If none of the teachers are paid and we don't pay rent why do we have to pay "so much" for membership?
Four courses a year at $125 is a bargain. Most of the money goes to pay for photocopying and postage. Sometimes we have to pay to have jobs done that no one has volunteered to do. For example, no one within our group was able to design a database for our membership info; we had to contract that out. The design of the catalogue is also contracted out. By being a volunteer organization we have kept our costs down, but they can not be eliminated.
Why are we affiliated with Elderhostel? Most of us don't even go on their trips.
Elderhostel is an internationally recognized organization that gives us credibility in the academic world. It is one of the reasons Bard was so enthusiastic in embracing our mission. Initially, Elderhostel provided the expertise needed for us to organize and design our program. They put us in touch with similar groups and are providing on going assistance with all of our projects. You are invited to go to their web site eh.elderhostel.org or go to EIN www.elderhostel.org/ein/intro.asp
How can I become more involved in Lifetime Learning?
Aside from volunteering for one of our committees or presenting a class, we invite everyone to join us at our meetings which are held on the third Monday of the month at Bertelsmann from 9:30 a.m. – noon.
back to top
Lifetime Learning Institute Newsletter: LLI News
NEWSLETTER - SPRING, 2011 (PDF)
back to top
Council Minutes
LLI Council Minutes 12/19/11
December 19, 2011
Download Minutes
Council Minutes 11/21/11
November 21, 2011
Download Minutes
LLI Council Minutes October 17, 2011
October 17, 2011
Download Minutes
LLI Council Minutes September 19, 2011
September 19, 2011
Download Minutes
Minutes of Annual Meeting, September 16, 2011
September 16, 2011
Download Minutes
LLI Council Minutes August 15, 2011
August 15, 2011
Download Minutes
LLI Council Minutes 07/18/2011
July 18, 2011
Download Minutes
LLI Council Minutes 06/20/11
June 20, 2011
Download Minutes
LLI Council Minutes 05/16/11
May 16, 2011
Download Minutes
back to top
|
