January 10 - January 24, 2021 |
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Winter Session Begins Tomorrow!
The four week winter session runs January 11 through February 8.
Welcome back! We look forward to an exciting winter session with wonderful study groups, lectures, and events. The following information will help you prepare for a successful winter session.
LOG INTO CANVAS NOW!
Canvas is the way to access your virtual classroom. Login well in advance of your study group so you have time to get assistance if you have difficulty.
Remember:
- Log in using your NetID and NetID password. This may be different from what you use to log into the OLLI online registration system.
- Usernames and passwords are case-sensitive; make sure your caps lock is not on.
- Re-type your password each time you log in, as your computer may pre-fill with an incorrect password.
ZOOM INFORMATION
Update your Zoom app. This is not required, but updating will provide you with the most current functions including new features for raising your hand (which, after upgrading, will be found by clicking "Reactions" at the bottom of your Zoom screen). Click here for instructions.
Zoom Video Tutorial: If you need a Zoom refresher, view this video recording of OLLI Zoom training. Click here.
STILL NEED HELP?
Submit a ticket to the OLLI Help Desk OR email the OLLI staff, but please DO NOT do both, as this causes confusion and extra processing.
*Please DO NOT contact Northwestern's IT department. They are not familiar with our program or membership. In addition, you will likely receive longer wait times as they are supporting all Northwestern students.
Enjoy your winter OLLI experience!
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ChatAboutIt — Influential People
Wednesday, January 13, 3:30 - 4:30pm
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Location: Online meeting via Zoom
Do you miss the hallway conversations and social interactions over coffee or lunch with fellow OLLI members?
Are you looking to complement OLLI’s outstanding educational offerings?
OLLI has a creative solution for you!
ChatAboutIt
- OLLI’s new initiative for social interaction and getting to know one another better.
- Each session will present a different topic and we’ll simply “ChatAboutIt.”
- No matter your OLLI campus or your tenure with OLLI, you’re bound to find common ground, new friendships, and “small world” moments at a ChatAboutIt.
Class size is limitless, as we will use breakout sessions to keep the groups small and intimate.
Sponsored by Member Enrichment Committee.
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You will need to sign in to your OLLI Online Registration account to register |
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Influential People
Share the most influential person you’ve met and the impact that person had on you.
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"ChatAboutIt was fantastic and the group of OLLI members I met were fabulous! I had lots of fun and didn't want it to end. I'm looking forward to doing it again."
~ Mitchell Harrison, OLLI member
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CURRENT MEMBERS – PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS!
A Taste of OLLI
Thursday, January 14, 10 - 11:30am
Location: Online webinar via Zoom
The “A Taste of OLLI” information session is for non-members to learn about the peer-led structure of OLLI, how our study groups work, and events we have throughout the year. If you or someone you know are interested in becoming part of our vibrant community of lifelong learners, register for our free information session today!
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Enriching African-American History Curriculum in Illinois Public Schools
Thursday, January 21, noon - 1pm
Location: Online webinar via Zoom
Join OLLI for an enlightening discussion of possible changes to the statewide history curriculum, where a more complete Black History would be taught in all Illinois public schools — a curriculum that includes the contributions and achievements of Black people during pre-enslavement history, slavery, civil rights, and more. Our presenter, Meleika Gardner, will talk about the call for complete and accurate Black history education for all students and the removal of educational material that is or may be derogatory towards people of color, and replacing it with diverse books that can build self-esteem and create healthy race relations.
You will need to sign in to your OLLI Online Registration account to register.
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The Pain and Damage of Slavery, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow Laws on America Today
Thursday, February 4, noon - 1pm
Location: Online webinar via Zoom
The pain and damage to Black Americans from slavery through the reconstruction period and the resulting Jim Crow laws is still felt today. Racism, economic disadvantage, and high crime rates are only some of the results of our past. Dr. Kim Dulaney, Education Director for the DuSable African American History Museum, will discuss how actions and events that occurred over 200+ years of American history continue to impact each and every one of us today.
You will need to sign in to your OLLI Online Registration account to register.
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Zoom etiquette and tips
KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND FOR YOUR NEXT ZOOM STUDY GROUP
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Use the video option when possible.
We want to see your smiling face — not a blank box with your name on it!
Stage your video area.
Keep in mind that people see you as well as whatever is behind you! Find a quiet area that has minimal background noise and movement. Zoom’s virtual background feature is an easy way to eliminate background distractions.
More light is better.
Video quality is dramatically improved with more lighting. Make sure the light is in front of you, not behind you, so that you don’t become a silhouette. Avoid backlight from bright windows as well.
Position your laptop so that you look into the camera.
Looking into the camera (rather than at yourself) gives the appearance of eye contact. Position your camera to be at eye level or above. Place books or a box under your device to make it higher.
Speak clearly into the microphone.
Speak clearly into the microphone or consider using a headset so you can hear and be heard better.
Stay on mute if you’re not talking.
Background noise can be distracting. To help keep it to a minimum, make sure you mute your microphone when you are not speaking.
Don’t eat during the meeting.
Your group can get distracted by watching you eat or listening to you chew. Hold off if you can, or if not, temporarily turn off your video and audio.
Focus on the meeting.
Remember that you are on camera — avoid doing other tasks, checking emails, looking at your phone, etc.
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Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts Discount Ticket Code |
OLLI members can purchase $5 tickets for Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts winter virtual productions using the code “OLLI.” Purchase online anytime through their website ( www.wirtz.northwestern.edu) or call the box office from 11am-4pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 847-491-7282. ( Click here for more information.) |
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Some OLLI members have recently received spam emails. These emails look like they relate to OLLI programs but are actually sent from hackers. Clicking on links within these emails may create vulnerability to your private information as well as that of OLLI and OLLI members.
With much of the world moving to an online format, hackers are more active than ever. As a result we all need to be more vigilant in our online activity.
Click Here for a guide to recognizing and avoiding spam.
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Please note, OLLI offices will be closed from December 24, 2020 – January 3, 2021
The OLLI staff continue to work remotely in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. While remote, we are still working hard to support you and the program. We are available Monday - Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm by email (olli@northwestern.edu) which we check regularly.
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OLLI members can borrow materials from the Main Northwestern University library in Evanston but must select the Off-Campus Delivery option on the Borrowing Materials page linked below — no books can be picked up in person due to current COVID-19 restrictions.
All stacks remain closed, but pre-requested books, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes can be:
- shipped to you (recommended) or
- picked up at the Main University Library in Evanston by appointment only (you must have your WildCard with you).
Instructions:
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Go to the Library Website
- Click the Request function for a particular item
- Select Ship or Pick Up from the dropdown menu
- If you select Ship, enter your home address in the Notes field
- If you select Pick Up, schedule an appointment
If you need help finding digital resources for your study group, or have questions about other library-related matters, email Tracy Coyne at tracy-coyne@northwestern.edu
Click Here for additional information about requesting library materials.
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Northwestern's Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
In an effort to keep the community informed a dedicated website has been created which will continue to be updated with messages, advisories, and information about COVID-19.
To access Northwestern's Coronavirus (COVID-19) website — Click Here
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National Resource Center for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (NRC) |
The mission of the National Resource Center is to help OLLIs thrive by connecting OLLIs to each other and to resources, collaborating with OLLIs and partner organizations, consulting with OLLI leaders to find solutions, and celebrating the camaraderie and growth of OLLIs and their members. Members can subscribe to their monthly newsletter to find out what is happening at OLLIs across the country.
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