Frequently Asked Questions
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE FILLING OUT THE REGISTRATION FORM.
Q) Why is the catalog no longer available on paper?
A) The BOLLI staff is working hard to make needed cuts in the BOLLI budget that do not impact the integrity of the program. In conversation with BOLLI leadership, it was determined that making this change would save a significant amount of money, without an undue impact on the BOLLI community and mission. It also works in concert with our greening initiative and will save about 200 reams of paper a year. We are cutting 1/2 of our postage costs by sending a smaller mailing and envelope to our members. For non-members and for those few members without email addresses, we will continue to send paper catalogs.
Q) Does it matter when I send in my registration form?
A) The early registration date for BOLLI courses is August 15th. Forms postmarked by this date will receive equal consideration.
Q) How are new members different than someone who is already a member of BOLLI in course assignment?
A) In the process of assigning courses, continuing members are placed in courses ahead of new applicants. For this reason the membership committee encourages new members to be as flexible as they can with their course choices. New members are also not guaranteed membership in the program. If there are more new applicants than there is space for in the program, initial preference is given to spouses and legal partners (or equivalent) of Active BOLLI members. Late-registering Active members and late-registering new applicants will only be considered after all those who registered by the postmarked date are placed in courses.
Q) Is the cost the same if I sign up for one or two 10 week classes?
A) Yes, it is the same.
Q) How do I fill out my course choices on the form so I have the greatest chance of getting what I really want
A) Our course assignment system is computerized. This means that each individual person is drawn out of a digital hat in random order and assigned courses. If you have a preference between your first course and your second course, put your most desired course as your first course, first choice on the form. If you are assigned your first choice for your first course, the computer will never look at your alternatives for that course. Therefore, you should place your 2 most wanted courses as your first choice for course one and course two. Giving fewer options on your form DOES NOT increase your chance of getting into an oversubscribed class, and may DECREASE your chances of getting into something else you would like to take. If you have questions about this procedure, please speak to Carol (781-736-2992) or Mary Ann (781-736-2175) in the BOLLI office.
Q) When will I know what courses I got in to?
A) Confirmation letters and information about parking, books, ID cards, and so on will be mailed at the beginning of September, once the course assignment process is complete.
Q) What will happen if I don’t get into any courses?
A) On the day the courses are assigned, a membership committee representative calls those who requested more courses than they got into and had listed alternatives for their course requests. Those who got into no courses are also called, though this is very rare. This is why we ask for an alternate phone or email if you are going to be away in August/September.
Q) Can I be in more than one course that was designated a lottery at the time of course assignments?
A) No, you cannot (unless you are a study group leader). This is a policy of the membership committee to maximize the opportunity of more members (both new and returning) to have access to lottery courses.
Q) How do I know what courses are going to become lottery courses?
A) There is no way to know for certain before August 15th. A lottery course is designated as such based on the number of people who have it as a desired first choice. Courses become lotteries for various reasons. Sometimes it is the topic, sometimes the study group leader, and sometimes it is the time of day. That being said, most lottery courses are in the second and third period time slots. The best way to increase your chances of getting what you want for your course schedule is to give a first choice and two alternatives for each of your course requests. You can also consider courses given in the 1st or 4th time slots which are usually less crowded.
Q) What if I have been repeatedly lotteried out of courses with a study group leader in the past?
A) If you have been repeatedly a lottery non-winner for a particular study group leader, you are encouraged to call the BOLLI office (our contact info is at the bottom of this sheet) and have conversation about ways to maximize your chances for getting into that study group leader’s course in the future. (the best way is to become a study group leader yourself!)
Q) Can I sign up for a 3rd course?
A) Included in your course confirmation packet will be a list of courses with openings. Priority will be given to applicants with only one course. Once they are placed, usually by two weeks before the semester begins, you will be able to sign up for a 3rd course. To do this, send an email to the office or call. There is no additional cost.
Q) What if I know that I am going to miss 3 or more days of class?
A) If you expect to be absent for 3 or more weeks during the semester, please read the course descriptions carefully. Courses where the SGL has indicated the importance of regular attendance are not appropriate for you. Please select an alternative.
Q) I was an Associate member in the Spring 2009 semester, can I be Active this semester?
A) Yes. The BOLLI Council, upon the recommendation of the Membership Committee, has updated the membership rules. Associate members and Active members may move between the two membership categories over time.
Q) Why are there so many classes at the Old South Street Building this semester?
A) Due to some scheduling changes and program goals, we were able to accept more courses than ever before this semester. To accommodate this growth, we had to dip into our Old South Street (OSS) space. There will be enhanced transportation to facilitate moving class members from Gosman to OSS and back. We will send further details about this in your confirmation letters, but know that you will be able to get back and forth.
Q) Whom do I contact if I have a question?
A) Our Assistant Directors:
Carol Allman-Morton at callman@brandeis.edu or 781-736-2992
Mary Ann Sliwa at masliwa@brandeis.edu or 781-736-2175