Shared Interest Groups
OLLI at SOU’s Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) form when OLLI members who share a common interest want to gather together outside of the classroom.
OLLI at SOU has a variety Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) available to members. A SIG may be an offshoot of an OLLI class by students eager to continue pursuing a topic, or an initiative by a member with an idea for an ongoing group endeavor. SIGs can be activity based, discussion based or simply social gatherings of members.
Currently Active Shared Interest Groups
Guitar Jam – 11/21, 12/19
Do you understand basic guitar chords and strumming techniques and would like to jam with other OLLI members? If so, join the Acoustic Guitar Jam SIG every fourth Friday of the month from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the SOU Campbell Center in Ashland. Participants will suggest songs for the rest of the group to play together. No extensive guitar playing experience is required, but you must provide your own guitar. You will also find a guitar tuner, capo and music stand to be helpful. Click here to register for 2025-26.
OLLI Raider Fans – 12/15, 1/12, 2/9, 3/9
Love sports, school spirit and good company? The OLLI Raider Fans SIG brings together members who like following and supporting SOU athletics in a fun, social atmosphere. Each month we’ll get the inside scoop from SOU coaches and student athletes and cheer on the Raiders together! Click to learn more and register for 2025-26.
Online Book Club – 12/1, 1/5, 2/2, 3/2
Do you enjoy reading and discussing books? Join the OLLI Online Book Club SIG the first Monday of each month from 5-7 p.m. PT, via Zoom. Join once and stay signed up for the entire academic year. Click here to register for 2025-26 and view the book list.
Poker Enthusiasts – 1/9, 2/13, 3/13
The Poker Enthusiasts SIG welcomes players of all experience levels for friendly, no-stakes games played with poker chips—no money changes hands. Join fellow OLLI members each month for an enjoyable and relaxed afternoon of poker and conversation. Click here to register for 2025-26.
Watercolor Painting
Meets the first and third Mondays of the month, 1–3 p.m. PT on Zoom (holiday exceptions may occur). OLLI at SOU members with some previous watercolor painting experience are welcome to join.
This SIG is currently full. Check back in 2026 for updates.
Zentangle – 11/20, 1/23, 2/27
Discover the relaxing, creative world of Zentangle with our new SIG! Designed for those already familiar with the Zentangle Method, this group offers a space to share techniques, inspiration, and the joy of drawing tangles together. All OLLI members are invited to bring your own supplies (tiles, micron pens, pencils, scrubbers, etc.) and join us! Click here to register for 2025-26.
Shared Interest Group FAQs
What is a Shared Interest Group (or a SIG)?
A Shared Interest Group (or SIG) is a group of OLLI at SOU members who form around a common interest, activity or topic. OLLI at SOU SIGs are independent and self-managed. SIG members decide when, where, and how often they will meet.
How are SIGs different from OLLI at SOU courses?
OLLI at SOU SIGs do not take the place of OLLI courses. They offer members another avenue to connect with each other and expand their interests. OLLI courses fall within our three designated terms, whereas SIGs may meet outside of the terms. OLLI courses are taught by both members and non-members, while a SIG facilitator and all SIG members must be “active” OLLI members who paid membership dues for the current academic year.
A SIG does not have an instructor; a SIG is led by a facilitator. OLLI at SOU instructors consistently offer structured lesson plans and content. In contrast, SIG members learn from each other by sharing expertise in relevant topics. The responsibility for leading the discussion, organizing activities and presenting information is shared by SIG members.
What do people do in SIGs?
SIGs may be activity oriented, such as writing, art, music, conversational foreign language, photography, needlework, hiking, qigong, meditation, playing a game or attending movies. Others may be discussion-oriented and explore topics such as current events, ethics, cultural studies, history or genealogy. Some may be purely social gatherings, such as dining out or wine tasting.
How do I join a SIG?
Members interested in joining a SIG can visit our website and register online. Some SIGs require that members have a certain level of skill or experience in a specific area, or some may limit the number of people who can participate.
If the SIG is full, there will be a button available to add to a waitlist for it. If the waitlist becomes large enough, the interested members could choose to propose a second SIG on the same topic.
What is the role of a SIG facilitator?
The SIG facilitator is responsible for administrative and communication details. They communicate with the members of the SIG by notifying them of meeting times, locations and activities. They are also responsible for verifying that all participants are current OLLI members, communicating with the Programs and Activities Committee for scheduling needs and promotional materials, and letting them know if the SIG is suspended or disbanded. The OLLI member proposing the SIG is the initial facilitator, but another SIG member can take over the role of facilitator at any time the group agrees.
How can I start a SIG?
Any OLLI member can propose a SIG using our Shared Interest Group proposal form.
Where do SIGs meet?
SIGs can meet during nearly any time of the year in-person or virtually. Because SIGs are affiliated with OLLI at SOU, the SOU Campbell Center classroom(s) may be made available to them. Scheduling will depend on classroom availability and staff support, as the Campbell Center is only open during set times. SIGs may use other OLLI at SOU venues by request. If the SIG requests an off-campus location, additional paperwork may be required from the university. SIG facilitators should indicate their desired location on the Programs and Activities proposal form.
When do SIGs meet?
Meeting times and frequency are established by the SIG members. There are no restrictions on time or frequency. However, SIGs can only use Campbell Center classrooms on days when the OLLI office is open and rooms are available. If a SIG wants to meet at other times of the year, members may choose to meet virtually or find an alternate meeting location.
Can a non-member be in a SIG?
All members (including the facilitator) on a SIG must be current OLLI at SOU members.
Is there a cost to being in a SIG?
There are no dues or fees to belong to a SIG other than the annual OLLI at SOU membership. If a SIG has specific expenses, it is the responsibility of the SIG facilitator to inform members of the cost, to collect payment, and to pay the venue or host (when applicable).
Are there any SIG regulations?
All SIGS must adhere to Southern Oregon University’s Student Code of Conduct, which applies to all members of the OLLI at SOU community.
How are SIGs advertised to OLLI members?
SIGs can be advertised on the OLLI at SOU website, promoted in the Newsflash, and posted on bulletin boards around the SOU Campbell Center.
