Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Website
Why do we have 2 websites? (www.olliatduke.org and www.learnmore.duke.edu)
The two websites have very different purposes. The "learnmore" site is the official website of Duke Continuing Studies and Summer Session, and may be viewed as the "public face" of OLLI at Duke. This is where people searching for information about OLLI at Duke on the Internet can find information. In addition, OLLI members can use this site when registering for classes.
The member website is "inward-facing," designed by and for OLLI members.
Why does the member website have a password?
Because the member website is inward-facing and meant only for OLLI at Duke members, the password protects the information for members only. When the website was first planned, some members expressed concern that their OLLI stories might be out on the Internet for all to see. Part of the privileges of membership is the ability to see and use the member website and hence the need for a password.
Why do we have a member website?
Members of OLLI's IT and Communication Committees started work in 2011 to create a website where OLLI members could go for current as well as historical information about all aspects of OLLI at Duke. As printing and mailing costs increase, and the number of people using the Internet increases, this seemed to be a good way to get information to members without incurring high expenses. In addition, the information can be much more timely than that provided in mailed newsletters, etc.
In the Spring of 2012, a member survey indicated that some of our members would like to know more about how OLLI at Duke operates, but they find that information is sometimes difficult to locate. This creates an impression of a lack of transparency in the minds of some members.
Also, some of our members feel that our “sense of community” has diminished over the years as our membership has grown larger and larger. Unfortunately, the days of attending an OLLI class or event and “knowing everyone” seem like a distant memory.
The website is designed to be a place where people can learn more about classes as well as other members, and about activities they might like to join. It is also a repository of information about OLLI, such as Board members' biographies, Highlights of Board meetings, and the annual report.
Finally, we hope that people will use the website as a feedback mechanism to let the Director and the Board know what members think about their classes, or anything else at OLLI. All OLLI members are invited to submit stories and photos/videos for publication, provided they would be of interest to a number of OLLI members.
What are other ways people can get information about OLLI?
The Communications Committee is sensitive to the fact that our members like to receive information in a variety of ways. For the most important information, we use The Spotlight email (to all members) and bulletin boards at JRC and Bishops House, as well as posting information on the website. On occasion, we will send an email to every member, especially for class cancellations (which can also be learned about on the website or by calling the office).
How is the member website different from The Spotlight?
The member website is just that: a website that an individual must decide to go to by typing the address (url) into a web browser or clicking on a saved favorite. The Spotlight is an email that is sent on alternate Sundays to OLLI members who choose to receive this regular email.
The Spotlight is intended to provide brief items of interest to OLLI members, and now it is also used to highlight new items on the member website. Many members prefer this kind of "push" information, and in the 2014 survey, about three quarters of survey respondents indicated that they read the Spotlight Often or Very Often.
The website is intended to provide timely news, as well as an archive of previously published information, without "pushing" it to members. It will contain longer articles and other information, as well as photos and videos of interest to members.
How can I get on the Spotlight mailing list? Go to the bottom of the home page of the website and click on blue box that says Spotlight. You will then be directed to a page with a form where you will enter your email address, first name, and last name. When the form is submitted by clicking the blue Sign Up bar, you are authorizing OLLI (via our email service, Constant Contact) to email you.
How frequently is the Member Website updated?
Since the beginning of 2013, we have been committed to updating at least every 2 weeks, except in the summer when we have stretched it to 3-4 weeks, You can help! We need ideas for articles to write, pictures to publish, etc. We also need writers, editors, and photographers. Finally, we need people reading and using the website. Tell a friend about something you learned today on the site! As we gain readership, we will be able to publish more frequently.
Why don't you have a catchier name then "OLLI Member Website"?