We reserve rooms for classes three to four months prior to registration, so OLLI facilitators and staff must “predict” which ones we think will fill quickly. Sometimes we do a great job of this; and other times, you surprise us!
When a waitlist is created, staff does several things:
• Validate with the instructor that we can expand the number of registrants or learn whether we can add another section to accommodate the waitlist.
• Look for a different classroom which will meet our needs without significant additional expense.
• If it’s multi-format, invite those on the in-person waitlist to switch to Zoom.
For courses which have small and strict enrollment limits due to course content (cooking classes, tours, etc.), here are some strategies you can use during registration:
• Register online. Although we begin data entry of paper forms as soon as registration opens, staff just cannot physically get in front of online registrations.
• Electronically submit your registration as quickly as you can after it opens at 8 a.m.
• Consider registering for that course by itself, in a separate online order. This speeds up the registration process; your seat is not getting reserved by someone else while you are selecting your other courses.
So, what else can you do to increase your success in registering for popular classes, or enable OLLI staff to make decisions on class size?
• During registration, if you really want a course, go ahead and hit that waitlist button. That’s how we know it’s popular!
• If you skip it because there is a waitlist, we will not know you were interested.
• If too many members skip the waitlist, we may not seek another classroom.
•If your plans change and you cannot attend a class, tell us as soon as you know so staff can contact individuals on the waitlist to replace you.
You do not pay to be on the waitlist. You will be notified by the OLLI office if a seat opens and you will pay at that time.