Cal Poly Program Coordinator Vivian Stevens

Program Coordinator: Vivian Stevens

Born in California, Vivian grew up in various countries throughout Europe. She returned to California to attend San Diego State University, where she graduated with a degree in Industrial Design. In 1990 she moved to the Central Coast, and began her career at Cal Poly in 1997.

Vivian joined the Continuing Education Team in 1999, and enjoys working with people (various staff, faculty, and students). She especially enjoys the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute community, which she has seen grow from its inception. Now, as the program coordinator, she is looking forward to helping the community continue to grow and prosper.

Standing Committees

We have four standing committees. Consider joining one:

Curriculum. You will help decide on the breadth and type of courses to be offered each quarter, recruit potential leaders to propose courses, and recommend the courses for each term. You’ll provide guidance and orientation to course leaders. And you’ll develop and implement measures to acknowledge the contributions of those course leaders. You’ll work with Cal Poly Continuing Education to plan and develop such other learning events as conferences, community forums, travel-study programs, and partnerships with other events of the Central Coast.

Planning and Finance. You’ll look ahead: 2006 to 2009 and beyond, focusing on what the Osher Institute should eventually become. You’ll seek comments from the members and the broader community on the Osher Institute’s effectiveness. You’ll research other lifelong learning programs throughout the nation to learn how we might improve our program. And you’ll develop, annually update (drawing on the work of the other committees), and recommend a long-term mission plan (that is, where do we want to be in each of the next five years?). You’ll work with Cal Poly Continuing Education in developing annual budgets. You’ll also develop and engage in fund raising efforts such as seeking supporting contributions from individuals, corporations, community organizations, and government agencies. And you will develop and implement a scholarship program to enable people with limited incomes to participate in the Osher Institute.

Outreach and Operations. You’ll take the lead in creating, building, and sustaining a strong and active membership organization. You’ll help design and carry out member recruitment activities, which will include working with Cal Poly Continuing Education in developing publications and publicity materials, speaking to community groups and the media, networking with other organizations, and using the program web site. You’ll organize, staff, and promote the annual meeting of the Osher Institute. And you’ll plan and implement special events to maintain a continuity of activities to draw Osher Institute members together.

Osher Angels and Osher AV Team. You’ll enjoy meeting and interacting with people by helping instructors and other members get ready for and enjoy their courses. You’ll help to make sure that classes go on without a hitch. You’ll use your innovation and problem-solving skills. You’ll keep up with the latest, recall ancient history and expand your horizons. Or you’ll learn to set up and use a projector for use with a computer, DVD player, VCR and other technology so that instructors can present their material to the widest audience

Take the next step. Choose which committee most interests you. To do so, send an e-mail message to osher@calpoly.edu or call the Osher Institute office: 805-756-2053