Best practices

I’m sure that once the pandemic has settled into history for a bit—and maybe even sooner—there will be manuals and how-to guides on how to do things the very best way possible. We will find books, articles, and webinars with titles like “Best Practices for Sustaining Your Business/Health/Marriage/Sanity/Etc. through a Pandemic” and when we read the advice, we’ll shrug and think, “of course!” because it will be evident in hindsight that it was the best thing to do. For right now, though, if you find such books, articles, and webinars you should keep in mind that it is all a crock and you will want to wait until a later version is available. Everyone, despite what they may tell you, is making it up as they go along. There is no playbook. We are all still trying to figure it out so that we can make the best decisions with the information that we have in the moment. We are all guessing. And second guessing. And third guessing, etc. If some people, groups, organizations, etc., seem more together than others, it's because they are doing a great job. It's also because they are good guessers. Even the most “knowiest” of know-it-alls will have to eat a huge slab of humble pie at some point during all of this. There is always someone out there who is ready to tell you the best way to do whatever it is you’re doing, but let’s all remember to be patient with each other as we learn how aerodynamic the seat of our pants can be when we sometimes have to fly by them.

Stay safe and healthy,

Tracy Jacobs

Online registration is open. The fall semester begins September 13 and runs through November 12 with a full schedule of in-person and online classes with the instructors and diverse subjects you've come to expect from Osher at Towson University.

• View the fall catalog (PDF)
• View online registration info and instructions (PDF)
• Register for classes

Membership

Osher is a membership organization and membership fees directly impact our ability to provide programming and value to our participants. Membership is required to register for classes and to attend book clubs and interest groups. The membership fee is $50* per person. Your 2021–2022 membership is good through June 30, 2022. You can renew your membership online easily now via the link below.

*Charter members, TU Alumni, and TURFA members, please contact Shelby Jones at sjones@towson.edu for more information on membership.

Fall Preview of Classes

Did you miss the preview of classes? Hear about the upcoming fall courses from the instructors themselves! View recording

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are in-person classes going to be available on Zoom as hybrid classes?

A: Classes are either in-person OR online. We currently have a handful of online options available.

Q: What precautions are being taken for in-person classes?

A: Osher participants will be required to wear masks in all TU buildings and at Edenwald for in-person classes, regardless of vaccination status. The overwhelming majority of Osher members report that they are fully vaccinated (over 98%, according to recent survey) and 100% of Edenwald residents are fully vaccinated. We have reduced the capacity of the seating in the 7400 Building classrooms to comply with the physical distancing guidance in the TU Health & Safety Protocols.

Q: Is there a possibility of more online classes for the fall semester?

A: Depending on what happens in regards to the delta variant within the next several weeks, we will determine whether or not it is necessary to shift some in-person courses into online classes. Please be patient and understanding as we use our best judgment in making these decisions. We will communicate any changes as they are made.

Q: What happens if I register for a course but it is full?

A: If you register for a course using the online registration system, and learn that it is full, please add your name to the waitlist. It is possible that room may open up in the class and we will be able to let you into the class. We will notify you if an opening becomes available.

Q: Will online courses be recorded?

A: Yes. Online classes will be recorded and available to view at a later date by those who are registered for that course.

If you have a question, please contact osher@towson.edu and we'll answer it for you.