Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Strategic Plan

Mission Statement

OLLI at UConn is a member-driven lifelong learning program offering courses, lectures, and special events for people 50+ who want to engage socially and intellectually.

Guiding Principles

  • Dedication to lifelong learning
  • Accountability
  • Inclusivity
  • Fostering collaboration

Core Values

Learning – Support a community of adult learners and instructors in pursuit of new experiences in lifelong learning.

Engagement – Create an environment where everyone is welcome and offered the opportunity to be engaged and involved.

Community – Build a sense of belonging and friendship in a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment.

Integrity – Strive for an environment of honesty and fairness.

Strategic Planning Goals and SMART Actions

Membership:

Sustain membership of at least 500 (number required by Osher Foundation to maintain our $1million endowment).

  1. Director to meet with small number of members on a regular basis.
  2. Annual membership meeting.
  3. Orientation event for new members.

Curriculum:

Expand the diverse selection of courses to engage adult learners with a variety of interests.

  1. Expand the selection of academic courses.
  2. Expand the selection of experiential learning courses and activities.
  3. Increase outreach efforts to recruit instructors.

Financial Sustainability:

To keep the program affordable while maintaining our commitment to the Osher Foundation.

  1. Increase the number of members who give to OLLI.
  2. Achieve revenue from advertising and sponsorships.
  3. Apply for a minimum of three grants during the plan period (three years).

Leadership:

Encourage members to volunteer in committee and leadership positions to create a strong succession plan.

  1. Create mentoring program among Leadership Council members.
  2. Executive Council members to engage with committees by attending a committee meeting at least three times per year.
  3. President to meet with small number of members on a regular basis.

Marketing:

Create a plan to expand the reach of the OLLI program and share the information to a larger geographic area.

  1. Expand open house events at 55+ communities.
  2. Visit community and civic organizations to promote the OLLI program.
  3. Promote OLLI through print, digital and broadcast media outreach.

 

This Strategic Plan and the changes to the OLLI Mission Statement, were adopted on November 1 2023, at a duly-convened Leadership Council meeting of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Connecticut; Waterbury Campus; Waterbury, Connecticut.