Osher Institute releases results of fall 2021 planning survey

In preparation to develop programs for the fall 2021 semester, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute surveyed its members about their experiences and preferences about returning to a new post-pandemic “normal.” The survey and its results were developed by Osher Leadership Council member George Pangburn in consultation with Osher staff.

The six-question survey went to all members on April 5, 2021, and closed on April 19. 355 responses were received, a response rate of approximately 46%. The findings are summarized as follows:

• In-person learning is the preferred learning approach for Osher members, although some form of remote learning resonated with many members as well.
• Members felt that taking Osher classes in the Zoom environment was an experience that was "surprisingly good" and "better than expected." Over 60% of members were highly satisfied with Zoom classes taken in the last year and 29% were somewhat satisfied. (In our July 2020 survey, those numbers were 41% highly satisfied and 46% somewhat satisfied.)
• Most members (73%) were ready to get back to in-person learning on campus, either with or without Covid-19 related conditions. However, about 25% of members were either not ready to return at this time or not sure how they felt about the idea.
• For those persons who are ready to return to Osher classes in person at this time only with health-related conditions in place, those conditions were wearing of masks, social distancing and requiring attendees to have the full complement of Covid-19 vaccines.
• Just over 80% of respondents had taken Zoom classes over the past year, and about 20% had not done so.
• 190 persons who responded to the survey (or 54%) provided additional comments or questions.

The survey and results, including free responses, is available below and as a PDF document.