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Original Query from Ruthie Carlson, CALL, State College, PA
The Community Academy or Lifelong Learning in State College, PA is considering
reward and recognition levels of membership as a way to increase income.
For example, a member who pays annual dues at the $50 level receives the
normal benefits – enrollment in courses at the regular rates, receives
newsletter, member rates on trips, member rate on theater tickets, etc.
A member who pays $300 gets all of the above plus priority registration
in courses (many of our courses fill up), at a special breakfast to introduce
classes before they are offered to other members, a special reception
with guest speakers after our lecture series, guaranteed membership if
CALL membership has to be limited, etc. Then the $500 level would include
all of the above plus a special annual reception only for them and a free
logo product. Then when $500 has been paid for 10 consecutive years, no
further membership would be required. We would like to know if any other
LLIs have tried membership levels or donation levels of any kind with
benefits such as special receptions, breakfasts, priority enrollment,
etc. and what the result has been.
From Al Hall, The Older Adult Learning Center, East Stroudsburg
University, PA
I will run this by the leadership of The Older Adult Learning Center at
East Stroudsburg University. However, I have a strong negative reaction
to such a policy and procedure. I think accessibility is something all
of us in higher education are concerned about. To create a privileged
group, based on the ability to pay, denies full accessibility to those
who cannot afford the premium membership rates. It is another way of creating
an artificial class structure and will ultimately end up pitting one “class”
against another. I have spent too many years on the barricades fighting
for equal access on many different levels to be comfortable with something
like this.
From Noreen Frye, Institute for Retired Professionals, University
of Miami, FL
The only different level we have is a "Friend" level that allows
people to be on the mailing list, attend special programs at regular prices
and take our art and computer classes at member prices. Haven't had any
takers on it yet.
From Sue Pace, ILR, University of S. Mississippi, Hattiesburg
No, and we will not use a reward system that discriminates against those
with a lesser income.
From Rita Wuehrmann, OLLI, Yavapai College, AZ
We have never tried this, but my first take is that, especially in light
of being an organization completely dependent on our volunteers, I would
not want to give priority for any monetary reasons. It seems offensive
to those who give so generously of their time and expertise. We are considering
membership fee increases to cover increasing costs; however, they will
be applied the same across the board.
From Patricia Edie, Omnilore, Cal State University, Dominguez
Hills, Redondo Beach, CA
Omnilore is under the sponsorship of California State University, Dominguez
Hills. We have a one flat annual membership fee due each September. It
is $90 for an individual membership and $150 for a couple. This entitles
the member to all rights and privileges for the entire year. Our membership
fees cover the expenses we incur for our operation. We have never tried
membership levels or donation levels.
From Ernest Krey, Utah Valley Elder Quest, Utah Valley College
At Utah Valley State College we did indeed institute several levels of
membership. We had a full membership of $35 per year, which allowed the
member to take any of the 25 or so classes we offer during any given year,
full access to our lunches & full access to our monthly speakers forums,
&
to our trips. A $20 full membership for a 6-month membership which was
activated during the September thru February term when most of our classes
take place, yet expired during the
March thru August time frame when we offer fewer classes and fewer field
expeditions, and
a $10 membership which allowed access to any 1 class offered by Elder
Quest. This scheme was a big success for the members but proved to be
a nightmare for the accounting folks since people constantly forgot that
they were not $35 members & attended the events reserved for full
members. We abandoned the multi-tier membership system in favor of 1 fee
of $35 per year and this has been much easier to implement. We continue
to offer a $25 membership for "Charter members" who are folks
who have been continuous members since the organization got started in
1992. We only have a few of these folks. We have started a chapter of
Gray Panthers here for folks who are desirous of political activities,
too. Our group recently won "The Communicator Award" from the
Independent Film Society for a film we produced on the pioneer roots of
our group!
From Jo Brownlie, ILR, Saginaw Valley State University, Michigan
We considered doing something like this, but have not at this point. I
look forward to hearing your results.
From Sara Hardman, LLI, Bard College, New York
We do not do anything like that, and I would strongly vote against having
differing types of memberships. I think it might be divisive.
From Sandra Kerr, LIFE Institute, Ryerson University, Toronto,
Ontario, Canada
Busy time for us right now...but here's our response. LIFE Institute -
our Lifelong learning program - does not have a tiered membership. They
simply have an annual membership fee which allows members to participate
in the course offerings, receive the newsletters and invites to various
special events. Membership fees are not large ($60 single, $110 couple)
but then each course/activity has a fee charge and open only to members.
Hope this helps.
The following LIIs wrote in to say they did not have any membership
or donation levels:
The Christopher Wren Society, College of William & Mary, VA
Lifelong Learning Institute, Caldwell College, NJ
Center for Lifelong Learning of University of Texas El Paso
Bluffton University ILR, Bluffton, Ohio
LIFE Program, Pacific Lutheran University, CA
RUALL Program, Rutgers University, NJ
MSU for Seniors at Mankato, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
Auburn University Academy for Lifelong Learners, Auburn University, AL
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May 12, 2008
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