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Original Query from Stephen Appel, ILR, University of Cincinnati,
OH
We're in the middle of spring quarter registrations and, after very strong
growth in fall and winter, we are experiencing a major slowdown. This,
despite a really great curriculum for the quarter. We think the Iraq situation
is causing the slowdown. Are other ILRs experiencing this
slowdown?
From Kali Lightfoot, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, USM,
Portland, ME
We are in our third week of classes. Enrollment is highest it has ever
been, but they committed before the war started.
From Sara Skaggs, Center for Learning in Retirement, Rock Valley
CC, Rockford, Illinois
I would have to say that the Center for Learning in Retirement is not
experiencing a slowdown. Spring semester is usually a bit smaller than
fall. However, nothing major. Can't say for us that it's the war that
makes numbers smaller - - rather, people traveled etc. Also, as indicated
by Ron Manheimer's posting, I know some of the younger retirees are back
to work because of the market. This might have impacted your program.
Many people who retired 3 - 5 years ago are back on the job - - at least
in this area. This population has neither the time nor energy to take
non-credit classes - - especially during the day. Evening hours, they're
not thinking of lifelong learning!
From Roxanne Knott, LLI, Caldwell College, NJ
We have as well.
From Sara Benton, CALL, State College, PA
We have not experienced a slow down this term, but have experienced yet
another growth. If this is true of other LLI's, you might want to do some
phone calling to those who are not participating. Let us know what you
find out.
From Joe Scorpion, Academy for Lifelong Learning, Carnegie Mellon
Univ.-Pittsburgh, PA
We run 3 terms (Classes) per year: Fall;Winter/Spring;Summer. Our heaviest
enrollment is always in the Fall Term with the Summer Term usually the
lightest--members are on summer vacation, trips, etc. We are now in the
process of completing registration for the Summer, Term-2003 and all indications
are that we will have a "record" enrollment. Apparently world
conditions are not affecting our enrollment nor causing any "slowdown".
We are not getting any inquiries from "younger retirees". Incidentally,
we have a "waiting list" of 690 people and there is at least
a 2 year waiting period. We have 'capped" our membership this year
(2003-2004) at 875. We presently have 823 active, paid members.
From Marion Lowenthal, Molloy ILR, Molloy College, NY
We have had more requests for memberships than ever. I suspect it is due
to the fact that people are traveling less and staying close to home.
This,of course, could change any time.
From Mary Lewerenz, University for Seniors, University of Minnesota
Duluth
The suggestions that your Membership Committee might call (at least some
of the people who did not register for spring term is a good idea. Our
Membership Committee regularly does this. We usually find out there are
very good reasons and that they usually do not reflect dissatisfaction
with the program. We are completing our 14th year; offer three eight week
terms--late September through November, Early January through early March
and late March through mid May. Individuals may have an annual membership
for $175,00 or a term membership for $85.00. This entitles them to take
as many classes as they wish and attend all trips, lectures, social functions,
etc. The only additional charges would be for a meal or bus transportation.
Fall term is our biggest membership. It falls off winter term and comes
back up in spring but not to the level of fall. We attribute these changes
to our location. Many retirees are snow birds and leave for warmer climates
for a month or several months. Also because of the parking situation on
our campus many older people are hesitant to walk from a parking lot to
the class with snow and ice underfoot. Starting spring term the last week
in March means some of these snow birds have not returned yet. from their
winter homes. But because of the University schedule we need to start
then. Because we know the reasons for the fluctuation in numbers it isn't
a matterof great concern.
From Peggy Mooers, SOAR, SUNY Pottsdam, NY
I am replying from SOAR (Stimulating Opportunity After Retirement) an
ILR in Potsdam, New York. We are now in our second year and our experience
has been that Spring is usually slower than Fall (a lot of snowbirds fly).
This spring we helped our membership grow by featuring several of our
programs in the newspaper. We had an Armchair Travel series, each week
a different person with slides or videos of the place they visited. The
picture in the paper brought in several new members who joined just to
take that one class. We are also plan to advertise our "Thursday
coffees," a single lecture of about 50 minutes with coffee and goodies.
I think for many retirees in this area, travel is an issue since we are
a large rural county.
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May 12, 2008
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