Member survey results aid leadership retreat discussions over the summer
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2016 UMRA Member Survey this summer. The survey was designed by the planning committee for the August Board and Committee Chair Retreat. The information helped inform the discussion about UMRA’s future. Thirty-five percent of our membership responded, and participants told us the following key points:
- More than two thirds of our members attend monthly luncheons; 42 percent attend 3 to 8 per year.
- For those who don’t attend luncheons, the reason is often related to distance or access to campus.
- Those who do attend luncheons prefer that we meet on campus though not necessarily at the Campus Club.
- Members are open to a modest increase in cost for luncheons if needed.
- Luncheon speakers and workshop agendas received overall high marks.
- Some members request that a broader array of events and activites be offered by UMRA.
- Having served on committees or the board increased members’ affinity to the organization.
- The majority of responders learned about UMRA at pre-retirement meetings or by word of mouth.
- Member discounts are valued, especially parking coupons, Campus Club, and Landscape Arboretum.
- Camaraderie and keeping up on U of M news were rated high as motives for membership.
- UMRA newsletter, e-mails, and website are valued for communication to membership.
Some respondents urged more year-round programs and activities, as well as more presence outside the Twin Cities area. Members support continued exploration of how UMRA can best serve the University and vice versa.
You may peruse the complete results at 2016 August UMRA Membership Survey Results.
News
The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2024–25 will be conducted via an online poll from May 13 to 19, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 21. Look for the ballot in your email inbox on May 13. Diane Young has been nominated to be president-elect.
“I convinced myself I could handle this problem without support groups or doing additional research, but that’s only because I didn’t want to make it any more real than it already was. Denial comes in many forms, and one is to avoid thinking about the problem any more than need be.” —Alice A. Larson
Meet UMRA member Peter Moe. He retired in 2023 after a career that spanned nearly half a century at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and is credited with developing the “Arb” into one of the few in the U.S. with world-class fruit and landscape breeding programs.
The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) has welcomed two new members with valuable skills and experience to the URVC Leadership Council: Lynn Slifer and Jeanne Jacobson.
The University plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain on December 7. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our efforts have not prompted any change of plans.
Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody.
Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!
This will be a new regular column where you can find organizational tasks that need your help! We are currently looking for help researching a new UMRA Membership Database and URVC volunteer database, and a co-producer for UMRA's Zoom webinars. See more details: